A healthy smile is not merely a cosmetic feature, but it is also a sign of your overall health and self-esteem. The orthodontic services have evolved far beyond traditional metal braces. The modern services are inconspicuous and practical methods used to straighten your teeth and to improve jaw alignment and function. Bridging a gap, correcting a crowded smile, or addressing a complex bite concern, modern orthodontics offers practical solutions for all life stages.
At The Encino Dentist, we are committed to helping everyone achieve a smile they can be proud of. Our professional team uses the latest technology to design personalized treatment solutions, including clear aligners and high-tech ceramic braces. These make your process of achieving a flawless smile as comfortable as it is effective. Let’s examine orthodontic services in detail.
Why Orthodontic Services Matter
While the most visible outcome of orthodontic treatment is a straighter smile, the clinical necessity of the procedures is much deeper than their aesthetic benefits. Orthodontics is a fundamental aspect of preventive care, which deals with structural misalignment, referred to as malocclusions. This misalignment could contribute to broader health concerns and physical comfort.
The first health hazard associated with crowded or crooked teeth is the increased difficulty of maintaining dental hygiene. The overlapping teeth form inaccessible areas of the tooth, where plaque and bacteria can accumulate. Despite careful brushing, these areas remain vulnerable to localized decay and periodontal disease. Orthodontics helps to correct the position of the dental arch, thereby ensuring successful cleaning. This is the greatest protection against tooth loss and chronic gum inflammation.
Severely misaligned teeth result in an unequal distribution of force during biting and chewing. This imbalance causes faster, uneven enamel wear of teeth, increasing the risks of fractures and sensitivity. Besides, a malocclusion causes a lot of stress to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (TMD). Symptoms of an out-of-equilibrium bite include chronic jaw pain, clicking sounds, and tension headaches (TMD). Orthodontic treatment will redistribute these forces, decrease the load on the jaw, and preserve the structural integrity of the facial skeleton.
Beyond the mouth, orthodontics affects essential functions:
- Digestion — The improper bite results in the inability to chew, which in turn causes digestive problems as the stomach is compelled to work harder to digest bigger food particles.
- Speech — Proper tooth and jaw alignment can improve pronunciation and articulation.
- Sleep and airway — Sometimes, advanced orthodontics may be used to enlarge the palate or reposition the jaw, which can be a critical aspect in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.
The psychological benefits are as significant as the physical ones. Having a healthy smile goes a long way in determining self-image and social self-confidence. Overcoming the obstacle of a self-conscious smile will enable people to participate more actively in both the workplace and personal life, which will be a significant advantage of orthodontic treatment.
Is There a “Right” Age for Orthodontics?
A common misconception is that orthodontic treatment must wait until all permanent teeth have erupted. In fact, orthodontics is a discipline that is stage-specific throughout life. The right time to treat a patient can range from interceptive care in early childhood to complex adult restorative cases. It primarily depends on the patient’s biological development and their individual dental needs.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), all children should be screened by age seven to facilitate orthodontic treatment. At this stage, the “six-year molars” have typically erupted, establishing the back bite. This enables an expert to measure the relationships between teeth in the front and back, as well as the transverse and anteroposterior relationships.
An early check-up does not always mean there is a need for instant braces. Instead, it allows interceptive orthodontics. Orthodontists can treat children when their jawbones are still developing, and as a result:
- Guide jaw growth — Used to correct crossbites or narrow palates with the help of expanders
- Habit correction — When the bone structure is occasionally deformed by thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting, this needs to be corrected.
- Space management — This is done to create a space where crowded permanent teeth can grow, thereby reducing the need for future extractions of permanent teeth or orthognathic surgery.
Among most patients, the most common period of treatment is the early teenage years (11 to 14 years old). This is a period of accelerated growth, as the patient has lost most or even all of their primary teeth. The rapid growth spurts during puberty can be leveraged to address bite discrepancies more effectively.
