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Over the years, orthodontic teeth straightening treatments have come a long way. Today, there are orthodontic solutions for every age, every lifestyle and every budget, making it easier than ever to attain the smile you desire. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to straighten teeth and correct a misaligned bite. Two ways to go about achieving this is with braces and Invisalign from your orthodontist in Baltimore. Before you decide to start treatment, it is important to investigate your options. Your orthodontist can help you determine the best treatment for your individual needs, goals and expectations. Orthodontic Braces Orthodontic braces have evolved immensely over the past few decades. Today, braces are smaller in size and shift teeth to their desired position faster than ever. Even with the growing popularity of Invisalign, there is a lot that can be said about the improvements of traditional wire braces. Braces place a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, and are designed to slowly move teeth through their supporting bone to a new desirable position. Braces can either be removable or fixed (cemented and/or bonded to the teeth). They are usually made of metal, ceramic or plastic. Today's braces are generally less noticeable than their predecessors: a metal band with a bracket (the part of the braces that hold the wire) placed around each tooth. Unlike years past, the front teeth typically have only the bracket bonded directly to the tooth (instead of surrounding the tooth). This greatly diminishes the old characteristic "tin grin." Brackets can be clear or colored, depending on the patient's preference. In some cases, "lingual braces" are bonded behind the teeth. Wires are also less noticeable than their stainless steel predecessors. Some are made of technologically advanced alloys of nickel, titanium, copper and cobalt. Some are even heat-activated. All kinds of new wire materials are designed to exert a steady, gentle pressure on the teeth, so that the tooth-moving process may be faster and more comfortable for patients, and ultimately, reduce the number of appointments needed to make adjustments. Invisible Invisalign Treatment With advancements in dental technology, the Invisalign system has quickly emerged as one of the most preferred teeth straightening solutions on the market. Invisalign treatment straightens teeth using a series of clear, plastic aligners. The discreetness of the Invisalign trays is appealing to adults that don't want others to know they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. Since the trays are removable, patients have the flexibility to eat and brush normally. Additionally, with no wires or brackets to irritate or rub against gums, Invisalign is typically more comfortable than traditional braces. Because the clear trays can be removed, this leaves a lot of room for user error. When the trays are not worn for the required amount of time each day, the progress will be slowed down considerably. Invisalign must be worn consistently in order to work effectively. Using 3-D imaging technology, Invisalign aligners are custom fit to the patient's mouth, depicting the entire treatment timeline. The aligners are changed dependent upon the amount of the correction necessary. Invisalign is a great solution for both teens and adults as long as adjustments needed are only minor. Children and individuals with severe malocclusions will find greater success with traditional wire braces. The Benefits of a Straighter Smile There are many benefits of a straighter smile. Teeth that are properly positioned are easier to care and clean, which helps reduce a person's risk of decay and plaque build up. Correcting a misaligned bite with orthodontic treatments will also improve chewing and speech. More than improved oral health and the ability to chew properly, a straight smile can also play a large role in improving and restoring an individual's self-image. Teeth that function better also look better which can dramatically improve the confidence for a patient of any age. Before you make a decision about straightening your teeth, visit your Baltimore orthodontist. He can examine your teeth, review your goals and expectations, and help you determine the most effective treatment that will deliver the best results. While early orthodontic treatment will maximize effectiveness, orthodontics can help you achieve a beautiful, well-aligned smile regardless of age. For children, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends receiving an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven.
Sean Hartmen writes for Dr. Stanley Markovitz, a leading Baltimore Invisalign dentist and elite premier provider of Invisalign. Offering expertise in all phases of orthodontia, including braces and Invisalign, this Invisalign orthodontist in Baltimore offers outstanding care for patients of every age.
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