TYPES OF TREATMENTS
What are the different types of Ortho treatments?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, interception, guidance, and correction of malocclusions, or bad bites, and tooth alignment problems. Placing your teeth in the correct position will not only improve your smile, but it will also improve the function of your teeth and jaws, improve your overall facial appearance, and also help to prevent periodontal, or gum, problems. Specializing in orthodontics requires two to three years of additional training AFTER the four years spent at dental school.
Self-ligating metal braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces, and advances in technology have made them more comfortable and efficient than ever before. Tooth movement is achieved with metal brackets and archwires. Traditional braces of the past used rubber ties to hold the wire into the brackets, which collected more plaque and created more friction. We use self-ligating brackets, which have a small door built in to hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating braces are EASIER TO CLEAN and create less friction, which allows for FASTER and LESS PAINFUL tooth movement. Younger patients have the options to add and change colors on the upper front braces to personalize their smile while in treatment.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of clear, removable aligners that move your teeth. Each aligner, or tray, moves your teeth little by little into their desired final position. Because they are removable, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth, and there are little to no food restrictions. Invisalign trays are clear and smooth, which makes them less visible and more comfortable on the inside of your mouth than traditional braces.
Clear (ceramic) braces
Clear braces are an esthetic alternative to metal braces that are made of high-quality ceramic. They are more delicate and slightly more difficult to clean than metal braces, and are therefore mainly used on older teens and adults. Ceramic braces are placed in the “esthetic zone”, which includes the upper front teeth.
Removable Appliance
There are various appliances that can be used during the orthodontic process which either retain teeth in their new position or influence jaw growth for a better bite alignment. Appliances may also use fixed attachments to remain on your mouth at all times, but they might have removable components as well.
Child/Teen orthodontics
The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that every child visit an orthodontist for an evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, they will have most of their first permanent molars and some of their permanent incisors, which makes it the ideal time to start monitoring for issues with crowding, spacing, eruption, and bite problems. In some instances, early treatment will be recommended to prevent or correct problems that may worsen with time or create issues that are more difficult to treat in the future. We will customize the timing and type of orthodontic treatment that your child or teen receives in order to achieve the best result in the most comfortable and effective manner.
Adult Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment is not just for kids anymore! You can achieve your best, and healthiest, smile at any age. We have multiple treatment options for adults, such as Invisalign and clear braces, that make treatment less visible and more comfortable for adults.
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