During this phase, the high metabolic rate of the bone allows for faster tooth movement and more stable results. This is also a socially adaptive period in which orthodontics is normalized among peers and thus becomes a rite of passage, especially for many.
Orthodontics is no longer limited to children. Nowadays, one out of every four orthodontic patients is an adult. Although the exact biological mechanism of the movement of teeth occurs at any age, the treatment of adults differs in two crucial factors:
- Absence of growth — The jawbones of an adult have already matured as compared to those of a child. Structural changes that could once be handled with growth-guidance appliances may now require orthognathic surgery or specialized “camouflage” techniques.
- Periodontal health — It is more likely that adult patients have suffered some degree of bone loss or gum disease, which should be treated before and during treatment.
Adult orthodontics has never been more attractive than it is today, thanks to modern technology. Professional aesthetic issues are addressed through discreet devices, like clear aligners, lingual braces (which are placed behind the teeth), and ceramic brackets. For seniors, orthodontics may be a preparatory measure in which tilted teeth are straightened to facilitate the successful placement of dental implants or bridges.
The Evolution of Fixed Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic technology has evolved beyond the cumbersome hardware that was once generalized. Instead, it has evolved into a well-engineered system that meets the diverse needs of patients. Through constant and controlled pressure, using high-grade stainless steel brackets and archwires, the systems can correct even the most severe tooth misalignments. Below are the various fixed orthodontic appliances:
Old-Fashioned Metal Braces
The old metal braces are the foundation of the field. Although the appearance is more familiar, the contemporary versions are much slimmer. They do not occupy much space compared to soft oral tissues. This makes the patient more comfortable during the entire treatment process. These stainless steel elements have an unsurpassed lifespan and, therefore, are more often desired when making complex structural adjustments.
Ceramic Braces
Although metal has been proven to be very reliable, many patients are more focused on achieving a more subtle look. This has resulted in the popularity of ceramic or clear braces. These appliances are made of a clear material that resembles the natural color of tooth enamel, making the brackets barely visible even from a distance.
This aesthetic advantage introduces a trade-off in material properties. Ceramic is inherently more brittle than steel and requires more careful handling to avoid bracket fracture.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are used by individuals who want complete concealment. The entire corrective appliance is positioned on the back of the teeth. This position makes the braces completely hidden, even in everyday social interactions. It makes them a highly sophisticated solution among professionals and those who need to be on the go.
The fact that the hardware is embedded in the same space as the tongue occupies means that patients have to undergo a short period of learning to retune their speech and deal with initial sensitivity. It highlights the extent to which digital customization will be necessary for these systems.
Self-Ligating Braces
Moving beyond simple placement and material changes, self-ligating braces present a mechanical reorientation of the teeth’s movement. In contrast to old-fashioned systems, which use elastic ligatures to hold the archwire and bracket together, self-ligating systems utilize a specific sliding door system or a clip to secure the archwire and bracket. The innovation reduces friction between the wire and the appliance, making it easier for the teeth to move and clean. This is because the absence of rubber bands eliminates the plaque-trapping feature found in older designs.
Choosing the Right System Between Mechanical Leverage vs. Aesthetic Convenience
Clear aligner therapy has revolutionized the orthodontic world, as fixed wires and brackets have been replaced with a set of clear, removable plastic aligners.
The process begins with high-definition 3D digital mapping, which enables the practitioner to plan the precise path of all teeth before they are even subject to treatment. The application of advanced programs allows patients to visualize their expected outcomes through digital simulation. It ensures that every step in the series of trays works to achieve a final result, each with high clinical precision.
Although the trays are depicted as plain plastic shells, they may utilize small, tooth-like attachment parts or buttons to achieve intricate motions. These composite resin grips are temporarily attached to the teeth and provide an anchor point for applying pressure, allowing them to be rotated or lifted into place. Many patients find these attachments surprising. However, they are the primary mechanism behind the aligners. They enable the plastic to adhere to the tooth surface and make movements that were previously only achievable with traditional metal hardware.
