An orthodontic treatment is a great way to fix tooth crowding and achieve a more attractive smile. There are several treatment options for tooth crowding that can effectively and efficiently fix even the most severe malocclusions through orthodontic treatment care.
It is helpful to understand exactly what orthodontics is and how it works to address tooth crowding in the long term when making a treatment decision. The following is a complete overview of orthodontics for tooth crowding, including available treatment options and how the process works.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry concerned with the alignment of the teeth and jaw. Orthodontists treat patients with a variety of complications. These include tooth crowding, which often presents oral health issues and cosmetic concerns.
Several orthodontic treatment options are available to patients with tooth crowding, depending largely on the severity of the crowding and the patient's preference. The two most common types of treatment include ceramic and traditional metal braces and clear aligners treatment. Both options are typically available for mild to moderate tooth crowding, whereas traditional braces might be the right treatment for severe complications.
Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces all work in more or less the same way, using brackets and wires to guide the teeth into the proper position over time. Traditional braces and ceramic braces may also sometimes use rubber bands to put extra pressure on the teeth. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that patients will want to discuss with the orthodontist.
Clear aligners differ in that they are clear plastic trays that are virtually invisible on the teeth. While they fit tightly over the teeth, patients must switch them out to a new set of aligners every few weeks to guide their teeth into their correct position. Unlike braces, clear aligners are removable, but patients need to wear them for 20-22 hours a day to be effective.
The first step toward an improved smile and better oral health from tooth crowding correction is to schedule an initial consultation with an orthodontist, who can conduct a thorough oral examination, take dental X-rays, and ultimately decide what treatment options are available. After the patient and orthodontist agree to a treatment, a dental impression is taken, which is used to form the clear aligners or determine the right braces strategy. Routine checkup visits are required for all types of orthodontic treatment care, and almost every patient is required to wear a retainer to ensure quality long-term results after tooth crowding correction.
Orthodontic treatments work by straightening teeth and correcting one's bite over time. However, these results must be maintained even after completing treatment. Patients can often do this by wearing retainers, dental devices custom-made to hold the teeth in place. There are three types of retainers:
The amount of time it takes to complete orthodontic treatment depends on a case-by-case basis. However, most patients get their braces off within one to three years. In general, the more complicated the case, the longer it will take to see results. Factors to consider are how crooked one’s teeth are and the type of malocclusion being treated.
Treatment with certain types of clear aligners can take up to 12 to 18 months on average. Some patients start seeing results in a matter of weeks. Those who have had braces before may complete treatment in as little as 10 weeks.
Not every instance of tooth crowding requires the need for orthodontics. The individual likely does not need treatment if the issue is minor and does not cause a cosmetic or oral health concern. However, any person who is not happy with the appearance of their smile due to crowded teeth, or any instance of tooth crowding that increases the risk of an oral health complication, should consider how orthodontics can benefit them.
Feel free to reach out to your orthodontist via phone call or email at any time to learn more about how you can achieve a better smile and improved oral health through orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will guide patients throughout the entire treatment process, from the initial consultation to providing follow-up care after the patient is happy with the alignment of their smile. The friendly staff will answer any questions and address any concerns you may have on the first visit. Call our office today at (714) 782-0217 to learn more or schedule a consultation today.
Request an appointment here: https://fitsmilesortho.com or call FitSmiles Orthodontics at (714) 782-0217 for an appointment in our Tustin office.
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