How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Your orthodontic appliances may 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 pressure in a carefully controlled direction, appliances slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! 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. We use the latest technology to 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 your mouth and face and the severity of the problem.
Patients grow at different rates and respond differently to orthodontic treatment, so the duration of treatment is different for each case. You can help keep your treatment on track by the correct use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear.
Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
Early Treatment
Early evaluation provides both timely detection of problems and more effective treatment. Early intervention guides mouth growth and development, preventing serious problems later. Even when early orthodontic intervention is not necessary, an orthodontist can carefully monitor growth and development and begin treatment when it is ideal.
Some of the most direct results of interceptive treatment are:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry through influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for adult teeth
- Reducing the need for tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces
Adult Treatment
Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.
Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces or transparent aligners that can be worn to improve mild cases of misaligned teeth. During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. During this initial examination, we can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost. A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it's never too late to improve their greatest asset - their smile.
