4 Vital Things You Need to Know About Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is popular among teens, used to solve few problems to provide a perfect smile. The procedure often takes more than 12 months, but it always worth the wait. Recently, the treatment has begun becoming popular among adults too. That said, there is a lot to know about the treatment. In this blog, we will discuss it in detail to help you make an informed decision.
What is the Perfect Time to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
There is no universal perfect time to start orthodontic treatment. However, it is typically recommended to start interceptive orthodontics as early as seven. Interceptive orthodontics is the first phase of orthodontic treatment that focuses on preventing most orthodontic problems from becoming extreme.
However, it is worth noting that interceptive orthodontics does not mean your child will not need to wear braces when the time comes. It will just make the experience more comfortable and more efficient when they are 12 and have to wear braces.
However, it does not mean you cannot wear braces once you are past the age of 12. In fact, even adults over 20 can still wear braces to correct misalignment or wide gaps between teeth. You can talk to us if you are looking for a children’s dentist near you in Milford, CT.
However, we often recommend wearing clear aligners such as Invisalign® for adults since they are more discreet, removable, and comfortable. They just require a little more carefulness than traditional braces. For example, you cannot eat or drink anything except water with clear braces.
Problems Orthodontics Can Help
Our smiles are affected by several things, and thankfully, orthodontic treatment can help with most of them. Some of these problems are:
- Alignment of your teeth’s tips
- Wide gaps between teeth
- Improper bites, including overbites, underbites, and crossbites
- Chewing ability problems
- Crooked teeth
- The appearance of your teeth
- Our pediatric dentist in Milford, CT, is here if your child has any of the above problems.
Common Orthodontic Appliances
There are various appliances used to achieve orthodontic goals, including:
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are transparent orthodontic tools that work pretty much like traditional braces. The best example of clear braces would be Invisalign®. The aligners are removable, and you should remove them whenever you are eating or drinking anything that is not water. You are supposed to wear the aligners for at least 22 hours a day. Typically, the treatment should last as long as traditional braces treatment.
However, it is worth noting that Invisalign is often recommended for adults. This is because it is important to follow the care instructions provided. Children may forget and take food or drinks while still having the aligners on their mouths.
Metal Braces
Metal braces or sometimes referred to as traditional braces, have been around for decades and are often recommended for children. They are fixed and only removed after the treatment.
Traditional braces are more effective than their alternatives and can solve almost all orthodontic problems. The only problem is they are noticeable, and everyone will know you are under treatment. We are here for you if you require orthodontics near you in Milford.
Retainers
Retainers are placed after orthodontic treatment to prevent your teeth from moving back to where they were before the treatment. Retainers can also be used to prevent thumb and finger sucking from kids. They are often made of metal or hard plastic. Our Milford pediatric dentist is here for you if you are looking for a dentist near you around the Milford area.
Other orthodontic appliances used during the treatment include:
- Headgear
- Cheek bumpers
- Palatal expanders
- Jaw repositioning appliances
Taking Care of Your Orthodontic Treatment
- Maintain proper oral hygiene
- Use recommended toothpaste. Ideally, use fluoride toothpaste.
- Avoid sugary foods such as candy and cookies.
- Visit the pediatric dentist every six months.
- Follow your dentist’s care instructions carefully.
- Avoid crunchy and chewy food with metal braces.
Big Smile Pediatric Dentistry
Talk to us if you require Orthodontist Milford, CT. We use the most advanced technology to ensure you get fast, comfortable, and effective services. Our experts have years of experience between them, and you can count on us for cosmetic, preventive, and restorative dentistry. Our services are tailored to meet the patient’s needs, and you can be assured of high-quality services. Book an appointment now.