So, What Is Orthodontic Treatment, Anyway?
Orthodontic treatment can sound like a confusing and intimidating term. Faced with the challenge of finding the right kind of dental care, patients might often find themselves asking: what is orthodontic treatment, anyway? Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment is a medical regimen that helps correct problems with the alignment of a patient’s teeth or the way his or her teeth bite together. Having crooked or overlapping teeth is more than just a cosmetic problem. These issues can also increase the risk of gum disease or tooth decay because brushing or flossing the teeth is difficult.
Who is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment with Braces?
Once the exclusive domain of teenagers, more adults are choosing orthodontic treatment to correct alignment issues and improve the appearance of their smile. Treatment is slightly easier to accomplish at an earlier age because the head and mouth continue growing even though teenagers typically have all of their adult teeth. However, starting orthodontic treatment as an adult is not a problem at all. Many adults prefer to go with Invisalign, a clear alternative to traditional metal braces.
How Does Invisalign Work?
With Invisalign, you swap out a new clear plastic tray approximately every 14 days for a new once. Before you start treatment, Dr. Desai takes precise measurements and impressions of your mouth to aid in creating your customized trays. Each tray helps to progressively shift your teeth into alignment. Because they are removable, some patients are tempted to leave them out more often than they should. You will experience the best results if you wear your Invisalign trays a minimum of 23 hours per day. While the cost is typically higher than traditional metal braces, treatment time is usually shorter.
What to Expect with Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces have existed for decades and are a right of adolescence for many people. They consist of brackets on each tooth held together by a wire that goes through them on the top and bottom teeth. It’s possible to enhance the appearance of metal braces with different colored bands and wires. Total treatment time averages between 18 and 24 months, with more time needed for severe overbite or underbite issues. Patients with these types of braces visit Glendora Family Dentistry once a month for treatment while Invisalign patients generally go six weeks between appointments.
Please schedule a consultation with Dr. Desai at your convenience to learn how you can get the smile of your dreams.
