Orthodontic Treatment: A Straight Smile for Patients of All Ages
Looking for someone to help you get the smile of your dreams? You need professional orthodontic treatment from Daas Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
While healthy teeth and gums are a priority for many of our patients, so is their smile. Besides helping them achieve this with cosmetic dental treatments, we can also help them attain a gorgeous smile with orthodontic treatment.
No matter what age a patient may be (whether age 9 or 89), we can help them get a straighter smile that makes them smile with confidence.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults and Kids
That’s right—orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids.
While treating jaw and teeth alignment issues at an early age is ideal, it doesn’t mean adults can’t get positive results. It may take a bit longer to safely and comfortably move the teeth, but it can—and should—be done.
Orthodontic treatment involves using dental devices to move the teeth or adjust the upper and/or lower jawbones. One reason for doing this is to help clients dealing with malpositioned teeth that come into the mouth crooked or crowded. We can also help patients with spaces in between the teeth so their smile appears straighter. Orthodontic treatment can help to enhance and improve the patient’s smile, as well as their facial profile.
But the reasons for investing in orthodontic treatment go beyond aesthetics.
When we use braces or clear aligners to align the teeth, we can also create spaces in between the teeth, allowing room for impacted teeth or for the proper eruption of an ectopic tooth (a tooth that doesn’t follow the normal path into the mouth and, therefore, erupts in the incorrect position).
A dentist can address jaw abnormalities, such as:
These issues impact the overall dental health of our patients. Jaw and teeth misalignment can result in:
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
The following are the most common therapies that fall under the umbrella of orthodontic treatment.
Invisalign clear aligners
Clear aligners are worn over the teeth except for when a patient eats or takes care of their oral hygiene. Patients can brush and floss like normal when it is removed. The aligners are replaced every few weeks to help progressively straighten the teeth.
Bonded metal braces
Brackets are bonded onto the teeth. Each bracket has a slot in which an archwire will sit. The wire is secured by small rubber bands that hook around the brackets. Every four weeks, the patient comes in for an adjustment.
Clear Brackets
In addition to metal brackets, we also offer clear brackets. While not as “invisible” as clear aligners, these braces visibly blend into the patient’s dentition quite well. They’re the ideal option for patients who are best suited for bonded braces but don’t want metal brackets.
Self-ligating brackets
These are special brackets that clip over the archwire, meaning they don’t require rubber bands to hold the wire in place. Some patients report less discomfort and less in-office chair time since these brackets only require minute adjustments.
Retainers
A fixed retainer is worn after orthodontic treatment has been completed. We bond a wire to the back of the teeth to maintain the patient’s new bite and ensure the teeth don’t shift.
Functional Appliances
Patients that require more extensive treatment (due to complex cases) may need additional devices, such as headgear or palatal expanders. These devices can help promote the growth of the lower jawbone and the expansion of the upper jaw bone. In addition to creating more space for the teeth to erupt properly or to correct crowding and crookedness, the growth and expansion of the jawbones can also improve the patient’s facial profile.
Orthodontic Treatment Steps—What to Expect
What does the average orthodontic procedure look like?
Consultation, Diagnosis, and Treatment Planning
After some diagnostic steps (x-rays, a 3D scan), we create a treatment plan based on the data gathered. During our consultation, we present our treatment plan and explain why certain course fits a patient’s needs best.
Placement of Brackets or Delivery of Aligners
Once a patient agrees to a course of treatment, it’s time to get started.
If they’re going the traditional route, we’ll bond the brackets to the front of the teeth, apply the wire, and secure it with the bands.
If they are getting Invisalign aligners, we send models based on their 3D computer scan to Invisalign. The Invisalign dental technicians then fabricate custom aligners. When we receive the aligners, we’ll have the patient try them on to make sure they fit correctly.
During this appointment, we’ll discuss proper dental homecare techniques, including how to take care of their aligners.
Regular Check-Ups and Adjustments
Patients in traditional braces need to see us every month for an adjustment. Those with clear aligners will need to replace them with a new set every month as well.
Putting Our Knowledge and Experience to Good Use
Our dental team has years of experience and training. We’re always on the lookout for the latest tools, techniques, and products that help make dentistry easier, more affordable, more comfortable, and less time-consuming for our patients.
Our caring team is passionate about helping our patients get the healthiest, most beautiful smiles possible. We are committed to providing you with excellent dental care so you can have a healthy smile that you’re proud to show off!
Are you ready for a beautiful, straight smile? Book your ortho consultation today.
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