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Three Things You Should Know About Orthodontics and Braces

By: | Tags: | Comments: 0 | November 25th, 2015

If you are interested in straightening your teeth, we encourage you to visit our orthodontics office for braces.  This is an excellent treatment solution if you have crooked teeth, gaps in between them or a misaligned jaw.  In the past several years, more solutions have become available so we have several ways to straighten your teeth and can discuss them with you during a consultation.  When you first come in, we will need to conduct a physical examination and take x-rays so that we can determine the exact position of your teeth and bite, then make a determination as to the best way to correct any challenges that you have.  We will explain everything in detail and answer any questions so that you can make a fully informed decision regarding how to best proceed.  With that in mind, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Orthodontics takes time.

Moving your teeth into the right position is a process that takes time because it must be done gradually.  If you try and move your teeth too quickly, your teeth and your roots could become damaged.  This can lead to sensitivity and irritation, something that can be avoided with a proper treatment schedule.  While there is no magical fix to straightening your teeth, the solutions we offer are effective and you can do things to keep your treatment on track.  This includes protecting your teeth and keeping your dental appointments.

You have options.

Braces are popular because they are a dependable solution that produces results.  They have been used for decades and many of the people you see, owe their beautiful smiles to wearing them.  Traditional metal braces have improved greatly.  While they used to take up the majority of your teeth, the brackets and wires are now smaller than they used to be, making them more discreet.  Still, if you like the idea of straightening teeth but do not want anyone to notice, clear aligners are a better solution.  In this procedure, clear plastic aligners that look like retainers will surround your upper and lower teeth.  By applying pressure, they move your teeth into the right position over time.  Both solutions can also be used to help align your jaw.  Occasionally, there is a tooth that will not respond to orthodontics and in this situation, oral surgery may be necessary, but this is rare.  We also see patients that only have one or two minor issues to correct, like a small gap between their teeth.  In this case, orthodontics may be a more intensive procedure than what you need.  Cosmetic dentistry can address these small issues and do so in less than a month

You must care for your teeth.

During an orthodontics treatment, you must take good care of your teeth.  This is true whether you are wearing braces or aligners but even more so when you wear braces.  You must brush and floss after every meal to ensure that food does not become stuck and plaque does not build up.  This will help your mouth to be healthy for the rest of your treatment.

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