Orthodontic treatment can help to improve your teeth and your health as well. By straightening crooked teeth, you reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease. Misalignment can also cause abnormal wear on your tooth enamel and lead to headaches from jaw tension. 

Traditional orthodontic treatment involves braces. Our orthodontist may also recommend Invisalign® as a more comfortable treatment option. It’s clear and won’t cause the same irritation as metal braces.

TYPES OF ORTHODONTIC APPLIANCES

When most people think of orthodontic treatment, metal braces often come to mind since they’re the most common type of orthodontic appliance. But modern dentistry offers many alternatives for straightening teeth that don’t involve brackets and wires. 

Here are some of the most common orthodontic appliances:

• Braces: Traditional metal braces consist of small brackets affixed to each tooth with a thin wire connecting them. As the orthodontist tightens the wire, it gently guides your teeth into proper alignment.
• Clear braces: These work just like traditional braces, except they have clear or tooth-colored brackets that blend in with your smile. They’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces but equally as effective.
• Invisalign: Invisalign is a series of clear aligners that fit over your teeth and gradually push them into place. You wear one set for about two weeks and then switch to the next one in the series as your teeth shift into place.
• Lingual braces: Similar to traditional braces, these ceramic brackets are bonded to the inner side of your teeth, making them invisible when you smile. But since they’re attached behind your teeth, they require special placement techniques from your orthodontist as well as longer treatment time than other types of braces.

BRACES EXPLAINED

Orthodontic treatment with braces takes anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the severity of your misalignment. The time it takes to straighten your smile depends on a few factors. Some patients need a full mouth reconstruction (reshaping all of the teeth), while others only need minor adjustments.

After your teeth are straightened, you will wear a retainer for a few months to help keep your teeth in their new positions. While the braces are in place, you will need to be careful about eating hard foods or sticky candies. Avoid items that could break or damage your wires and brackets. This includes popcorn kernels, nuts, apples, and more.

Brushing and flossing are also essential parts of your orthodontic treatment plan. You will need to keep your teeth clean to prevent bacteria buildup around the wires and brackets. You will also want to check in with your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings. This will ensure the health of your teeth and gums while you are getting your new smile.

To find out more about the dental services offered at our dental practice, call (801) 796-3535 or schedule a consultation online. You can also visit us at 597 S Pleasant Grove Blvd #12, Pleasant Grove, UT 84062.