Do you have crooked or crowded teeth? Misalignment can have a negative impact on both the health and appearance of your smile. In the past, metal braces were the only option for correcting misalignment. However, we can now address this using barely visible plastic aligners. Does your smile need ClearCorrect® or braces?
Traditional Braces
We can use traditional braces to address serious cases of misalignment. Treatment involves placing a series of brackets onto the front of the teeth. We then connect an arch wire to the brackets. Over the course of treatment, the dentist will adjust the tension in the arch wire, repositioning the teeth in the process. Treatment takes between 18 months and two years on average, although the exact time depends on the cause and severity of your misalignment.
ClearCorrect
Instead of using metal orthodontics, we take detailed impressions and images of your smile. These materials are used to fabricate the ClearCorrect aligners. The patient then wears a set daily for between 20 and 23 hours, upgrading to a new set about once every two weeks. Total treatment time varies, but for adults the average is a year while younger patients may require up to 18 months. Benefits of this option include less visible orthodontics and the ability to remove them before meals or brushing/flossing.
Why Do We Need Orthodontics?
Without treatment, misalignment can lead to a number of issues. First, an uneven smile makes thorough brushing and flossing difficult, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. In addition, misalignment can also place pressure on your jaw joints, making the onset of TMJ disorder or bruxism (teeth grinding) more likely. If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment or whether you need braces or ClearCorrect, then contact our office today.
