Orthodontic Treatment 101: Everything You Need to Know
Crooked, misaligned, and crowded teeth are dental menace. Not only are the teeth unsightly, but they are hard to clean and maintain, and create the perfect environment for the bacteria to fester.
Furthermore, a bad bite will cause abnormal wear and tear of the teeth surfaces. Without proper orthodontic treatment, the problem will worsen and create a need for more dental procedures in the future. It is, therefore, paramount to come for your orthodontic treatment in Longmont early to avoid any further dental complications.
1. What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is the straightening and correcting of overcrowded and crooked teeth using braces, aligners, and retainers. When your teeth and jaws are aligned, they can function as intended and improve dental health.
2. What Age is Appropriate to Have the First Orthodontic Visit?
The best time is during childhood when the child is seven years. This is when the permanent teeth start to emerge, and the orthodontist can easily detect any abnormal growth. It is easier for any crooked teeth to be positioned correctly when the jaw is still developing. But, adults can also have orthodontic treatment, only that the process may take longer because the jaw has attained maturity.
3. What Are the Different Orthodontic Treatment Options?
Orthodontic treatment uses different appliances to correct the positioning of the teeth, such as aligners, retainers, expanders, space maintainers, and braces. The orthodontist mostly uses braces in combination with other appliances. We have several types of braces that can be used:
- Metal braces
These are the traditional and commonly used braces. They have been tested and are ideal for children. Metal braces are made of wires and brackets that hold the teeth in position. These braces are fixed at the dental office and are visible. On the upside, you can choose the color of the wire bands you want.
- Invisible braces
Invisible aligners are available in different forms, but Invisalign is the most common brand. At Fox Creek in Longmont clinic, we offer Invisalign orthodontic treatment for teeth correction because they are convenient and adaptable.
Invisalign are clear aligners made of plastic and molded to your dental structure. These braces are removable but should be worn for 22 hours daily for better results. The invisible braces are ideal for adults because you need the discipline to maintain hygiene.
- Lingual braces
Lingual braces and the metal one are similar, only that the wires and brackets are placed on the inside to the teeth, making them invisible. The braces require the same attention as the traditional ones when it comes to hygiene as the food particles get stuck on the wires.
4. What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Treatment?
Our orthodontist will start with a dental examination and assessment to determine which orthodontic appliance is suitable. Next, we will explain what the treatment involves and the expected treatment process.
For Invisalign, a dental impression is taken to the lab to make the braces.
5. How Long Will the Orthodontic Treatment Last?
Every case is different, and people recover differently, but on average, the treatment can last between 18 and 24 months.
6. Do Braces Hurt?
No, braces are not painful. But you can expect to feel slight discomfort when the braces are first fixed, and every time they are adjusted.
7. What Happens After the Orthodontic Treatment is Done?
Once the orthodontic treatment is done, you will need a retainer to prevent the teeth from falling back. The braces cause the ligaments that hold the teeth together to loosen, creating the need for a retainer to keep the teeth in position.
The retention phase in adults will last longer than in children because their teeth can easily fall back.
Take Away!
Dental hygiene is important while wearing braces. Therefore, ensure you brush your teeth after eating to remove any food particles. Also, rinse your mouth before wearing the Invisalign aligners. Additionally, get a dental assessment every six to eight weeks to monitor the progress.
At Fox Creek Dental by Espire in Longmont, we not only offer a better teeth alignment in Fox Creek, but we also have dental saving plans that give you great discounts and saves you money.