Orthodontics
About Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatment goes beyond just straight teeth. It involves optimizing facial and dental esthetics, as well as periodontal health to provide a great smile and confidence that lasts a lifetime. The latest technology including digital imaging, combined with a detailed examination helps us create a customized treatment plan in order to produce a beautiful smile, an optimal bite and healthy joints. It is never too late to consider orthodontic treatment. Several of our patients are adults and they love the results they see! Clear, esthetic brackets are an option chosen by some adult patients. Tooth movement occurs slowly and comfortably with gradually increasing wire size.
Treatment duration can vary depending on the complexity and Dr. Shah will discuss your treatment time with you. In general, the average treatment time can range from 18-24 months for adolescents and adults. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months. The best way to stay on track to a successful treatment plan is stay involved, and be an active participant in your plan. Scheduling and attending all appointments and minimizing appliance breakage is very important in order to achieve treatment goals.
To begin your smile transformation, schedule your initial complimentary visit with Dr. Shah! He will provide a complete clinical diagnosis addressing your chief concerns, and a detailed plan that outlines your treatment and estimated fees.
Adolescent Treatment
Adolescent treatment generally begins once most of the permanent teeth have erupted. This is usually between the ages of 10 and 16 and is the most appropriate time to correct several problems including crowding, excess or insufficient overjet, cross-bites and open or deep bites. These conditions are usually not self-correcting and do require intervention.
There is a positive peer-reinforcement value to orthodontic treatment at this age, since several teenagers undergo treatment, and this is sometimes viewed as a rite of passage. The other advantage is the growth spurt that tends to occur at this age. This spurt can be very useful in correcting the bite and establishing optimal facial esthetics. Tooth movement also occurs rapidly and this can help minimize the total duration of treatment.
Adult Treatment
Millions of adults are now actively seeking orthodontic care, especially with the more esthetic options that are available. Orthodontic treatment has many benefits in terms of dental and facial esthetics, periodontal and joint health, as well as in professional and social interactions. Most adults find treatment to be very rewarding! As long as the teeth and gums are healthy, tooth movement can occur at any age. During treatment, it is imperative to visit your general dentist at periodic intervals for scheduled cleanings and maintenance.
Orthodontic treatment may be indicated if you have crowded or spaced teeth, excess or insufficient overjet, deep or open bites, and protrusive teeth. Crowding can make it challenging to keep teeth clean, thus predisposing to decay, gingival inflammation, recession, and bone loss. Improper fit of teeth can lead to abnormal wear, joint issues etc. If you have any concerns with your smile, please contact us at Shah Orthodontics for a complimentary evaluation.
Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children visit an orthodontist by age 7. At this stage, it is possible to diagnose and intervene in case of any existing problems, as well as anticipate and prevent developing problems. In general, most patients will not require treatment at this age; however, it is imperative to start planning for future needs. Some conditions that may require early orthodontic intervention (Phase 1 Treatment) are:
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- Trouble chewing or biting
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Mouth breathing, thumb or finger sucking
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Cross-bite
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Underbite
- Jaws that slide or make sounds
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Underbite
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Excessive overjet (buck teeth)
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Crowded or blocked out teeth
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Premature loss or over-retained primary teeth
Once all the permanent teeth are fully erupted a second phase of treatment (Phase II Treatment) is generally required to establish optimal alignment. At the evaluation with Dr. Shah, our team will provide you the information regarding the need for any treatment at this age. This will also allow you to begin forming a great relationship for you and your child at an early age with our team! Please contact Shah Orthodontics to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation.
Types of Braces
Metal Braces
These are the best-known and most common type of brackets. The latest technology has allowed these sleek brackets to facilitate very efficient and comfortable tooth movement. An advantage of these brackets are the many color combinations that are possible.
Retention
Having your braces removed is an exciting moment, but before you run off into the sunset with your beautifully straight teeth, it’s important to know that without retainers they could move. No one wants that, especially you. So it’s really important to wear your retainers devotedly as instructed by your orthodontist.
Why do teeth move after braces?
During orthodontic treatment your teeth are held in position by your braces, but once they’re removed, stretched elastic fibres in the gum try to pull the teeth back to their original position – something we call “orthodontic relapse”. It takes time for these fibres to remodel and stop pulling on the teeth.
Continued growth of the jaws can also encourage the teeth to move once treatment has been completed. To help avoid orthodontic relapse we provide our patients with retainers, which hold the teeth in their new position.
You’re most at risk of relapse just after your braces have been removed, then over time your teeth will begin to stabilise. But this doesn’t mean you can stop wearing your retainer after a few months. To guarantee your teeth stay put, retainers are a lifelong commitment – thankfully they’re both comfortable and discreet.
Removable Retainers
We provide a set of removable retainers to every patient. They resemble a thin, clear gumshield, which fits snugly over your teeth to keep them still. Sometimes referred to as Essix retainers, they are a comfortable and inconspicuous alternative to Hawley retainers, which you may remember if you’ve had orthodontic treatment before.
Your removable retainers will be custom-made to fit to fit you perfectly. We’ll take impressions of your teeth when we remove your braces and fit your retainers the following week. Don’t worry if your teeth move slightly in the meantime – your retainers will squeeze everything back into place.
Fix Retainers
For extra peace of mind, we also provide fixed retainers. These consist of a thin stainless steel wire, which is permanently bonded behind the front teeth. We usually fit your fixed retainers before braces are removed, before we take impressions for your removable retainers.