Achieving a smile that is both healthy and visually appealing entails having properly aligned teeth and well-aligned jaws. While a few individuals are fortunate to naturally possess a well-aligned smile, many others require orthodontic treatment to address various issues such as overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, or teeth that have shifted due to extractions, harmful oral habits, or abnormal bite patterns. In some instances, orthodontic treatment involves more than simply repositioning the teeth. It can also address cosmetic and functional concerns arising from skeletal discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws.
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of customized appliances that apply controlled and gradual forces to gently guide the teeth into their correct positions. In the past, conventional metal braces were the primary option available for such treatment. However, due to advancements in technology and innovations in care, patients now have a wider range of treatment systems to choose from. Modern orthodontic appliances are significantly less bulky, less noticeable, and more comfortable compared to earlier generations of braces.
The specific type of orthodontic treatment and its duration depend on the individual case. It can range from minor adjustments for a single tooth to complete bite alignment. While certain corrections can be achieved within a few months, more extensive cases may require treatment spanning a couple of years.
At EverSmile Dental, we have a thorough understanding of oral health and the aesthetic requirements of a captivating smile. Our dedicated team is passionate about providing exceptional care to help patients achieve the benefits of a beautiful and healthy smile. We offer a comprehensive range of dental services for both adults and children, focusing on improving the alignment, appearance, and overall health of their smiles.
A straight smile is more than just visually pleasing. Teeth that are positioned correctly promote excellent jaw function, dental health, and general wellbeing. The possible repercussions of teeth that are overcrowded, have gaps between them, have moved, or don’t meet perfectly still apply even though every smile is unique.
Straight teeth are more convenient to maintain proper hygiene for. In simpler terms, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth when they are straight. When teeth are properly aligned, there are fewer hard-to-reach areas where food can get stuck, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Teeth that fit together correctly and are not crooked, protruding, or overcrowded are naturally safeguarded by the lips and soft tissues surrounding the mouth. As a result, they are less prone to injury, such as being knocked out or suffering fractures. Straight teeth also contribute to improved overall oral function. Consequently, you can comfortably bite into and chew your food, as well as speak without any difficulty or hindrance. Aligned teeth and jaws result in less wear on the teeth. Conversely, when teeth do not align properly, they tend to develop uneven and excessive areas of wear. Having a proper bite supports the health and functioning of the temporomandibular joint. On the other hand, an imperfect alignment can negatively affect oral function and comfort. Disorders related to the temporomandibular joint can cause a wide range of problems, including headaches, jaw pain, difficulty in opening and closing the mouth, as well as various types of head and neck pain. With oral health and overall well-being interconnected, having a well-aligned smile is essential for optimal overall wellness.
At EverSmile Dental, we offer comprehensive dental care to assist both children and adults in attaining the advantages of well-aligned, attractive, and healthy smiles. Whether you come to our practice for a dental checkup or consultation, we will evaluate the appearance, health, and functionality of your smile. If orthodontic treatment is deemed suitable for your smile, we will provide you with professional guidance. Moreover, we closely monitor the development of your child’s smile and inform you about the ideal time for an orthodontic consultation and treatment. From monitoring the emergence of baby teeth and jaw development to assessing oral habits, premature loss of primary teeth, and eruption and alignment of permanent teeth, we vigilantly observe your child’s smile throughout their growth. Although it is preferable to initiate orthodontic care during childhood, it is never too late for adults to receive successful, healthy, and fulfilling orthodontic treatment. However, given the abundance of options in braces and care systems available in the market today, it can be overwhelming to select the best approach. Determining whether fixed, traditional braces, aligners, removable appliances, or other forms of care offer the most effective and timely results depends on various factors.
1. The extent of the malocclusion or bite problem
2. The level of crowding or spacing of the teeth
3. Whether dental extractions are necessary
4. The alignment between the upper and lower jaws
5. The duration for which appliances will be needed
6. The requirement for any supplementary appliances
7. The patient’s adherence to oral hygiene practices, appliance upkeep, and consistent wear.
With the increasing availability and improved aesthetics of orthodontic treatment, the demand for such services has surged. In the United States alone, over four million individuals wear orthodontic braces, with adults constituting 27% of this population. In recent years, significant progress in orthodontic care has enabled more accurate treatment planning through the use of sleeker, more efficient, and increasingly cosmetic appliances.
Refined and compact metallic bracket design
Transparent, aesthetically pleasing brackets
Self-ligating braces
Braces installed on the inner side of teeth
Transparent aligners
Advanced 3-D imaging using CBCT technology
Digital impressions for accurate diagnostics
Cutting-edge intraoral scanners and 3-D planning software
Devices for temporary anchorage
For the past twenty years, clear aligners have brought about a remarkable transformation in orthodontic treatment. Their increasing popularity reflects the significant advantages they offer to patients seeking a discreet, comfortable, and convenient solution for enhancing their smile alignment.
Custom-crafted according to the precise requirements of an individual’s unique smile, transparent aligners are specifically designed to gradually and delicately shift the teeth into their proper alignment. As individuals replace each aligner with the subsequent one in the recommended sequence, they have the gratifying opportunity to observe continuous enhancements in their smiles. Moreover, the remarkable advantage of this treatment is its virtually imperceptible nature to external observers, ensuring that only the patient themselves are aware of their undergoing orthodontic care.
Clear aligners offer a convenient way to enhance smiles without interfering with daily activities. These aligners grant patients the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods and engage in recreational activities without worrying about damaging their orthodontic appliances or getting poked by sharp wires. Additionally, the aligners can be easily removed, eliminating the need to struggle with brushing and flossing around braces and wires. Clear aligner therapy is suitable for all types of malocclusion, making it an excellent choice for teenagers and adults who are conscious of their appearance.
