Braces are designed to correct problems with the teeth. Crooked teeth, crowding, and teeth that are improperly aligned are typically those that are candidates for orthodontic treatment. They are the most commonly known orthodontic treatment used to straighten and align the teeth to adjust the smile and improve the bite. Bailey Orthodontics specializes in orthodontic treatments designed to correct issues with your teeth.
Do I Need Braces?
How do you know if you need braces? In most cases, a general dentist will recommend orthodontic treatment due to a variety of common dental problems including;
- Gapped teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Small dental arch
X-rays are used as part of the initial examination to determine the best treatment methods to meet your oral health needs. The Orthodontist will discuss oral health concerns with the general dentist of the patient if there are concerns during treatment. Depending upon the way the teeth move and shift during treatment can determine how long treatment will last and if there are additional treatments that are needed. Each patient will have different treatment needs, which require correct supervision by an orthodontist to ensure the treatment methods are working.
Types of Braces
There are multiple types of braces designed to restore your smile and improve your bite, appearance, and overall function of the jaw. They can consist of wires, bands, and additional corrective appliances that are fixed or removable. Modern advancements in orthodontics have provided several solutions for patients who no longer wish to be limited to metal alone.
- Metal/traditional: Considered “the standard” in orthodontics for years, metal braces include brackets attached to the front of the tooth with flexible wires or arch wires that hold the brackets together, helping to align the teeth over time. Rubber bands or metal ties are used to like the brackets to the wire and place pressure on the teeth, helping to shift the position of the teeth and eventually help them become straighter. Patients can change the look of their braces with colored elastics when they come into our Bountiful or Farmington orthodontic office.
- Self-ligating: Using similar materials as traditional, self-ligating braces will straighten the teeth without the need for elastics and additional pressure on the teeth. Patients have several options with self-ligating braces as they can be metal, clear, and ceramic. A specialized clip is used instead of the elastics to help shift the teeth into the correct position. Patients can look forward to fewer appointments as clips do not need as many adjustments nor do they require elastic replacement.
- Ceramic (clear braces): Patients looking for an affordable, discrete way to straighten their teeth can consider ceramic braces. Ceramics are less noticeable on the teeth compared to the metal or “traditional.” Ceramic is larger than metal and not quite as durable. It is common to see clear brackets used on the upper teeth and metal braces used on the lower jaw.
- Clear aligners: One of the most popular options because they have clear aligners, commonly known as Invisalign. Clear aligners allow patients to discreetly receive orthodontic treatment without the need for brackets attached to the teeth where they are visible to everyone. Clear aligners use a series of invisible, comfortable, and removable acrylic trays that are molded to your mouth. Like braces, these aligners will straighten the teeth. Aligners need to be worn over your teeth and are nearly invisible and removable, allowing patients to continue enjoying their daily activities and favorite foods without braces getting in the way. Aligners are comfortable and reduce the risk of mouth abrasions and other common problems with traditional braces.
Bailey Orthodontics specializes in changing lives by improving smiles. Let our experts restore your confidence and help you enjoy sharing your smile once again with affordable, lasting orthodontic treatments in Bountiful, UT, and surrounding communities.
