Having straight teeth is more than simply a cosmetic concern. Aligned teeth are easier to clean, which keeps your smile healthier. However, teeth are notorious for growing in with gaps, overlaps, or unusual angles. With orthodontics, you can straighten your teeth and achieve a bright, confident smile.
At Coastland Dental, we provide patients in the Burbank area with cutting-edge orthodontic treatment. Call us today to get started on straighter teeth and a brighter smile.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on moving teeth into proper and healthy alignment. Many situations such as missing teeth, extra teeth, crowded or protruded teeth can cause your teeth to be out of alignment. Orthodontics focuses on resolving any of the issues such as crooked or improperly spaced teeth.
We accomplish this through two methods: braces and Invisalign. Braces are a tried-and-true method of straightening your teeth. Even severely crooked or misaligned teeth can be pulled into order through dedicated braces treatment. With Invisalign, you have a less visible means of straightening teeth.
How do I know if I need Orthodontics?
During your initial consultation, Dr. Artur Arkelakyan will determine if you will benefit from orthodontics. Furthermore, he will help you decide which orthodontic treatment best suits your needs and goals.
However, there are some common signs you may be an ideal candidate for orthodontic treatments, such as:
- Spacing in between your teeth or gaps between the teeth.
- Crowding is a result of too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.
- Overbite is where the upper teeth stick forward too far over the lower teeth.
- Underbite is where the lower teeth stick forward too far under the upper teeth.
- Crossbite is when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting.
- Open bite is when there is space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth teeth bite together.
How does Orthodontic treatment work?
There are many different types of treatment based on each individual patient’s needs. The most common treatments are braces and Invisalign. The idea of Invisalign is a series of retainers that slowly move your teeth to their correct position. This will resolve bite issues and spacing between your teeth.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Having straight teeth certainly comes with a cosmetic benefit. As you see your teeth become aligned, you can build confidence in your smile. This, in turn, can have a positive impact on other areas of your life.
But there is also a health benefit. Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain. And cleaner teeth are more resistant to the dangers of tooth decay and gum disease. Also, straight teeth make both eating and chewing easier.
So, when looked at from all angles, orthodontics can help you:
- Build confidence in your smile
- Keep your teeth healthier
- Eat and chew more easily
Orthodontics Option 1: Braces
Braces are considered the go-to method for aligning teeth. They have been around for years, and they have helped countless patients achieve straight teeth. On average, this orthodontic treatment lasts about 16-18 months. However, this varies according to your individual teeth. Some patients may have treatment for only a year, while others may require treatment for up to three years.
During your consultation, we will examine your teeth and provide you with an estimate of your treatment duration. While braces may not look appealing, you can’t argue with the results. They are suitable for almost any patient and can straighten even severely misaligned teeth.
Orthodontics Option 2: Invisalign
Invisalign draws much of its popularity from how it goes unnoticed. Unlike braces, Invisalign uses a series of “invisible” retainers to slowly move your teeth into a straighter position. However, this option isn’t for everyone. Patients with severely misaligned teeth might find braces to be the better option. Still, do not hesitate to ask about this treatment.
Invisalign is an excellent way to achieve straighter teeth for both teens and adults. And since they are removable, they make caring for your teeth far more convenient than traditional braces. Since Invisalign is usually used for less extreme adjustments, many patients have a treatment period of only 12-18 months. However, you should start seeing significant improvement within weeks.
Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment
Whether you have braces or Invisalign, it is vital to keep up an oral care routine. We will provide you with complete instructions on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout your treatment. If you have braces, you will especially need to take extra care of your teeth to avoid developing tooth decay or gum disease.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you or your child are suffering from misaligned teeth, schedule your consultation today. Having straighter teeth is the first step in boosting your self-confidence and having a smile you are ready to share with the world. Call us today to learn more about our Burbank Dentist treatment options and what we can do for you.