For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics treatment. After orthodontic treatment, patients often feel more confident and take great pride in their new straight smile!
Your dentist may have also discussed with you additional benefits of having healthy teeth and proper jaw alignment. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.
Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal tooth wear, poor chewing function, stress on gum and bone tissue, or misalignment of the jaw joints (TMJ problems). Typically, with quality orthodontic treatment and care, many if not all of these issues can be resolved.
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic and have the option of being removable or bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly maneuver teeth towards a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! There is no need for metal bands with brackets around each tooth! You now have the option of choosing something clear, metal, or even removable.
Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort for patients.
Typical treatment time can last between one to three years depending on the severity of the problem. Patients will respond differently to orthodontic treatment so the time of completion may differ from the original estimated treatment time. Patient compliance of any prescribed rubber bands or appliances is also an important factor in staying on track. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
