A beautiful, healthy smile is an amazing part of looking and feeling your best, but an attractive smile is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. Here are some other great reasons to consider braces:
Straight Teeth are Healthy Teeth
Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to keep clean making them less susceptible to tooth decay and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can alleviate or prevent other physical health problems. Straight teeth also make it easier to bite, chew and speak more clearly.
A Beautiful, Straight Smile Builds Confidence
Straight teeth play a large part in how you feel about your smile. Orthodontic treatment can boost your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image, giving you the freedom to smile without holding back.
Untreated Orthodontic Problems Can Make Matters Worse
According to studies by the American Association of Orthodontists, untreated malocclusions (bad bites) can result in a variety of problems. Crowded teeth are more susceptible to decay, periodontal disease, and abnormal wear of the tooth surfaces. When jaw joints become misaligned due to misaligned teeth, patients may experience chronic headaches or face and neck pain. Ultimately, orthodontics does more than create a pretty smile . . . it creates a healthier you!
Any Age is the Right Age
There’s no age limit for having a great smile! Today, orthodontic treatment is so simple, convenient, and affordable that individuals from childhood through retirement can reap its important benefits. Bel Air Orthodontics works with children, teens and adults to give every patient the beautiful smile they deserve. Braces fit easily into today’s active lifestyles. They’re comfortable, easy to keep clean, and less visible than in the past. With today’s new techniques and materials, the smile of your dreams is easily achieved with efficiency and comfort.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Creating a beautiful, healthy smile is what orthodontics is all about. 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 often choose brackets that are clear or metallic, and 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.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time varies and is often determined by the patient’s age, bite, and treatment type. For most patients in braces, treatment time ranges from one to three years. Actual treatment time can be affected by the growth of the patient's mouth and face and the severity of the problem. Treatment length is also dependent upon patient compliance. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed appliance and maintaining regular orthodontic appointments are important factors in achieving the best, most efficient treatment result. While orthodontic treatment requires a time commitment, patients are rewarded with healthy teeth, proper jaw alignment, and a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.