Why Braces
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After your braces come off, you'll feel more self-confident. During your treatment, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible. However, there are also amazing health benefits such as facilitating better oral hygiene, reducing trauma and wear to teeth, and improving speech and eating function.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic in color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in brackets. Invisalign also makes treatment less noticeable, and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, with an average of two years, depending on growth, and the severity of the problem. Everyone grows at different rates and will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the total treatment time may, but rarely, differs from the original estimate.
The dilligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or appliances is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as little as six months.
