When the time for the actual orthodontia begins, several x-rays will be taken. The orthodontist in Broomfield will also make molds of the teeth. This allows them to get an exact reproduction of teeth position and bite. This mold will then tell them what type of treatment will be best.

Each patient is given their own custom treatment option. No two patients are the same. Whereas some patients’ problems lie primarily in their bite and jaw alignment, other patients suffer because their teeth are overcrowded.

As the teeth are slowly straightened, your jaw will undergo a transformation through its realignment. A misalignment, known as an occlusion, will lead to uneven wearing of the teeth. The goal of orthodontics is for your teeth to be straightened with a healthy bite.

Adults are more likely to have gum disease. If the gums are not healthy, significant bone loss can result from orthodontics. If you are an adult considering treatment, you need to make sure that any periodontal conditions are under control before you begin treatment.

Types of Orthodontic Services in Broomfield

Most treatment plans will include a combination of the various appliances used to correct the position of your teeth and jaw. Following is a list of the most common orthodontic appliances we use.

Braces

These are the most traditional types of orthodontics. Braces are a combination of brackets and wires. The brackets are attached to the teeth with specialized cement. The wires are held on to the brackets with elastic O rings that come in different colors.

Brackets come in three different styles.

Stainless steel
Gold-colored metal
Tooth-colored ceramic

While the brackets are usually applied to the front of the teeth, some cases will qualify for the brackets being mounted to the back side of the teeth. These are known as lingual brackets. The benefits of lingual brackets are that they are invisible.

For brackets applied to the back teeth/molars, the brackets are affixed to a band that slides on to your tooth. Each bracket is attached using special dental cement so that the brackets will stay in place throughout the treatment process.

Aligners

Aligners are a graduated system of clear plastic devices. Each is worn for one to three weeks before being discarded and replaced by the next. They are invisible and are worn for 22-hours each day. They are collectively best known by their brand name, the Invisalign System.

Headgears

Headgears come in various styles. They are most effective in improving bite on younger children whose jaws are still growing. There are three common types, all with a majority of the appliance outside of the mouth.

Spacers

Spacers look like small staples that are placed between your back teeth before the orthodontist puts banded braces on your molars. This will make it more comfortable for you when the new bands are put on.

Temporary Anchorage Devices

Temporary Anchorage Devices are also called TADs. These tiny implants are used as a fixed point for various treatment options.

Power Chains

Some patients will need to have power chains. These are connected elastics that are used between brackets for when your orthodontist wants to move your teeth quickly. These are effective if you have had to have permanent teeth extracted.

Retainers

Retainers are either bonded/fixed, removable wire or removable plastic. This appliance is used for retention. They keep your teeth in place after you get your braces off.

Length of Treatment

There are a few factors that will affect the amount of time you will need to be in treatment. These factors are:

Smile

The first factor is your smile. Your orthodontist will look at how your smile looks before you start treatment. This is when they will be able to identify bite problems, crowding and any other issues.

Age

If you begin your treatment at a young age, as a preteen, your teeth will be moved more easily than when you have had your permanent teeth for a few years.

Types of Treatment

The types of appliances used in your treatment will help your orthodontist tell you how long you will need to be in treatment. Some types of braces will need to be in place for a few years. If you are using aligners, the time might be a little shorter. It all depends on all the other factors as to which type of treatment you will be provided.

Dental Hygiene

If you practice good dental hygiene, your treatment time will be shorter than if you do not. It is recommended that you thoroughly brush your teeth four times a day. Keeping your teeth healthy during treatment is important.

Medication

You need to notify your orthodontist of any medication that you are on. There are some long-term medications that will affect your teeth and make it so that your treatment will need to take more time than normal.

Treating Children

Children are still growing. There is limited treatment during the years where the baby teeth are lost and permanent teeth begin to come in. Most treatment for young children is limited to the use of headgears to align their jaws and palatial expanders to widen their palate. Patients with conditions that need this type of treatment may have a shorter treatment time in their adolescent years.

It is recommended that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Being evaluated does not always mean that treatment will begin at a younger age.

Treating Adolescents

Adolescents are the most common age group for orthodontics. The body is growing rapidly. The facial bones are developing. This is the most effective time to correct most orthodontic issues.

Treating Adults

Many adults will opt for orthodontics. It is never too late to adjust the alignment of healthy teeth. The main difference in treating adults is that the jaw cannot be restructured once it has finished the growth process in the same way as the developing jaw of a child.

If you are interested in having the perfect smile contact an orthodontist in Broomfield now!

FAQs

What types of food will I need to avoid while in braces?

It is recommended that you avoid hard or sticky candy, corn on the cob, popcorn, nuts, pretzels, corn chips, ice, hard taco shells and hard cookies and crackers.

You will probably need to cut other food into smaller pieces instead of biting into it. Things like raw vegetables, thin-crust pizza, fruit, croutons and meat are easier to eat that way.

What foods do you recommend while in treatment?

Softer foods are best when you are wearing braces. We recommend foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, peanut butter and jelly, cheese and various pasta dishes. For fruit, we recommend fruit without pits such as bananas, oranges, grapes or strawberries. Soft cookies and light crackers are also okay.

Will I need to have teeth pulled?

Whether you need to have teeth pulled or not depends on the condition of your teeth when you are first assessed. If you are referred to an orthodontist at an early enough age, you might be able to avoid extractions through the use of palatal expanders.

Does it hurt to have braces?

No. It does not hurt to have braces. You may experience some discomfort when they are first placed on your teeth and following appointments where you need to have adjustments.

Do traditional braces take longer than Invisalign?

It all depends on the patient and the condition of their teeth. For those who do qualify for an Invisalign system, there are seven different options available. Some options are short term while others will take as long as traditional braces. Only your orthodontist can tell you how long you will need to be in treatment.

Once my active treatment has ended, how long will I need to wear a retainer?

When you first get your braces off, you should wear your retainer as much as possible. As you get older, you will probably only need to wear it at night. Your retainer will help keep your teeth in their new and corrected positions.

What are rubber bands used for?

Rubber bands are used to realign your jaw. Not everyone will need to wear rubber bands, and you might not have to wear them for the entire time you are in treatment.

What should I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment with the orthodontist will involve a lot of x-rays. After the x-rays, the orthodontist will place trays of molding material in your mouth for a few minutes. Once these molds have hardened a little, they will be removed. The molds will allow a cast of your teeth to be made. This will tell your orthodontist what your best course of treatment will be.

Can braces damage my teeth?

Good dental hygiene is important. Braces cannot damage your teeth, but if you fail to practice good dental hygiene, you may have stains on your teeth when your braces are removed. Make sure you brush your teeth at least four times a day while you are in braces.

Will I still need to see a dentist while I'm in braces?

Absolutely! Your dentist and dental hygienist will need to do your regular teeth cleaning and examinations. Keeping up your dental hygiene is an important part of the treatment process.

At what age do most people start orthodontic treatment?

Most people get their braces on at the age of 12 to 13 although some patients might start a lot younger with a headgear. Starting treatment at the right age can affect how long you will have to wear braces.

Why should an adult consider treatment?

You are never too old for braces. Some people need braces when they are older due to injuries to their teeth. They might not have had the opportunity for braces as adolescents. Others might have had braces when they were younger and experienced some movement of their teeth. Still others might want to make changes for aesthetic or professional reasons.

How much does it cost?

Each orthodontics treatment plan is customized to the individual patient. Once the doctor has determined the best treatment for your needs, we will be able to estimate the total costs involved. At that time, we will outline the overall costs and develop an affordable payment plan.

Orthodontics Services