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Why get orthodontic treatment?
Few of us are born with that perfect smile, but modern orthodontic treatment can bring us closer. Anyone with crooked teeth or a bad bite is a candidate for orthodontic treatment. It is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is just for teenagers. The fact is, anyone, at any age, can benefit from orthodontic treatment – whether it is to correct a long-time bite problem that was not addressed in younger years, or to catch developmental problems early. Clear or invisible braces, as well as invisible removable aligners (Invisalign®), have made many adults seek orthodontic treatment.
A smile is a priceless, precious asset – one that can last for a lifetime. Investing in orthodontic treatment today, means you can enjoy the benefits of a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come. It is not just about appearance. “Bad bites” (malocclusions) can affect the way you chew or talk, and can even lead to more serious (and expensive) oral health problems. Here are some of the common conditions that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment:
Candidate Teeth Samples Before and After Treatment
BEFORE TREATMENT
AFTER TREATMENT
UPPER JAW FORWARD and/or LOWER JAW BACK.
UPPER JAW BACK and/or LOWER JAW FORWARD.
CROWDED TEETH
OVERBITE: Upper front teeth excessively over lap the lower front teeth. Lower front teeth often bite into the roof of the mouth causing gum irritation.
OPENBITE: Spaces are seen between the biting surfaces of some of the upper and lower teeth, either in front or back, when the other teeth are biting together.
SPACING
CROSSBITE: Upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
MIDLINE ASYMMETRY: The lower front teeth do not line up with the upper teeth when the teeth are biting together.
IMPACTED TOOTH: The eruption into the mouth of a permanent tooth is impaired and the tooth remains under the gum.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. The patient's cooperation is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.