A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well aligned. While some people have a naturally well-aligned smile, many seek orthodontic treatment to correct overcrowded teeth, a gapped smile, or teeth that have drifted out of position due to extractions, harmful oral habits, and abnormal bite patterns. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can also address the cosmetic and functional problems associated with skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment utilizes customized appliances to apply controlled, incremental forces that gently move the teeth into proper alignment. Thanks to advances in technology, today’s orthodontic appliances are far less bulky, much less noticeable, and more comfortable than earlier generations of braces.
The type of orthodontic treatment and the length of time a patient undergoes care varies, depending on the nature of the case. Although certain corrections can be achieved in a few months, more extensive ones can take a couple of years.
At the office of Advanced Dental Centers, we offer a comprehensive selection of dental services to help both adults and children improve the alignment, appearance, and health of their smiles.
There’s more to a straight smile than the sheer beauty of it. Well-aligned teeth support good oral health, optimal jaw function, and contribute to your overall well-being. Here are some reasons why a well-aligned smile is more than just an attractive asset:
At the office of Advanced Dental Centers, we provide integrated care to help children and adults enjoy the benefits of a well-aligned, beautiful, and healthy smile. We also keep a very close watch on your child’s developing smile and will let you know the best time for an orthodontic consultation. Even though the best time to begin care is as a growing child, one is never too old for orthodontic treatment.
Which type of braces provides an effective approach depends on several factors, including:
In the past few decades, advances in care have facilitated more precise treatment planning with appliances that are less bulky, more efficient, and increasingly cosmetic. Some of the most notable innovations include:
Since their arrival on the scene over two decades ago, clear aligners have revolutionized the delivery of orthodontic care. Custom-made to the exact specifications of a patient’s smile, clear aligners are designed to gently and incrementally move the teeth into their correct positions — virtually invisible to the outside world.
By transforming smiles with minimal interference to daily activities, clear aligners allow patients to enjoy eating all of their favorite foods and engage in recreational activities without the fear of breaking their orthodontic appliances. As the aligners are completely removable, there’s no need to struggle to brush and floss in between brackets and wires.
At the office of Advanced Dental Centers, we maintain a position at the forefront of advances in care. Whether you are a candidate for treatment with clear aligners or another method of orthodontic care, we’ll help you achieve a well-aligned and attractive smile.
While some children require early intervention, most youngsters begin orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14. At this stage, the orthodontist can improve the alignment of permanent front teeth, guide the incoming new adult teeth into position, and utilize the child’s growth and development to the best advantage.
Braces are generally worn for one to three years with an average treatment time of two years. After orthodontic appliances are removed, retainers are worn for a period of time to stabilize and maintain the results.
With the wide variety of orthodontic treatment options available to adults, the process of wearing braces is more convenient, more comfortable, more efficient, and much less conspicuous than ever before. Today’s tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, or removable clear aligners can all effectively deliver successful and pleasing outcomes.
For adults, it’s essential to address outstanding dental issues before the start of orthodontic care and to continue maintaining the health of the teeth and surrounding tissues both during and following treatment. Although adult orthodontics requires an investment of time and resources, the value of a healthy and attractive smile is priceless.
Almost every individual who has undergone orthodontic care will need to wear some type of retainer for a prescribed period of time. Retainers help to protect the teeth from relapse. The teeth have a tendency to move back towards their original positions — the delicate fibers connecting the teeth to the jawbones have elastic memory. Wearing retainers allows these fibers to reorganize in their new positions and to reset their memory.
Remember, the benefits of orthodontic treatment can last a lifetime. Committing to wearing retainers is the best way to preserve your smile and to keep your teeth as straight and beautiful as the day your braces were removed.
Dental issues affecting your smile can also have consequences on the health of the rest of the body. It’s why our office emphasizes the importance of prevention, routine checkups, and providing patients with the resources and care required to maintain good oral health that supports wellness.
