Braces and Aligners
Orthodontic treatment involves correction of gaps between teeth or crowding of teeth, that is, maligned teeth. The two methods to achieve this are braces and aligners. Not every case will qualify for aligners, our orthodontist will perform a simple scan to make sure whether a particular case is better solved with braces or aligners.
Braces are better for people with severe crookedness and most kids and teens. Invisalign and other brands of clear aligners are best for adults who want a nearly invisible and more comfortable straightening method, as long as the teeth aren’t too crooked.
Braces are further of different types such as metal ceramic, self ligating.
Ceramic braces are more esthetic, though less durable than metal ones, as the bracket material isn’t as strong as stainless steel. Studies have found clear/ceramic is more than twice as likely to break off or fracture as metal brackets. This makes care and compliance extremely important. Our dental specialists offer complete support to all our patients, especially patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, who find the first month adjusting easier with the unwavering support from our team.
Extraction of premolars may be required to create space for tooth alignment. But this will be confirmed after Xrays and studying the patient casts (formed after taking impressions of the patients teeth.
In the end, there is no greater satisfaction for or patient and our dentist than with the beautiful result after orthodontic treatment.
FAQ
There are two good reasons: aesthetics and function. Having an attractive smile not only changes the way people see you — it enhances your own self-image as well. Orthodontic treatment also allows your teeth to function better and makes it easier to keep them clean, which can improve your overall health.
You're never too old to begin orthodontic treatment — but if you start at an earlier age, your problems may be easier to treat. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that a child who may need orthodontic treatment should come in for a first visit around age 7. This is because there are various appliances that can prevent or reduce the treatment time for braces.
Teeth that are protruding, crowded together or erupting out of position are clear indications that treatment is needed. Less obvious signs are mouth breathing, frequent biting of the cheek or palate, speech difficulties, and thumb sucking that goes past 3-4 years of age. If teeth don't meet properly when the mouth closes, or if jaws make sounds or shift as they move, this may also indicate an orthodontic problem.
Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.
It's different for each person, but generally the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) may take from 1-2 years. After that, a retainer is worn.
It depends on what's being done, and how often you need to be monitored. During active treatment, you'll typically come in to our office once every 21 days-1 month.
If your teeth are severely crowded (because your mouth is too small to properly accommodate all of them) — or if you have impacted teeth (teeth that are trapped beneath the gum line by other teeth) — then extraction may be necessary. In the case of younger patients, early treatment may make extraction unnecessary.
Yes — you should pass up the types of foods that could damage or become trapped in your braces. Some of these include raw vegetables, hard candy, caramel, taffy and ice cubes (fortunately, ice cream is OK). We will give you a list of foods to avoid.
In a word: Yes. Of course, whether you wear braces or not, we recommend you wear a mouthguard when playing most sports. Musicians are generally able to play their instruments just as they did before, but they may need a short adjustment period after getting braces.
You do — in fact, it's more important than ever! Keeping teeth free of plaque (and potentially, decay) can be challenging when you're wearing braces. Your dentist can help you avoid these problems with frequent cleanings and exams.
Almost always, the answer is yes: If you don't wear a retainer, your teeth can rapidly shift out of position — and then all the effort put into your treatment is lost! Your retainer helps you maintain that good-looking smile for a lifetime.
Orthodontic care is a long-term investment in your health and well-being. Yet its cost hasn't increased as fast as many other consumer prices, and many financing options are available that make orthodontic care affordable. Weighed against the true cost of living with problem teeth, orthodontic treatment can be a wise investment indeed.
