| |
For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious
benefit of orthodontics.
After your braces come off, you'll feel
more self-confident. During your treatment, we
want you to feel
as comfortable as possible.
Orthodontic appliances can be
made of metal,
ceramic or plastic. They may be removable or
they
may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing
a constant, gentle
force in a carefully controlled direction,
braces slowly move teeth
to a corrected position. This is a great time to wear braces! Gone
are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around
each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic
color. You can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire
in brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be
and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort
to patients.
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending
on the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity
of the problem. Patients grow at different rates and will respond
variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion
may differ from the original estimate. The patient's diligent
use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is an important
factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive,
or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months.
|
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
