CONVENTIONAL TREATMENT:
The goal of orthodontics is to correct a malocclusion – a bad bite. Teeth may be crowded (crooked) or the upper and lower jaws may be out of alignment. Occasionally, even when teeth appear straight, the patient may have a bite which is not even and may cause further dental problems.
Malocclusions may be inherited, may be developmental, or caused by poor oral habits (such as thumb sucking or tongue thrusting).
Orthodontic treatment seeks to address any or all of these problems. The goal of orthodontic treatment is not only to create an attractive smile, but to develop a bite which can promote oral health. Straight, uncrowded teeth are a lot easier to keep clean. Crooked, crowded teeth are much more difficult to maintain and can lead to tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Orthodontics utilizes physics to slowly move teeth into the proper position. This is performed by using corrective appliances including braces and retainers. Brackets are placed on the teeth using bonding technology, arch wires are then threaded through these brackets. The tension and tightness of these wires determines the individual movement of each tooth. Orthodontics applies constant pressure on each tooth in a desired direction. By making adjustments to the pressure at follow up visits, our orthodontists control the slow movement of the teeth until the malocclusion is corrected. Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment can last from one to three years, or longer depending on the patient’s age and the severity of the malocclusion. Retainers are often worn to help ensure teeth remain in their new position after braces have been removed.
COSMETIC TREATMENT:
The goal for cosmetic orthodontic treatment is usually to correct minor spacing or crowding. In fact, it is increasingly common for adults to take advantage of these orthodontic advancements, discrete treatment options, and its overall benefits.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS:
“I’m just too old for braces. Braces are for kids.”
It is never too late to have the smile you have always wanted. There is no age limit for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment. Cosmetic orthodontics lets you have the perfect smile you have always wanted without putting your life on hold. Our advanced technology and new options allow you to look great throughout treatment.
“Braces take too long.”
For some adults, cosmetic orthodontics can be completed in as little as six months. Depending upon the appliances used and the amount of movement required, treatment can be quite short in length.
“I’ve already had braces; won’t they just move again?”
At Unique Orthodontics we educate the importance of retention, after teeth movement, it is vital to keeping your smile beautiful. We offer 6 months to 1 year retainer check-up appointments to monitor your teeth and dental function for the rest of your life. Once your treatment is completed, Dr. Bayrakdarian will apply a fixed retainer or give you clear removable retainers which need to be worn after movement and continually monitored. Understanding your retention after orthodontic care is a protection of your investment.
