Popular Treatments from an Orthodontist

Visiting an orthodontist can be a great way to fix misalignments in your teeth and achieve a more attractive smile overall, but it can be difficult to know which orthodontic treatment procedure is right for you. By having a better understanding of the more popular options available, you can make the right choice as to how to effectively straighten your smile.

Orthodontist Treatments

Orthodontists have several different treatment options they can utilize to help patients gain a smile they appreciate.  The decision is made after considering the patient’s preference, how severe the malocclusion, and various other factors. The following are three of the most popular forms of treatment an orthodontist might offer.

Braces

Braces have been one of the more popular forms of treatment for decades now, and they are effective at straightening misaligned teeth and helping patients achieve a more attractive smile. There are several different types of braces to consider, including traditional metal braces, lingual braces and ceramic braces. Perhaps the most notable benefit is that they work well at treating more severe misalignments, whereas clear aligners may not be able to effectively treat those same issues. The length of treatment for braces varies for each patient, and it can take anywhere from six months to over two years to complete.

Clear aligners

Clear aligners are a form of orthodontic treatment that utilizes a transparent device that is placed over teeth in an effort to align them into a straighter, more attractive position. They have become far more popular in the past decade, and they are the go-to option for many adults who want to straighten their teeth. The biggest benefit to clear aligners for many is the ability to straighten their teeth without others around noticing they are doing so. The aligners are essentially invisible to others, which means patients can keep a beautiful smile as they go through treatment.

Retainers

A retainer is required after both braces and clear aligners treatment, and its purpose is to keep teeth from shifting back into their original position after treatment. After teeth are straightened, it takes a while for the jawbone to appropriately react to the realignment. Because of this teeth have a tendency to shift back to the natural position if a retainer is not worn. Most braces and clear aligners patients are required by their orthodontist to wear a retainer as much as possible after treatment.  The amount of time the retainer must be worn decreases over time until it only needs to be worn while sleeping.

Talk to an orthodontist today

If you would like to learn more about what orthodontic treatment options are available to you, consult with us today and schedule a time to come in and meet with an orthodontist. Everyone deserves a smile they can feel confident showing off in public, and we are willing and able to help you through each step of the journey to a better smile through either braces or clear aligners treatment.

Request an appointment here: or call Gilroy Dental Associates at (408) 842-2818 for an appointment in our Gilroy office.

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