At what age should orthodontic treatment occur?

Depending on the nature of the problem, orthodontic treatment can be started at various ages. Many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if detected at an early age before jaw development has ended. Frequently, minor interceptive procedures can prevent damage to the teeth from developing or, in minor skeletal imbalances, the need for future surgery. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child visit an orthodontist by age 7 if a problem is detected by parents, the family dentist or the child’s physician.

Child patient at the orthodontist – close up

What is Phase I and Phase II treatment?

Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment before all of the permanent teeth have erupted. In our office, interceptive procedures are utilized only on a limited basis. Several recent studies have indicated that in most instances, two-phase treatment does not produce an enhanced final result and frequently adds additional unnecessary expense. Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment; it usually involves full braces and is started when most of the permanent teeth have erupted.

Would an adult patient benefit from orthodontics?

Orthodontic treatment can be undergone at any age. In a growing patient, orthodontics utilizes the growth and development process to achieve the correction. That growth is completed in an adult, so a slightly longer treatment time may be required.

How does orthodontic treatment work?

Braces apply a gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their correct positions. The main components of braces are brackets and arch wires. When the arch wire is tied into the brackets it applies pressure to move the teeth to their new, more ideal positions.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Treatment times vary on a case-by-case basis, but the average time is from 12 to 30 months. Actual treatment time can be affected by rate of growth and severity of the problem. Treatment progress is also dependent upon patient compliance. This includes following instructions, not damaging the braces, and keeping regularly scheduled appointments.

Do braces hurt?

The placement of bands and brackets on teeth does not hurt. Once braces are placed and activated with the archwires, the patient may experience some soreness for a short period of time. Until they adapt to the appliances, lips and cheeks may experience some irritation.

Will braces interfere with playing sports?

No. However, patients should wear a mouthguard when participating in any sporting activity. Specific mouth guards designed for patients with orthodontic appliances should be used. Our office can provide these.

Will braces interfere with playing musical instruments?

No. However, there may be an initial period of adjustment.

Should I see my general dentist while I have braces?

Yes, you should continue to see your general dentist every six months for cleanings and dental checkups. In patients where hygiene is a problem, cleanings and fluoride treatments at four-month intervals are recommended.

Is it necessary to have teeth removed?

Removing teeth is sometimes required to achieve a stable orthodontic result. Today, the trend in orthodontics is to avoid removing teeth whenever possible. The final decision depends on the nature of the problem.

How often are appointments scheduled?

This varies with each patient. Generally, patients are seen every three to eight weeks.

Can all appointments be scheduled after school?

Our office routine is to schedule short appointments in the afternoon and longer appointments in the morning. Unless the patient damages the braces, most of the appointments are short appointments and can be made after school.

Must a parent or guardian be present at each appointment?

This is not generally necessary. Working parents frequently have friends or relatives bring children to their appointments. Messages are sent home with appointment slips and we will contact the parents if we need to speak with them.

Can the patient return to school after braces are placed?

Although patients frequently take the day off, there is no reason that they cannot return to school.

Are there foods I cannot eat while I have braces?

In general, hard foods (ice, raw vegetables) and sticky foods should be avoided while wearing braces.

How often should teeth be brushed while in braces?

Patients should brush their teeth at least four times each day – after each meal and before going to bed. In addition, we recommend that a fluoride rinse be used just before bedtime.

What are retainers and are they necessary?

Retainers are devices designed to hold the teeth in their new positions following the removal of braces. They should be worn by all patients after active treatment is completed. The wearing time will vary from patient to patient. More information on our other Website

Why Choose Invisalign vs Metal Braces

One concern that some might have about choosing Invisalign for aligning their teeth as opposed to traditional metal braces is the average Invisalign time frame of wearing the clear plastic aligners. On the surface, their concerns may seem valid but the truth is that Invisalign can do what metal braces can in the same typical time frame for similar cost and fewer complications.

