A healthy, functional, and attractive smile requires teeth that are straight and jaws that are well-aligned. With orthodontic treatment you can correct the cosmetic and functional problems associated with either overcrowded teeth, having spaces between them, or that have shifted over time due to extractions, habits, or abnormal bite patterns. Orthodontics can also address skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment ranges from the minor movement of a few teeth to the alignment of an entire bite. In certain situations, orthodontics may also be used to align the teeth before and after the surgical correction of severe jaw discrepancies.
Orthodontics utilizes the principles of physics to slowly move teeth into their proper positions. This is performed by using a selection of corrective appliances, including braces, clear aligners, and retainers. Designed to apply incremental and controlled forces to move the teeth in the desired direction, these appliances are adjusted regularly throughout care. Once a malocclusion is corrected and the teeth are completely aligned, retainers are often placed to help ensure that the result remains stable.
Orthodontic treatment time depends on the patient’s age, the severity of the malocclusion, and the unique needs of each particular case. Some corrections can be accomplished in a few months while others can take a few years. However, for many malocclusions, the average length of orthodontic treatment time is 24 months.
When considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, schedule a consultation visit with an orthodontist. As a specialist with several years of advanced training in the field of dentofacial orthopedics and methods of tooth movement, your orthodontist has comprehensive knowledge of facial growth and development, as well as the expertise to align teeth and improve jaw relationships. Skilled and experienced in using all types of braces and appliances, your orthodontist is well-equipped to achieve the most attractive and stable outcome of care. Whether an orthodontic case requires minor tooth movement, interceptive care, comprehensive orthodontic treatment, or complex orthognathic surgery to correct significant problems with jaw development, your orthodontist is trained to provide the highest level of care.
Most parents wonder when is the best time to have their child evaluated for braces. One common misconception regarding orthodontic treatment is to wait until all of your child's permanent teeth (except the wisdom teeth) are present. However, an orthodontist can identify most problems involving the alignment of the teeth and jaw growth by the time a child is in the first or second grade. For this reason, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have a check-up with an orthodontic specialist no later than age 7.
It is important to keep in mind that aligning the teeth and jaws does not happen overnight. Whether you are wearing conventional braces, clear aligners, or any other type of appliance, orthodontic movement is a gradual process. Orthodontic tooth movement is based on the use of light and continuous forces to correct your bite in an incremental, predictable, and healthy manner.
The total duration of orthodontic care, not including wearing retainers to maintain the result, depends on several factors. Such things as growth, as well as compliance with care, may influence treatment time. On average, comprehensive orthodontic care to correct a malocclusion can take anywhere between 18-36 months. Orthodontic treatment for more limited problems with tooth alignment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Because orthodontic movement takes time, most appointments after the initial placement of appliances are scheduled approximately four to eight weeks apart. This interval gives your teeth time to move at both a steady and healthy pace. However, there may be situations where more frequent visits are required to evaluate the status of your case, tooth movement, or to make additional adjustments.
Teeth can be moved at any age. Orthodontic treatment as an adult can completely transform an imperfect and poorly aligned smile into one that is attractive and functions at its best. However, initiating orthodontic care and achieving a successful outcome relies on the presence of healthy teeth and supporting bone. For these reasons, it is essential for adult patients to address any outstanding dental problems before their appliances are placed and to remain diligent about maintaining their oral health throughout care.
For individuals seeking ways to make their Invisalign treatment more cost-effective, there are various options available. One such solution is through CareCredit, a third-party financier that offers multiple payment plans to accommodate different budgets. CareCredit's payment plans are designed to help cover the costs of Invisalign treatment for those without dental insurance. Individuals can also work without treatment coordinator or office manager to identify cost savings for their treatment plans.
Proper teeth alignment plays a crucial role in smile design and overall appearance. The alignment of the teeth not only influences the way they work together but also significantly impacts the aesthetics of a person's smile. When teeth are correctly positioned, it enhances the symmetry and balance of the smile, ultimately contributing to an attractive appearance. Orthodontic treatments are essential in achieving ideal teeth alignment, as they can effectively move teeth into the correct position. By understanding the fundamentals of smile analysis and design, individuals can determine how orthodontics can improve their smile and overall facial aesthetics.
Thumb sucking can impact dental alignment and bite by obstructing the full eruption of the front teeth and pushing them forward, especially on the side where the thumb is positioned. The extent of misalignment is influenced by factors such as the duration and intensity of thumb sucking. Prolonged and forceful thumb sucking can apply pressure to the teeth and potentially affect the growth of the jaws, leading to misalignment issues in the long term.
Braces are orthodontic devices that can effectively address a variety of dental alignment issues such as crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, and crowded teeth. By applying gentle pressure over time, braces are able to gradually move misaligned teeth into proper alignment. This process not only improves the aesthetic appearance of the teeth but also helps in aligning the jaw properly. Additionally, having straight teeth makes it easier to maintain good oral hygiene, as it is simpler to floss between aligned teeth and remove plaque that can lead to cavities.
Dental insurance benefits can significantly impact the out-of-pocket cost for braces. If you have dental insurance that covers orthodontic treatment, you may be able to lower your expenses considerably. The coverage provided by your insurance plan, including the percentage they cover and any annual or lifetime maximums, will dictate how much you have to pay personally. It is important to review your insurance policy to understand the specific benefits related to orthodontic care. If you are unsure about your coverage, you can always reach out to your dental insurance provider or the orthodontic team, such as the one at SmileWorks Orthodontics, to inquire about how your insurance benefits can help reduce the overall cost of braces.
The cost of braces can vary based on several factors. The three main factors that can impact the cost of braces are the type of treatment chosen, the length of treatment required, and whether you have dental insurance benefits that cover orthodontic treatment.
Considering these factors - the type of treatment chosen, the length of treatment required, and your dental insurance coverage - will give you a better understanding of how much braces may cost and what aspects can influence the overall price.
Dental braces work to align teeth properly by utilizing brackets and wires. These brackets are affixed to the teeth and serve as a pathway for the wires. With one wire positioned through the top brackets to adjust the top teeth and another wire through the bottom brackets to align the bottom teeth, the braces apply gentle pressure, guided and adjusted by an orthodontist, to gradually shift the teeth into the desired alignment.
Braces can have a significant positive impact on a person's life by bringing about transformative changes. Patients who have undergone orthodontic treatment often experience a remarkable shift in their self-esteem and self-confidence levels. Beyond the visible improvement in their smile through the straightening of their teeth, individuals also report feeling more comfortable and assured in social interactions. This boost in confidence can lead to enhanced well-being and overall happiness, demonstrating the broader psychological benefits that orthodontic braces can offer.
At SmileWorks Orthodontics, patients have a variety of orthodontic treatment options available to them. These options include traditional braces, clear bracket braces, a combination package, Invisalign clear aligners, and ClearCorrect clear aligners. Each type of treatment comes with different benefits and costs associated with it.