The primary advantage of clear aligner therapy is that it can be removed. This enables patients to eat a wide range of foods without risking damage to their appliances. Moreover, since the trays are removed when brushing and flossing, it is much easier to maintain periodontal health as compared to when using fixed braces.
However, this flexibility becomes a source of a gap in the discipline because the achievement of the treatment solely relies on the patient’s compliance. To maintain the consistency of the biological process of tooth movement, the trays should be worn in the mouth for at least 22 hours a day, with minimal time allowed for meals and oral hygiene.
Although aligner technology has developed rapidly, some complex orthodontic cases will still benefit from the use of fixed braces. Clear aligners are good at sealing gaps and correcting moderate crowding. They may struggle with more severe jaw mismatches or gross movement of the vertically oriented teeth, which require greater biomechanical control. Knowledge of these drawbacks enables patients to work with their orthodontist to determine whether their own malocclusion would be best addressed using Invisalign or traditional orthodontics.
Common Bite Problems
The diagnosis of orthodontics revolves around determining certain malocclusions, which are the non-optimal positioning of the teeth and jaws. Although some patients may seek treatment for a diastema, a visible gap or space between two teeth, most clinical issues are associated with the intricate nature of the interaction between the upper and lower arches.
Crowding is caused by teeth that are too large to fit in a small jaw, resulting in them either twisting or overlapping each other. This discrepancy leads to direct hygiene issues. These cramped spaces trap food debris, exacerbating the risk of regional deterioration and inflammatory swelling of the gums.
The common bite problems include:
Vertical Bite Discrepancies
Going beyond tooth position, vertical bite problems, like overbite and open bite, have a significant impact on the longevity of teeth. In a deep overbite, the upper front teeth overly intersect the lower teeth, and in some cases, the lower incisors bite the top of the mouth. This contact may cause severe gum damage and premature tooth enamel deterioration.
On the other hand, an open bite is when the teeth of the upper and lower front fail to meet even after the jaws have been closed. Most frequently, the result of childhood behaviors like thumb sucking and an open bite places all chewing pressure on the back teeth. This leads to premature wear and potential jaw joint dysfunction.
Horizontal and Structural Misalignments
Underbites and crossbites are much more serious issues that leave horizontal discrepancies. The lower teeth being placed in front of the upper teeth may be an underbite. This is usually caused by an imbalance in the skeletal structure, which may alter the symmetry of the face and also make it difficult to chew food.
On the same note, a crossbite is a position in which the upper teeth are positioned within the lower teeth, either at the front or at the back. When left uncorrected, a crossbite will cause the jaw to tilt to one side in an attempt to compensate for the misalignment. This can result in long-term facial asymmetry and chronic pain in the TMJ.
Note: Orthodontists employ specific techniques to address these diverse structural needs. Although a diastema can be resolved or minor crowding can be corrected using traditional braces or aligners, skeletal problems, including a small palate, may require the use of a palatal expander to enlarge the upper jaw physically.
Through intervention with the relevant appliance, practitioners have the potential to either redirect the growth of the jaw or reposition the tooth in a stable relationship with it. Doing so allows the arches of the teeth to work together as a whole, rather than competing with each other.
What to Expect During Your Orthodontic Treatment
The process begins with a general diagnostic consultation to assess the unique characteristics of your mouth’s anatomy. Modern orthodontics has largely replaced traditional impression materials with high-end digital technology. When you are sitting in the comfort chair, this device captures thousands of frames per second to produce an exact 3D image of your teeth and jaws. With special X-rays, these scans enable your orthodontist to see the location of the roots and the positions of the jaw to design your unique system of treatment.
Bonding Day
Once you have made your plan, you will return on the “bonding day,” which is the day your fixed appliances are fitted. This will be completely painless and will only require you to prepare your tooth surfaces with a mild etching solution to provide a strong bond.
