Acquiring braces in any form is an exciting time; a lot of people see this as a rite of passage, as it aids your body in its transition from a young person into the early stages of adulthood. But don’t get the wrong idea; orthodontics isn’t exclusive to teenagers. In fact, patients of any age can receive this specialized form of care.
Are you curious to learn more about orthodontics in York? If so, we’d highly recommend contacting our local dental clinic when you can. Our team is here to help you with anything you.
Orthodontics Explained
Dental medicine consists of multiple branches of care, each one focusing on a specific aspect of oral health to treat conditions more accurately and precisely. Orthodontics is an example of this. This avenue is dedicated to straightening/realigning patients’ smiles and addressing issues that negatively impact your jaw.
Prior to undergoing any official treatment, you’ll be required to meet with a dentist near you so they can evaluate the current state of your teeth, gums, and jawbone. This is done through x-rays and examining your oral cavity. Your previous dental/medical history and preferences will be discussed too.
There are a few modes of treatment that you can receive depending on the degree of adjustments your smile needs. Options include traditional braces, lingual braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligner therapy (Invisalign). Generally, traditional braces are recommended for patients who need more major restorations.
Treatment:
How It Works
Whether you’re set to receive metal braces or plastic trays, the mechanisms behind each method of treatment are extremely similar. Both devices exert constant pressure on your teeth, and this concentrated force encourages bone regeneration and movement. When this phenomenon occurs over an extended period, your teeth will eventually shift into new positions that are healthier for you.
Once your orthodontic journey has begun, continual checkups are necessary so that your dentist in York can monitor your progress and ensure that your treatment is working effectively. The frequency of these appointments tends to differ slightly between traditional braces and Invisalign. You’ll be expected to come in approximately every 4-6, sometimes 8 weeks to have your brackets tightened, while Invisalign therapy usually only requires check-ins to occur around the 6 week mark.
It is at the discretion of your orthodontist as to when you should come in and see them. Of course, if you have any questions or require emergency care, don’t hesitate to reach out to them, no appointment necessary.
How Long It Takes
As is the case with most dental treatments, the duration of treatment is highly dependent on the patient. Factors such as their daily lifestyle, oral hygiene routine, your dentist’s expert opinion, and the type of care you’re receiving all impact how long your journey will last.
With that said, acquiring specialized care can often be a time commitment in addition to being a financial one. Patients typically need to wear their braces/trays between 12 months to 2 years.
If you’re wanting your journey to be as effective and as quick as possible, be sure to:
- Follow all the instructions provided to you by your dental team.
- Brush and floss at least twice a day.
- Use scissors, not your teeth to open packages.
- Avoid tobacco.
- Wear a mouthguard to protect your smile.
- And, of course, attend your periodic checkups.
Schedule an Appointment with Us Today!
At Caledonia Crosstown Dental Centre, we provide high-quality orthodontics near you. Patients of all ages are invited to come in for a one-on-one consultation with our specialists to discuss the best options available to improve their smiles. Our staff is here to guide you through every step of the process, so you feel comfortable and don’t encounter any surprises.
Are you ready to start chasing your dental dreams? If so, give us a call, head to our website and fill out the form, or drop by our location when you have the time to set up an appointment. We’re very excited to collaborate with you!