While some people may not always need braces, many people get braces to help achieve a smile they have always wanted. A large need for braces stems from teeth that did not develop straight or align properly in the mouth. For some individuals, the upper and lower jaw may not be the same size, which may result in either an overbite or an underbite also creating a need for braces.
Whatever the case may be, these different types of scenarios can be termed by one name, “malocclusion,” which means “bad bite.” Malocclusion is related to heredity and it can cause issues as it pertains to proper chewing. Teeth that are not aligned properly may make chewing difficult and can affect proper oral hygiene more difficult as well. If a dentist suspects that teeth may need to be corrected with braces or orthodontic treatment, the dentist will refer the patient to an orthodontist who can best assess and diagnose the case appropriately.
Traditional braces straighten teeth by putting pressure on the teeth for a certain amount of time. Typically, braces consist of small brackets that are cemented individually to the teeth and are connected by a wire that is gradually tightened to ensure proper tooth movement. Depending on the orthodontist, metal brackets or tooth colored brackets may be available. Additionally, small rubber bands may be applied to the brackets for an extended amount of time to help with treatment.
If you are thinking about traditional braces it is important to note the care is needed for them. Particularly, certain foods with chewy, hard, sticky or crunchy substances should be avoided as they may cause problems with brackets. With braces, it is very important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly in order to avoid staining teeth after the braces are removed.
Invisalign treatment is the process of wearing a series of clear, removable plastic aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. There are no brackets or wires included and no special diet restrictions like those that come with traditional braces. Invisalign is FDA approved and does not contain BPA, BPS or latex making Invisalign aligners safe for daily use.
Invisalign can even be removed from the mouth; however, it is recommended that the aligners are worn for 20 to 22 hours a day, changing each set of aligners out every 1 to 2 weeks, as directed by the provider. By doing so, the estimated Invisalign treatment time is about 12 to 18 months, which makes treatment time with Invisalign much quicker than the treatment time of traditional braces.
Today, it is not surprising that more and more people are choosing to opt for Invisalign treatment for their orthodontic needs because of how simple and aesthetically appealing Invisalign aligners are. According to a recent study, adults make up 25% of patients receiving Invisalign treatment to correct teeth making orthodontia for adults more socially accepted. Beyond that, over 5 million people, including more than 1 million teens, have used Invisalign aligners to improve their smiles.
If you are interested in consulting with an orthodontist regarding Invisalign treatment, Dr. Campbell at Campbell Invisalign is the orthodontist for you! Dr. Campbell is a highly knowledgeable Invisalign specialist orthodontist practicing in Raleigh, North Carolina. He is readily available to answer any questions you may have regarding Invisalign and is looking forward to having the privilege in treating your orthodontic needs.