Bands on braces help to speed up the movement of the tooth in a particular direction.
Category Archives: Orthodontics
Will there be any maintenance after I finish wearing aligners?
Yes, a retainer will need to be worn to keep your teeth in the same position after you are finished wearing aligners.
Are you able to eat while wearing aligners?
You can eat while wearing aligners, but it is not recommended because they can become worn down. It is best to remove them, eat and then put them back in your mouth.
Do Invisalign treatments take a long time?
The treatment time for Invisalign can last anywhere from 1-2 years depending on the patient’s teeth and how much they need to be changed.
What can be done to fix bunched and crooked front teeth?
Crooked, bunched and crowded front teeth can be fixed with Invisilign or with traditional braces. If the teeth are not that crooked and the patient does not want to have orthodontia, then it is sometimes possible to use porcelain veneers to straighten the teeth.
How long do dental fillings last?
Composite fillings do have to be replaced over time. A composite or silver filling needs to be replaced every five to seven years. The gold fillings do last longer. If they are well cared for gold fillings last anywhere from ten to fifteen years.
Does thumb-sucking lead to orthodontic problems later on? What will the problems be?
Sucking your thumb as a child can lead to orthodontic problems. If thumb sucking is stopped at the age of two or three, then orthodontic problems can be reversed when the child is older. If children continue to suck their thumb later than age three or four, they can develop an open bite. The front teeth protrude outward if you have an open bite. The shape of the palate can also be changed due to thumb sucking.
Pros and Cons of Invisalign
Because the Invisalign trays are clear, they can’t be seen easily like traditional braces. This is attractive to adults who are looking to have orthodontic treatments without wearing metal braces. The disadvantage, if the Invisalign trays are not worn consistently, then the teeth take longer to straighten. Also, not every orthodontic case can be treated using Invisalign trays.
How long do the Invisalign trays need to be worn?
The Invisalign trays should be worn for 24 hours a day, but at minimum, they should be worn at least 14 to 16 hours a day. Because the Invisalign treatment takes longer than braces. If the trays are not worn as consistently and as directed, the teeth will not move as fast. So, compliance is a key with the Invisalign as opposed to traditional braces that are constantly working to straighten the teeth 24 hours a day.
What is the new orthodontic treatment called Invisalign?
Invisalign, or clear braces, is an orthodontic treatment system. A series of clear plastic trays are made for you to wear over your teeth. Over time, the trays straighten and align the teeth. The trays are replaced every four to six weeks.