The orthodontist applies special paste to the base of all the brackets, bonds them to the enamel, and then uses a high-intensity curing light to harden the bond immediately. The team will pass the first archwire through your brackets and fasten it, which marks the beginning of the initial phase of controlled orthodontic force.
The Maintenance Phase
A regular orthodontic treatment means that you have to visit an orthodontist regularly, every four or eight weeks. During these visits, your orthodontist can assess the progress of your tooth movement and replace your archwires with slightly stronger ones to ensure your teeth are moving in the correct direction.
Although you may feel tightness or a slight degree of soreness within a day or two after an adjustment, your roots must move through the supporting bone, which is a natural process that can be facilitated through these visits.
Managing Change and Emergencies
During this phase, you may occasionally be required to handle minor mechanical issues, like a broken bracket or a protruding wire. Most of these events are easy to deal with at home, as they can be covered with the help of orthodontic wax to prevent any sharp points until you visit the office and can have them fixed. Ensuring that there is an open line of communication with your clinical team will help prevent those few setbacks from affecting the overall treatment schedule.
Through proper oral care and regular oral checkups, you are gradually headed to the next stage of your journey, the deboning session. It is where the appliances are then removed, and your final healthy outcome is achieved.
Selecting the Right Post-Treatment Hardware
The day you get the braces off, or when you receive your final tray of aligners, marks a significant achievement. However, it is not the time to celebrate your orthodontic treatment. Your teeth are anchored by a complex network of periodontal ligaments that possess “elastic memory.” This means that they naturally attempt to pull your teeth back toward their original, misaligned positions. To prevent this biological phenomenon, you must undergo the retention step. This is a lifelong commitment to ensure your new smile remains permanent, just as the surrounding bone and fibers become completely hard.
Your orthodontist will provide a customized retainer tailored to the complexity of your initial bite and your specific lifestyle needs.
- A Hawley retainer, a typical metal wire design with an individually made, shaped acrylic plate that fits on top of the roof of your mouth, is a durable and adjustable alternative.
- For a more discreet appearance, Essix or Vivera retainers offer a transparent and plastic version that easily fits around your teeth, much like an aligner tray. Although these apparent alternatives are practically invisible, they are prone to wear and tear, and ultimately, they must be replaced as the material either stretches over time or wears out.
- Your orthodontist might suggest a fixed (permanent) retainer, whereby they bond a fine, custom-shaped wire to the back of your front teeth. This “set-and-forget” approach eliminates the risk of you losing the appliance or forgetting to wear it, providing constant security for your most visible teeth. However, this convenience presents a new hygienic challenge because you have to apply special threaders of floss to clean between the wire and the border of the gum. Many patients have a hybrid model, where they use a fixed wire as a security measure, but at night, they use a removable clear retainer to achieve maximum stability.
To maintain your results, it is essential to care for your hardware carefully and clean it regularly. Furthermore, it is recommended that you wash your removable retainers with a soft toothbrush and non-abrasive soap at the end of every day to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and calcium deposits. The mouth will continue to change slightly as age progresses.
Therefore, it is necessary to take your retainers with you to routine dental checkups to have them evaluated for fit. When you realize that retention is a lifetime, you can be assured that you will get to smile, and it will be forever, and that it will be worth the time and cost you spend coming to the treatment.
Find an Orthodontist Near Me
A bright, self-assured smile is not merely a beauty tool, but also an indicator of overall health and a means of achieving lasting self-worth. The process of selecting orthodontic treatment is a transformative process that aligns your teeth and enhances your overall well-being. It is up to you whether you will require traditional braces or modern clear aligners, but the accuracy of the professional care will give you results that will last you for a long time.
You do not want to leave your smile to chance. At The Encino Dentist, we offer a personalized touch combined with advanced technology to help you achieve the results you deserve. Contact us now at 818-650-0429 to schedule your appointment and take the first step toward a healthier, well-aligned smile.