Are you happy with your smile?
No amount of brushing, flossing, or other home care will ever bring crooked teeth into alignment. The key to a straight smile is orthodontic care.
There are a lot of choices out there for orthodontics. Most people think of the metal brackets and wires of traditional braces, but there is an array of other options. Dr. Pham’s patients can explore the benefits of systems like 6-Month Smiles and Invisalign.
Each of these systems works in a similar fashion. Pressure is selectively applied to the teeth. Over time, they are shifted into their new positions. Treatment is gradual, as it is difficult to rearrange teeth and gums without causing damage or having them immediately return to their natural, incorrect positions.
Traditional braces can take years to achieve this final result. A series of steps is taken while moving the teeth. The first adjustment might result in your teeth being in a new, just as bad position. Further treatment will bring everything into balance, resulting in a straight smile for you.
The biggest complaints against braces are their appearance, the length of time treatment takes, and the fact that traditional orthodontic devices can be uncomfortable. Flashes of metal in your mouth are hard to disguise, and the brackets can irritate the soft tissues in your mouth.
Clear aligners solve these issues by being removable and made of smooth plastic. Both Invisalign and 6-Month Smiles use this technique. A retainer-like tray is custom created. Like traditional braces, it also applies pressure to teeth that are out of place. Unlike braces, the aligner can be removed for eating and oral hygiene. The smooth plastic protects the tongue and cheeks.
Treatment with Invisalign can take 18 months, treating most or all of the teeth. 6-Month Smiles is mainly concerned with correcting cosmetic problems, and is only applied to the most visible teeth in the front.
Both systems can achieve a noticeable cosmetic improvement, improving the appearance of gaps between the teeth and mild malocclusion. However, neither of these systems are recommended for severe cases. Plus, the convenience and cosmetic benefits of aligner systems can make them much more expensive than traditional braces.
If you think you need braces, one of the first steps is to talk to your dentist. You can explain your concerns and get recommendations based on your unique situation. Make an appointment with Dr. Pham today to learn more about getting a straight and beautiful smile.