Orthodontics

Orthodontics

Orthodontics (conventional braces & Invisalign)

Orthodontics is a type of dentistry used to align teeth and correct issues with an individual’s bite. Orthodontic treatments are performed by an Orthodontist. This specialty requires two to three additional years after the completion of dental school.

Recent advancements in the dental field have tremendously enhanced orthodontic treatments. Patients are less prone to cavities, losing teeth, and digestive disorders. Much credit is owed to fluoride and preventative treatments, like braces.

This shift has peaked the interest of individuals of all ages. With more discreet options such as removable appliances, orthodontic treatment is now an ideal way to fix cosmetic and health issues. Missing teeth not only hinder the appearance of your smile but your overall oral health as well.  

Orthodontics might be the answer you’ve been searching for! Our team will work closely with you to determine which treatment plan is right for your orthodontic needs.

Call us today at (714) 881-5500 to see if braces can improve the look and function of your smile!

*Malocclusion occurs when teeth aren’t properly aligned. This may affect your bite and digestion. When you don’t chew your food properly, you may not be breaking down food well enough to get the nutrients you need. Genetics play a major role in malocclusion but can also occur from digit sucking, tongue thrusting, and unavoidable causes such as an accident. Tooth extraction among adults or losing a baby tooth too soon may also be a contributing factor of malocclusion.

Children often have mixed feelings about braces. Many want straighter teeth but are nervous about the process. Individuals only feel slight discomfort when getting braces adjusted or tightened.

Patients of all ages can get braces. We recommend getting them as a pre-teen or teenager, when your jaw is still growing. The American Association of Orthodontists suggest children visit an orthodontist by seven-years-old. Some children can benefit from an orthodontic exam before this age if they have severe oral issues.

What Causes misalignment of teeth?

There are a number of reasons why your teeth are misaligned. The most common causes are genetics and issues in the developmental stage, such as losing a tooth too early or digit sucking for too long. Some habits known to cause misaligned teeth include:

  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking on your thumb or finger for too long
  • Using a pacifier for too long
  • Poor oral hygiene
  • Poor nutrition

What’s involved when a child gets braces?

At your initial visit, we will perform a thorough exam of your child’s teeth. We take X-ray images and impressions. We further assess the images, state of your teeth, head, and neck to determine what orthodontic treatment will best suit them.

Fixed orthodontic braces are the most common types of braces for children. They are not removable, unlike Invisalign. This means they won’t lose or forget to wear them, resulting in faster treatment times. Removable appliances are also fairly common among children. They tend to be less invasive and can fix minor flaws.

Some orthodontic treatments we offer for children include:

  • Fixed braces – Fixed braces have brackets that are placed on each tooth and connected by an archwire. Brackets are typically created using metal, ceramic, or a nearly invisible artificial material. After your child gets their braces on, they will continue to come in regularly for adjustments. Once teeth begin to shift, we may add elastic bands to their regime to help move certain teeth.
  • Headgear – This is an extremely effective appliance to correct dental abnormalities. It is made specifically for you and attaches to a wire to help shift teeth into their appropriate places. It is generally worn for 12-20 hours a day. For best results, wear your headgear as instructed by your dentist.
  • Retainers – These appliances are usually worn after you get your braces off to keep teeth from shifting back to where they were prior to treatment. Retainers can be removable or permanent. Permanent retainers line the back of your teeth. Removable retainers line the front of your teeth. Wearing your retainer is crucial to keep your smile perfectly aligned.

Braces for Adults 

In the past, braces have been most commonly worn by teenagers. Recent advancements in orthodontics have shifted this patterned. As a result, more and more adults are getting braces. Adults generally get braces for aesthetic reasons or to correct their bite. A staggering one-third of patients with braces are adults.

Braces are a great treatment option for adults to enhance their smile because they are efficient, multifaceted, and deliver incredible results. Since adults’ jaws are done developing, they might have a longer treatment time than teenagers.

Can adults benefit from orthodontic braces?

Without a doubt. If you have misaligned teeth, braces could be the answer you’ve been searching for. Crooked teeth not only hinder your appearance but also cause issues with your bite. When you don’t chew and break down food properly, you don’t get the proper nutrients you need. A better-looking smile is often a healthier smile.

Properly aligned teeth provide many advantages such as:

  • Less prone to tooth decay
  • Reduced risk of developing periodontal disease
  • Reduced risk of tooth injury
  • Reduced risk of digestive disorders

In recent years, braces have been created to be more favorable among adults. We work closely with you to determine whether removable or fixed appliances will suit you best.

Adult patients who come to us wanting to fix malocclusion generally suffer from underbites, overbites, and overcrowding.

Before we designate an orthodontic treatment plan, we treat any existing dental problems in order to give your braces a healthy environment to function in. These issues typically include tooth decay, gum disease, and plaque.

What are the main types of orthodontic braces?

The most common orthodontic braces we offer include:

  • Traditional braces –Traditional braces are durable and don’t discolor your teeth easily. A bracket is placed on each individual tooth and is connected using an archwire. The archwire applies a gradual force to align teeth into their proper place. These braces are typically metal but can also be made from a nearly invisible material or ceramic.
  • Invisalign® – This option is most popular among adults. They are nearly invisible removable trays. These are favored by adults because they don’t interfere with their everyday lives. For best results, it’s important to wear them as instructed by your orthodontist. While these braces are more comfortable and less intrusive, they generally are more expensive than traditional braces. With Invisalign®, straightening your teeth has never been easier!   

If you are interested in learning more about our orthodontic treatments, call us today at (714) 881-5500. When it comes to braces, choose Petri Dental!