Having a straight set of teeth is not only more pleasing to both yourself and those who see your smile, it also can avoid potential dental problems in the future. Crooked teeth are generally more difficult to clean correctly, making for the greater possibility of cavities. Invisalign solves that problem and has some advantages over traditional metal braces as well.

Offered by some of the best dentists, Invisalign is a revolution in teeth straightening. Taking away the old traditional metal braces and replacing them with new clear plastic aligners that do the job just as well, but without some of the disadvantages. Now you can eat what you want and remove the Invisalign aligners whenever you need to, unlike regular metal braces and do it all while keeping an average Invisalign time frame that’s consistent with metal braces.

You can pop the Invisalign aligners in and out of your mouth when you need to. From your first pair of aligners, a custom fitting by your dentist to insure their correct alignment and a new set made every six to eight weeks that will gradually pull your teeth into their proper alignment and all of this done without braces, bands or wires.

Invisalign Offers Benefits the Average Metal Braces Do Not

You had to avoid eating certain foods while wearing metal braces. The particles they left behind patient hard to clean out and if caught next to the teeth cause cavities. With Invisalign you can enjoy all of your favorite foods as you can easily pop them out before eating any meal. Be sure to do a quick check after you eat to make sure that there are no food particles left behind and then pop the aligners back in.

Invisalign Offers Invisible Alignment at an Affordable Cost

While the cost of the Invisalign and metal braces are comparable, one big difference is that everyone knows you are wearing metal braces. They easily catch everyone’s attention and can make you feel embarrassed, especially for teens. Metal braces not only look unnatural, they require special cleaning techniques and frequent appointments for sometimes painful tightening sessions. No wonder few people look forward to wearing a mouthful of metal.

But thanks to Invisalign, only you will know you’re wearing these clear plastic aligners unless you decide to tell others of course. And the trips to the dentist for new sets of Invisalign aligners are fewer and less dramatic than the tightening sessions done with metal braces. With Invisalign, the process is quick and easy and you are on your way before you know it.

With the average Invisalign time frame being comparable to metal braces along with the cost, this makes Invisalign the right choice for aligning your teeth. Call Our Orthodontist in San Antonio

Invisalign Treatment San Antonio Orthodontics

Now there is a new way
to straighten teeth
without braces.
So invisible …
no one will notice!

Invisalign uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. So even up close it’s really hard for people to tell you’re wearing Invisalign. This new treatment can give you the smile you’ve always wanted without the braces you’ve always avoided.

Need a caring orthodontic dentist?

You’ll find it help at our office right now

Finding quality orthodontic treatment can be difficult. Dental braces and their alternatives are one of our dental practice’s primary areas. Dr. Platt is one of the most respected Invisalign practitioners in Colorado Springs and the surrounding Monument, Manitou Springs Black Forest and Gleneagle areas.

No metal wires and brackets!

Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign is more comfortable than traditional braces. And because they are removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem.

You can still enjoy your favorite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign, there’s nothing to hide.

Proven Results

In both clinical research and in orthodontic practices nationwide, Invisalign has been proven effective at straightening teeth. Treatment takes about the length of time as traditional braces and is far more comfortable. Thousands of patients are taking advantage of this revolutionary treatment.

Diagnosis and Treatment Plan by an Invisalign-trained orthodontist

At Lasting Impressions Dental Care we will give you an initial examination to determine if Invisalign treatment is right for you. If it appears that Invisalign® is an option, we will take photographs, x-rays, and an impression of your teeth, then submit them to our consulting orthodontic dental specialist.

They will then complete further diagnostic analysis to verify that Invisalign® will work for you and create a treatment plan that will determine exactly how the teeth are straightened. At that time, we will be able to let you know if you qualify for orthodontic insurance benefits and the estimated cost and length of treatment.

At www.coloradospringsinvisaligndentist.com, you’ll find all the information you need. Learn more about Invisalign.