A straight smile doesn’t just look good, it reduces your risk for dental problems. Crowded teeth are harder to clean and increase the chances of tooth decay, gum disease and broken teeth by accident.
Orthodontic treatment Louisville KY can correct crooked teeth and misaligned jaws in kids, teens and adults. Learn about the various orthodontic options available to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a modern alternative to metal braces, and are almost invisible. They work by applying consistent pressure over time to move teeth into a more desirable position. They can treat mild to moderate crowding or spacing issues, straighten rotated or tipped teeth and close gaps between teeth.
During the initial consultation, we will take photos and X-rays of your teeth to get a detailed look at the structure of your mouth. From there, we will be able to create a 3D image of your teeth. This will help us decide if clear aligners are right for you.
If you decide to go with clear aligners, we will create a customized treatment plan. The duration and course of the treatment will be decided based on your needs and priorities. You will be given a series of clear trays to wear 22-24 hours each day (remove them when eating or brushing). These trays are designed to gradually move your teeth.
Metal Braces
Using metal brackets, a metal wire and elastic bands, traditional braces treat a wide range of orthodontic issues. This includes crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, misaligned jaws and a poor bite (also known as malocclusion).
The metal wire, also called an archwire, is the core of a brace. It provides the correct amount of flexibility and force to help guide the teeth into their new position. It’s usually made of stainless steel, which provides the best mix of flexibility and strength.
The small elastic ties, or rubber bands, that go around each individual bracket are another essential component of the metal brace system. They apply gentle, continuous pressure to encourage the right kind of movement for a healthy, beautiful smile. These ties can come in a wide variety of colors, so you can express your personality as you move through treatment. Metal braces are typically best for kids and teens, since their mouths and jaws are still developing.
Invisalign®
A smile with straight teeth is more than just attractive: properly aligned teeth are easier to brush and floss, and less prone to gum disease. Crooked teeth can also affect your speech and chewing abilities, and lead to painful temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
You will receive a series of clear, removable aligners that gradually shift your teeth into place. You will wear each set of trays for about two weeks, changing to the next in the series every few weeks. You will also visit the office regularly for checkups.
Invisalign is a good option for adults with crowding and spacing issues, and some mild to moderate bite problems. It is also more discreet than metal braces. For patients with more severe teeth alignment needs, surgical orthodontics may be required. This is a specialty treatment performed by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. It corrects skeletal abnormalities that include jaw bone deformities, and other craniofacial conditions. It can also be used in conjunction with Invisalign treatments to speed up the process.
Retainers
After a long time of wearing braces, the day will come when you get to remove them. This is an exciting moment, but it is important to remember that you are not done with your orthodontic treatment Louisville KY yet.
After the removal of your braces, you will begin a retention period. This is a necessary step in the process of retaining your new, straight smile. Retainers are worn to prevent a phenomenon called “relapse.” This is when your teeth slowly drift back towards their original positions.
Your orthodontist will create a retainer for you that is specifically molded to your mouth and tooth placement. During the retention period, you will wear your retainer for a minimum of 22 hours a day, until it is deemed that you can wear it only at night. For the best results, it is important that you follow your orthodontist’s instructions when wearing your retainer. If you do not, your teeth may shift and your new smile will be lost.