At EverSmile Dental, we strive to stay at the forefront of advancements in orthodontic care, ensuring that our patients receive the highest quality treatment. Whether you are an ideal candidate for clear aligner therapy or require a different orthodontic approach, our team is committed to helping you achieve a beautiful and well-aligned smile.
Most children start orthodontic treatment between the ages of 9 and 14, although some may require early intervention or initial care. During this time, children are typically in the mid to late mixed dentition stage, which means they have a combination of permanent front teeth, permanent molars, and some baby teeth.
Placing braces during this stage offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows the orthodontist to enhance the alignment of the permanent front teeth. Additionally, it enables them to guide the correct alignment of the incoming adult teeth and take advantage of the child’s natural growth and development.
On average, braces are worn for one to three years, with a typical treatment period of around two years. However, if a child needs a space maintainer, habit control therapy, or presents significant jaw disharmony, treatment may begin at an earlier age.
After the orthodontic appliances are removed, retainers are worn for a certain period to ensure stability and maintain the achieved results.
Adults now have a wide range of orthodontic treatment options available to them, making the process of wearing braces more convenient, comfortable, efficient, and significantly less noticeable than in the past. Gone are the days of bulky metal braces; the latest generation of metal appliances is much smaller and more visually appealing than their predecessors. In fact, adults can now choose braces that are hardly visible at all. Tooth-colored ceramic braces, lingual braces, and removable clear aligners are all effective options that can successfully align teeth and achieve aesthetically pleasing results.
However, adults seeking orthodontic care must keep in mind that the ultimate success of their treatment relies on the health of their teeth and the supporting bone. Many adults who seek treatment often present with the consequences of uncorrected bites and misaligned teeth. Due to the complexity of their dental alignment, these individuals may encounter challenges in keeping their teeth clean, resulting in extensive dental decay, gum disease, bone loss, and even tooth extractions. In addition, they may experience worn-down teeth or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
While it is crucial to address existing dental issues before starting orthodontic treatment, it is equally important to maintain oral health throughout and after the treatment process. Although adult orthodontic treatments require both time and resources, the benefits are invaluable. A healthy and attractive smile is truly priceless. Thanks to modern orthodontics, people can enjoy well-aligned teeth and a beautiful smile at any age.
Those who have experienced orthodontic treatment can confirm that the moment their braces or appliances are taken off is a joyous and rewarding occasion. Attaining a stunning, well-aligned, and fully functional smile is the ultimate outcome for those who have dedicated themselves to orthodontic care. Most individuals who undergo orthodontic treatment will be required to wear a retainer for a specific period of time. Retainers play a crucial role in safeguarding the teeth against relapse.
One of the main reasons why retainers are necessary is because the teeth have a tendency to revert back to their original positions. The fragile fibers that connect the teeth to the jawbones possess elastic memory. Once orthodontic appliances are removed, these fibers naturally want to return to their original locations, causing the teeth to shift out of their newly aligned positions. By wearing retainers, these fibers are given the opportunity to realign themselves and regain their memory.
Retainers also hold significant importance due to the fact that the teeth are part of a complex masticatory system and are susceptible to unpredictable or uncontrollable forces. Even after completing orthodontic treatment, various factors such as tongue or lip postures, unfavorable jaw growth, oral habits, and periodontal issues can disrupt the alignment of the teeth. It is essential to understand that the benefits of orthodontic treatment can have a long-lasting impact. Making a commitment to wearing retainers is the most effective way to preserve your smile and ensure that your teeth remain straight and beautiful, just as they were on the day your braces were removed.
Many parents often question the ideal timing for their child to undergo a braces evaluation. There is a widespread misconception that one should wait until all of the child’s permanent teeth (excluding the wisdom teeth) have appeared before considering orthodontic treatment. However, it is important to note that an orthodontist can typically identify most issues related to tooth alignment and jaw development when a child reaches the first or second grade. Therefore, it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that every child should undergo a check-up with a specialized orthodontist no later than the age of 7.
It is important to bear in mind that achieving proper alignment of your teeth and jaws is a process that requires time and patience. Whether you opt for traditional braces, clear aligners, or any other orthodontic appliance, the movement of your teeth will be a gradual journey. This process aims to rectify your bite using gentle and consistent forces, ensuring that the correction occurs in a step-by-step manner, while maintaining predictability and promoting overall oral health.
The total duration of orthodontic treatment, excluding the period of wearing retainers to preserve the final result, depends on various factors. Factors such as growth patterns and adherence to the recommended care plan can have an impact on the length of treatment. On average, comprehensive orthodontic treatment to address a misalignment issue can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months. However, for less severe cases of tooth misalignment, orthodontic treatment typically ranges from 6 to 18 months.
Since orthodontic movement takes time, most follow-up appointments following appliance placement are spaced four to eight weeks apart. This period of time allows your teeth to erupt at a healthy and steady pace. More frequent visits, however, might be necessary in some circumstances to assess the progress of your case, address tooth movement, or get an extra adjustment.
At any age, teeth can move. An imperfect and misaligned smile can be completely transformed into one that is both aesthetically pleasing and optimally functional with orthodontic treatment during adulthood. However, having healthy teeth and supporting bone is necessary to begin orthodontic treatment and achieve a favorable result. Adult patients must therefore take care of any unresolved dental issues before having appliances placed and continue to be vigilant about maintaining their oral health while receiving treatment.