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Orthodontics
WHAT IS ORTHODONTICS?
The American Academy of Orthodontics (AAO) describes orthodontia as an area of dentistry that prevents, diagnoses and treats dental and facial irregularities. If you need orthodontic treatment, our office will usually refer you to an orthodontist. These dental specialists study two to three additional years in the area of orthodontics, during which time they learn how to safely move teeth into proper alignment, guide facial development and ensure healthy growth in the jaw.
HOW LONG DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT TAKE?
Treatment time can vary widely from patient to patient, and your specific treatment time will depend on the severity of your orthodontic condition and the type of treatment you choose. Orthodontic treatment can take anywhere from 6 months to 3 years to complete, although most patients undergo treatment for 18-24 months.
In order to have a better understanding of your needs, we provide a free consultation where we can address your concerns.
METAL/TRADITIONAL BRACES
These are the metal brackets and wires that most people picture when they hear the word "braces." However, modern brackets are smaller and less noticeable than the notorious "metal-mouth" braces that many adults remember. Plus, new heat-activated archwires use your body heat to help teeth move more quickly and less painfully than in the past.
Pros: Least expensive type; colored bands give kids a chance to express themselves
Cons: Most noticeable type of braces; patients don’t care for them well
CERAMIC BRACES
Ceramic braces are the same size and shape as metal braces, except that they have tooth-colored or clear brackets that blend in to teeth. Some even use tooth-colored wires to be even less noticeable.
Pros: Less noticeable than metal braces
Cons: More expensive than metal braces; Brackets can stain easily if patients don’t care for them well
INVSIALIGN®
Invisalign® is a custom-made aligner that is interchanged roughly every two weeks for a period of six to eighteen months, or longer depending on the severity of misalignment. Similar to a mouth or dental retainer (which is designed to keep teeth from shifting out of place), an Invisalign® aligner is used for orthodontic treatment as a technique to move and properly align teeth for a beautiful smile. This clear aligner is usually computer generated from a mold (or impression) of the patient’s teeth—taken by either a dentist or an orthodontist—and the fitting is unique to each patient only.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
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