At Facial Dental Excellence, orthodontic treatment corrects improperly aligned teeth and bites. This can improve appearance, but it also improves dental health. Teeth that are aligned properly and wear evenly are less likely to chip, crack, or wear down. Misaligned teeth can also trap food particles and make it more difficult to brush and floss effectively. Orthodontics treats malocclusions, crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and more. These conditions affect dental health and may cause difficulty eating, chewing, and speaking.
When Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Impacted Teeth
Impacted teeth are those that haven’t erupted properly through the gums. This can happen when a tooth is trapped underneath another tooth. It can also happen when certain teeth are blocking the path of other teeth from coming out. Many problems can occur with impacted teeth.
Crossbite
Crossbites can cause several problems including tooth damage, uneven tooth wear, and jaw pain. In addition, people with crossbites are often self-conscious about their appearance.
Deep Bite
Some patients need orthodontic treatment due to deep overbites. A deep bite can cause gum recession. This can result in sensitivity, or even expose the root of the tooth. This can lead to tooth structure loss, tooth decay, cavities, and even tooth loss.
Misaligned Jaw
Having misaligned jaws, or malocclusion can be painful. Your jaw joints, or temporomandibular joints, can become strained due to an uneven bite. This can lead to headaches, earaches, and even migraines.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a popular type of orthodontic treatment that straightens your teeth without wires or brackets. Clear aligners are a series of clear, BPA-free plastic trays, which you wear over your teeth. They move your teeth using controlled force, similar to how braces work.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are the strongest and least visible type of braces. The brackets of these braces are made of a ceramic material that is more delicate than metal, allowing the brackets to be translucent. They are only used on patients who require significant orthodontic treatment.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces, also known as “hidden braces,” are a type of orthodontic treatment that is placed behind your teeth. They are completely invisible to others, making them a popular choice for adult and teenage patients who don’t want to wear traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth without the use of metal wires or brackets. The aligners are designed to be worn for 20 to 22 hours per day, and they should be changed every two weeks.
At Facial Dental Excellence, Invisalign is a device that straightens teeth without wires or brackets by using a series of clear, removable aligners. Invisalign clear aligners are virtually invisible, so you can smile confidently both during treatment and after. They’re also removable, so you can eat your favorite foods and maintain your usual oral hygiene routine.
Invisible™
The InvisibleTM is a type of clear braces that are fitted on the teeth like traditional braces. The Invisible™ is for you who want to straighten your teeth. Invisible™ aligner trays are personalized and molded to the shape of your teeth. These clear aligners gradually improve appearance and function by applying gentle, consistent pressure to your teeth, which stimulates constant movement activity making your smile in a proper orthodontic position.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces
Traditional braces come with brackets and wires. Brackets are bonded to the teeth, and wires connect one bracket to the next. These wires are tightened over time, and the tightening process can be uncomfortable for patients. Treatment with Invisalign is nearly invisible. Instead, patients wear clear aligner trays over their teeth. The trays are removable, so patients do not have to worry about them impacting their speech or diet.
The Benefits of Invisalign
Invisalign clear aligners can give you a discreet, comfortable experience. The clear aligners are customized for your smile, which eliminates the discomfort that can sometimes result from ill-fitting retainers or braces.
The aligners are removable, which allows you to brush and floss normally. There are no wires to trap food or plaque, which helps contribute to better oral hygiene.
How Long Does Invisalign Take?
The length of your Invisalign treatment will depend on your needs and goals. On average, most patients complete their Invisalign treatment in about 12-18 months.
Invisalign aligners are custom-made just for you. All you have to do is wear your aligners for 22 hours a day, removing them to eat, drink, and brush your teeth. As you wear each set of aligners, your teeth will move in tiny increments until they have straightened to their final position.
Are Invisalign braces painful?
Invisalign aligners are smooth and comfortable. Unlike conventional braces, they do not contain brackets or wires, so they do not irritate the mouth, gums, or cheeks. Invisalign aligners are made through a combination of BPA-free plastic and polyurethane, so they will not cause allergies or irritation. Invisalign aligners are also removable, so patients do not have to restrict their diets to avoid damaging their braces.
For the best care tailored to your specific needs, contact Facial Dental Excellence from your nearest location.