Braces

Braces in Tustin, CA

For many teens, braces are a rite of passage: They're one more example of the changes adolescents go through at this time — along with growth in stature, edgier tastes in clothes and music, and an increasing degree of self-awareness. But is there any particular reason why orthodontic appliances and teenagers seem to go together? In a word: Yes.

There are several good reasons why adolescence is the optimal time for orthodontic treatment, though occasionally even earlier intervention is called for. One has to do with the development of the teeth: There's no set timetable for every kid, but generally by the age of 11-13 the deciduous (baby) teeth have all been lost, and the permanent ones have largely come in. This is the time when we can go to work correcting the problems that cause a bad bite (malocclusion), improper tooth spacing or poor alignment.

Orthodontic problems don't improve with age — they simply become harder to treat. It's easier to treat many orthodontic problems during adolescence because the body is still growing rapidly at this time. Whether standard braces are used, or appliances like palatal expanders, improved appearance and function can be created in a short period of time. In later years, when the bones of the face and jaw are fully developed, many conditions become more difficult (and costly) to treat.

There's even a social element to getting orthodontic treatment in adolescence. If you need braces, you're not alone! Chances are you'll see some of your classmates in the dental office, and you may even make new friends as you go through the process together. When it's done, you'll have a smile that you can really be proud of, and benefits that will last your whole life.

The Orthodontic Treatment Process

What can you expect when you have orthodontic treatment? It all depends on what kind of treatment you need. At your first appointment at our Tustin, CA office, pictures and radiographic (X-ray) images of your mouth are usually taken, along with impressions of your teeth, so that a model of your bite can be made. This information will be used to develop a treatment plan. It may involve regular braces, with or without elastics (rubber bands). A specialized appliance may also be recommended for a period of time. Here are some of the most commonly used orthodontic appliances:

Metal braces.

Metal Braces need no introduction. But you might be surprised to find they're smaller and lighter than ever. They may even offer some customized options, like colored elastic ties on the brackets.

Clear braces.

Clear Braces feature brackets made of ceramic or composite materials which blend in with your teeth, making them harder to notice. They're suitable in many situations, but they cost a little more.

Clear aligners.

Clear Aligners for teens is a series of removable, clear plastic trays that gradually straighten teeth as they're worn (for 22 hours per day). Formerly recommended only for adult patients, they now come with special features — like compliance indicators to tell how often you've been wearing them — that make them appropriate for teens in some situations. The advantage: they're practically invisible!

Lingual braces.

Lingual Braces offer the most unnoticeable form of orthodontic treatment because they are attached to the back (tongue side) of the teeth, where they cannot be seen at all.

Other orthodontic appliances may be recommended in some cases, where major tooth or jaw movement is needed. They can range from small devices that fit inside the mouth to external headgear. But don't worry: You'll get used to them, and they're temporary — but they provide a long-term benefit in a short time.

How Long Will I Wear Them?

There's no one answer that fits everyone: It all depends on what has to be done in your individual situation. Generally, however, the active stage of orthodontic treatment lasts 6-30 months. Afterwards, you will wear a retainer for another period of months. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, a new smile will be yours for a lifetime.

Can Adults Get Braces?

It’s never too late to achieve your perfect smile, and now more than ever, adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. In fact, approximately 25% of orthodontic patients are adults.

Adult orthodontic treatment differs from child and adolescent treatment in a few ways. Since the bone development in adults is complete, orthodontic appliances cannot change jaw structure as they can in patients whose bones are still growing. If you are an adult with severe jaw misalignment, you might be a good candidate for surgery.

Periodontal disease is also important to address before orthodontic treatment. Braces and aligners rely on applying gentle pressure to teeth so that they can move through their surrounding bone. If the tissue and bones aren’t healthy, the excess pressure can result in bone loss and weakened teeth. Periodontal disease can be prevented with regular cleanings and good oral hygiene habits.

Do Adults Need Retainers After Braces?

Once the braces are off, it’s crucial to wear your retainer. The retainer holds teeth in place, which in turn, supports new bone development around the newly positioned teeth. If the bone isn’t supported, teeth can revert to their old positions.

For More Information On Braces, Call Shirley Santos, DDS, Inc In Tustin, CA At (714) 368-0222 Today!

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Shirley Santos, DDS, Inc.

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