Facts You Should Know About Orthodontics From a Braces Dentist

As a braces dentist, we know that orthodontics has become an essential part of modern day dentistry. As more people become aware of the importance of having straight teeth and a properly aligned jaw, the need for orthodontists has skyrocketed. Once thought of as a cosmetic fix, today people understand the significance of having straight teeth, how the jaw influences language skills, and even the importance of a great winning smile. Dentists too have started to work much more closely with orthodontists, to give them a whole new array of tools to improve a patient’s dental health. There is, however, a healthy dose of myths that surround the science of orthodontics. 

Straightening teeth and the use of braces are not just for children. Much to the contrary, adults make up more than twenty percent of the patients an orthodontist sees.  We treat adults who want to get their jaw properly aligned, or their teeth straightened. Popular culture has built up the myth that braces are for children and that adults are stuck with the teeth they grew up with. Luckily, as more adults become educated, they are seeking the treatment they can get for their crooked teeth and we can help. 

Another popular myth is that braces tend to hurt. This myth does have some foundation in reality. For many years, getting braces was a tedious and often painful process. Fortunately, modern medicine has had an impact on orthodontics as well. Today braces are no longer as uncomfortable, with most people getting used to them very quickly. Braces today are far more manageable, and most patients report minimal, if any, discomfort. As a braces dentist, we work with our patients to ensure that they stay comfortable throughout their treatment.

Many adults are still worried that wearing braces could be embarrassing, especially in a professional environment. 

Clear braces, made from natural-colored ceramics have become increasingly more popular as people seeking to straighten their teeth do not want the embarrassment of metal braces. Additional advances allow for some braces to be installed behind the teeth, which places them completely out of sight. These changes have made it so that adults can wear their braces all the time without having to worry about the unsightly metal protruding from their teeth. Additionally, we can use clear aligners to straighten teeth without the use of brackets or wires at all. 

Another common idea is that braces take a long time to get a person’s teeth properly aligned. Many patients think that it will take years of wearing braces, with constant adjustments and frequent trips to the orthodontist’s office to get them tightened or adjusted. 

While it is true that braces do take time, there really is no set time frame. Each patient is different and so it could take a few months, or a few years to get the teeth straight. Adjustments and tightening are part of the process, which is designed to gradually move your teeth from the natural position they grew into to the place where they were supposed to go. We can let you know what the time frame would look like for your case during a consultation.

To learn more about orthodontics and how we can improve your smile, give us a call to schedule an appointment with a braces dentist.

Interesting Facts About Straightening Your Teeth From a Braces Dentist

As a braces dentist, we can straighten your teeth and improve your smile. This is important for your overall health and your appearance.  Crooked teeth do more than make your smile funny.  They are places for food and bacteria to become trapped and increase your risk of getting a cavity.  When your bite is misaligned, it can also create jaw pain and headaches – not a good combination.

Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your smile, and we are experts at finding the right one for our patients.  If you think about a mouth full of metal when you hear the word “braces” – think again.  Orthodontics has come a long way since the 1980’s, and people are straightening their teeth more than ever before because it is so much easier.

Here are some facts you may not know.

• Braces have gone clear.  As a braces dentist, we can discuss clear braces with you.  This is one way to straighten your teeth without the appearance of metal.  This option works well for some people but is not for everyone so we can let you know if it is the best route for you during a consultation. 
• Look behind the teeth.  Some people are wearing braces behind their teeth now.  This is a new type of procedure where brackets and wires are secured to the back of the teeth so that no one can tell teeth are being straightened.
• You can have fun with it.  A lot of kids love wearing braces because they make it fun.  At each appointment, the rubber bands are changed, and patients can pick out their colors and create patterns so that their braces become an expression of their taste and style.  You can even color coordinate for your favorite holidays. 
• They shrunk!  As a braces dentist, we like to show our patients how much smaller the brackets and wires are now.  If you have worn braces in the past, or considered it, you will be pleasantly surprised by how much smaller everything is now.  They are just as effective, but now more of your natural teeth will show through. 
• Aligners are popular.  A lot of people are choosing to straighten their teeth with clear aligners.  They look like a retainer that surrounds your teeth, and you can take it out when you eat.  This makes aligners a convenient option for people that don’t want to look like they are wearing braces. 
• They’re cooler now.  Sure, kids used to make fun of braces, but that day has passed.  Now it is extremely common for people to wear braces and a lot of kids actually look forward to it. Wearing braces has become a rite of passage, and the results afterwards are nothing short of amazing. 

If you are considering straightening your teeth, schedule an appointment to speak with a braces dentist.  We can discuss the various treatment options and come up with a plan that will work for you and your lifestyle.  Call today to learn more.