Each patient will be diagnosed individually and have a custom-made treatment plan depending on the alignment of their teeth and jaw spaces. Treatment time is related to types of the orthodontic appliances being used. Fixed braces take less treatment time than removable braces. Age is one factor that affects the treatment time, as adults need longer treatment time than children. At the completion of active orthodontic treatment, the retainer is worn to keep the teeth fitted in the right position. In order to wait for the bone, gum, and tissue adapt to the new positions and to prevent the teeth from moving back towards their original positions, the whole orthodontic process may take about 1-3 years on average.
Post-Treatment
The successful treatment significantly depends on the patients’ cooperation. Proper oral care is important because wires that trap food can cause cavities. The patients should brush their teeth after eating, and removable braces should be taken out to brush as well. In case of wearing fixed braces, after meal brushing is suggested. A special toothbrush that has its brush-head specifically designed with a space in the middle is available to help clean the aligned teeth more effectively. While taking a shower, you may try spraying water into the mouth to help clean the teeth. As most orthodontics take time, special oral care is necessary to prevent tooth decay.
Types of appliances
Removable braces
Removable braces are a plastic base plate with wires attached. The use is limited to correcting minor problems involving a single tooth or controlling the growth of jaws. Some removable braces are used as retainers to hold patients’ teeth in position at the end of the treatment.
Fixed braces
Lingual orthodontics
Lingual orthodontics help straighten your teeth with braces that are placed on the inner aspect of the teeth. Lingual orthodontics are unnoticeable and do not damage your teeth’s surface, thus you can smile with more confidence.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a series of invisible aligners that is custom-molded for each customer. The tool is closely attached to the patient’s teeth and totally unnoticeable to others.
Since there is no metal wires or bands to bother you during the process, you don’t have to worry about loosing the tool while eating or having the food trapped on wires. Removing and cleaning processes are simple. For a better result, wearing the invisalign all day and night (take them off only while you eat, brush your teeth, or floss them) is recommended.
