Orthodontics – Glenpool

When is the Best Time to Start Orthodontic Services?

It’s best to start orthodontic treatment when you are young; at that point, your mouth and teeth are developing. Orthodontics not only improves the alignment of your teeth, ensuring that they function properly for chewing, but can also transform your facial appearance by providing proper alignment to your jaw line, lips, and mouth. In addition, braces can help provide you or your child with better oral health. Misaligned teeth can provide additional places for bacteria and plaque to hide, causing more cavities. Once corrected with orthodontics, teeth are easier to clean and more likely to have better dental checkups overall.

The length of time a patient must wear orthodontic appliances depends on the extent of the problem the braces must correct. The typical patient wears the brackets and wires for approximately two years. Younger patients tend to require a shorter duration because the underlying bone structure is still developing and is more pliable than in an adult’s jaw bone.

Traditional Orthodontics

Braces are normally worn by children, but they can still be used by adults. Metal brackets will be attached to the front of your teeth with a special adhesive. A wire will be attached to the brackets, exerting the pressure needed to realign your teeth and jaws. Most people will wear braces for about one to three years. Once the treatment is complete, you’ll wear a retainer to ensure that the changes last as long as possible in your mouth.

Learn More About Traditional Orthodontics

Tooth-Colored Braces

Tooth-colored braces, also referred to as ceramic braces, aren’t as durable as traditional ones, but they come with a huge cosmetic advantage. They’re able to help with the same orthodontic problems as traditional braces are, they just use clear brackets and tooth-colored wires to make your appliance more discreet. To learn whether tooth-colored braces could be an excellent orthodontic option for you, schedule a consultation today!

Learn About Tooth-Colored Braces

Invisalign^® Clear Braces

Older patients with mild to moderate orthodontic issues could benefit from using Invisalign clear aligners in the place of metal braces. Made out of a clear plastic, the aligners are difficult to see when they’re in your mouth, which generally makes them the aesthetically superior alternative. Also, Invisalign aligners are removable, making the treatment much more convenient during meals and while brushing and flossing. Invisalign treatment lasts about 12 to 18 months on average, with the number of aligners you receive depending on the extent of the changes needed.

Learn More About Invisalign® Clear Braces

Post-Orthodontic Services

While wearing braces, good oral hygiene is important to maintain the health of your teeth. You should also avoid the following:

• Soft chewy foods such as bagels, some candies and gums and anything sticky that may get caught in your braces.
• Extremely hard and crunchy food including apples, corn on the cob, ice, hard candy or anything hard enough that it could break the brackets and wires.
• Excessive amounts of sugar that can get under the brackets and cause tooth decay – soda pop, candy, cookies, cakes and other sweet foods and beverages.

After your braces are removed, you will be fitted for a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made removable device that ensures that your teeth maintain their new and proper position. The timeframe for wearing a retainer varies from patient to patient, but, in general, it should be worn all the time during the first six months after your braces are removed then at night after that.

Although braces have traditionally been used for young patients, usually in their teens, many adults are increasingly using braces to correct long-standing dental problems to give them a perfect smile. Or, if you prefer a clear solution, Dr. Georgy offers Invisalign clear aligners to straighten your teeth without metal brackets and wires.

Make your orthodontic appointment today. Contact our Glenpool dental office and find out just how beautiful your smile can be!