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