Best Orthodontic Treatment Options in 2019
Crooked, crowded, or overlapped teeth can detract from a beautiful smile and compromise your oral health and function. Patients that want to straighten their teeth can schedule a visit at our Philadelphia, PA practice. During your appointment, an experienced orthodontist will discuss your options with you.
Here, our team explores three of the best orthodontic treatment options in 2019.
#1: Invisalign
Possibly our most popular treatment, Invisalign® straightens the teeth discreetly, without the need for metal brackets, bands, or wires. Your orthodontist designs a series of custom aligner trays, which are worn for 22 hours every day. The trays can be removed for meals and when brushing and flossing. Because the aligners are made from clear thermoplastic materials, no one will even know you’re undergoing treatment.
Is Invisalign Right for Me?
Invisalign can correct many of the same issues that traditional braces can. Therefore, many patients can benefit from the treatment. However, it is not right for everyone. If you have severe malocclusion or misalignment, you may be better suited to conventional orthodontics.
#2: Braces
The most versatile orthodontic option, braces address oral health, function, and aesthetics. Braces gradually shift the teeth over time using gentle pressure, which is applied with special brackets and wires.
Typically, patients have their braces adjusted about once a month. The timeline depends on the specific needs of the patient, but most individuals can complete treatment in about 12 to 24 months.
Am I a Candidate for Braces?
Virtually anyone interested in straightening their teeth can benefit from braces. To qualify, candidates must be in good oral health, and should not have gum disease or extensive tooth decay. If other restorative treatments are necessary, they will be performed prior to orthodontics.
#3: Fastbraces
Some individuals want to straighten their teeth as quickly as possible. Now there is an effective way to do this. As the name suggests, Fastbraces™ work much faster than traditional braces, due to patented elbow-shaped brackets and improved wire flexibility.
Conventional braces move the crowns of the teeth first, then the roots. This process takes time. Fastbraces expedites the treatment by moving the crowns and roots at the same time. As a result, treatment can be completed in about one year, and sometimes in just a few months.
With over two decades of research, Fastbraces is considered safe and effective for children and adults.
Do I Qualify for Fastbraces?
Generally, patients who are candidates for traditional braces are also eligible for Fastbraces. There are a couple of exceptions, however.
For instance, those with severe overcrowding or TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder) may be better qualified for conventional orthodontics. The only way to know for sure is to schedule a visit at our Philadelphia practice.
Contact Us Today
If crooked teeth make you feel self-conscious about your appearance, consider scheduling an appointment at our practice. During a consultation, one of our skilled orthodontists can help determine which treatment option is right for you. Contact us online anytime or give us a call at one of our three office locations.
