While the majority of patients become interested in orthodontics because they want a straighter smile, orthodontics are equally important for the long-term health of your teeth, jaw, and mouth. That’s not to say that aesthetics aren’t a good reason to get braces. In fact, correcting imperfections in your smile can provide a huge boost to your emotional well-being. And that’s no small feat.
After all, once you’ve completed your treatment, you’ll be able to show off the smile you really wanted. Gone will be the days that you felt self-conscious about taking pictures. But orthodontics, at least at Oakbrook Orthodontics, is about more than just making you more confident in your smile. We also want to make sure that your expectations are being met and exceeded every time you set foot in our orthodontic practice.
How Does it Work?
The orthodontic appliances that we use are manufactured with plastic, ceramic, or metal. Some appliances may be removable like a plastic retainer while others, such as braces, are bonded to your teeth. Either way, the appliances work by applying force in the direction set by your orthodontist to bring your teeth into the correct position.
It’s also worth mentioning that the technology of orthodontics has advanced quite a bit in the past several years. It’s no longer necessary to place a metal band around every tooth. This makes wearing braces more pleasant because they’re more comfortable, effective, and less noticeable. In fact, you have your choice of metal or clear brackets. And, depending on your appliance, you also have a choice of color.
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?
There’s no single answer to this question because it depends on a few factors including the severity of your needs, your age, and the treatment method. Moreover, the duration of your treatment is as much dependent on you as it is your doctor.
You must be diligent about wearing your appliance when you’re supposed to in order for treatment to be as efficient as possible. Also, to avoid delays, you should report any serious problems with your appliances to your doctor as soon as possible.
Generally, patients will have treatment times between 12 and 36 months.
Still Have Questions?
If you have no experience with orthodontics, you may have more questions. Don’t worry, the professionals at Oakbrook Orthodontics will ensure that you know all the details of your potential treatment options.