The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, even more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw. Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease or total tooth loss. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints leading to problems such as headaches or facial and neck pain.
With all of the recent advancements in orthodontics, straightening teeth has never been easier. ClearCorrect is a revolutionary, virtually invisible method to straighten crooked, crowded or misaligned teeth without conventional metal wires or brackets. With ClearCorrect, a custom-molded set of clear aligners will rapidly straighten your teeth. This technology is more comfortable and convenient than traditional metal and wire braces that can cause mouth abrasions. ClearCorrect aligners promote better oral hygiene because you can easily brush and floss to maintain healthy teeth and gums.
REASONS FOR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT:
- Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.
- Cossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue).
- Crowding – Involving extra teeth or malositioned teeth.
- Deep Overbite – The lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth.
- Disfiguring of the face and mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth.
- Jaw – Jaw and joint pain.
- Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay, injuries or inherited problems.
- Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw.
- Self-image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.
- Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small or too large.
- Speech, chewing or biting problems
- Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – Lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.
WHAT DOES ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT INVOLVE?
1. Planning Phase - Your first couple of visits may include the following:
- A medical and dental history evaluation.
- Castings or “molds” of your teeth.
- Computer generated photograph of the head and neck that will aid in planning.
- Photographs of your face and mouth.
- X-rays of the teeth and jaws.
After careful planning our lab will custom craft a series of aligners to reposition your teeth. You can simply remove the aligners to eat, drink, brush and floss.
2. Active Phase - Active treatment involves wearing your aligners to reposition your teeth and regular visit to our office (generally every six weeks) to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to ensure successful treatment.
3. Retention Phase - When treatment is completed, custom retainers will be made for your teeth. Usually these retainers are removable and will maintain the changes made to your teeth if worn continuously until the teeth and bone are stabilized in their new positions.
Treatment and retention times vary depending on your specific situation and desired results. Orthodontics can not only help straighten your teeth, giving you an appealing smile, but can greatly contribute to the health of your jaw, teeth and sometimes your overall health. Whether your teeth are crowded, too far apart, or have shifted since wearing braces, you’ll have a new reason to smile with ClearCorrect!