Many general and family dentists now offer Invisalign® treatment. While these practitioners receive sufficient training from the aligner company, a qualified orthodontist provides a higher level of care.
Orthodontists spend years honing their knowledge of facial anatomy and tooth movement, which results in better, longer-lasting Invisalign outcomes.
How Invisalign Works
Invisalign uses clear, medical-grade plastic trays to shift your teeth over time. Your orthodontist will ask you to change to the next aligner in the series approximately every one to two weeks.
As treatment progresses, each tray brings the teeth closer to their ideal positions. After 12 to 18 months, you will have the smile you’ve always wanted.
Advantages of Invisalign
Discreet
Teens and adults often prefer to keep their orthodontic treatment private. Invisalign allows them to change their smiles without brackets and wires intruding on their appearance.
Comfortable
The aligners are smooth to the touch, and patients quickly become accustomed to wearing them. They do not irritate tender oral tissues like braces can.
Quick Treatment
Invisalign treatment may be faster than braces. The average treatment time is roughly 12 to 18 months, while braces may take up to three years.
Improved Oral Health
Invisalign patients have better oral health outcomes than braces patients because it is challenging to clean around brackets and wires.
No Food Restrictions
Braces patients must avoid many types of food, including hard, crunchy, and sticky choices. Invisalign comes out to allow patients to eat freely.
Easy Care
Caring for braces can be challenging. Since patients can remove their aligners, Invisalign allows easier maintenance and further improves patients’ oral health.
The Invisalign Treatment Process
Step 1: Consultation
You will meet with your orthodontist and have the opportunity to ask questions about any part of the process. Your orthodontist will help you decide whether Invisalign is the proper choice or whether another orthodontic system may be better for you.
Step 2: Design
Your orthodontist will take a series of images with an intraoral scanner. This scanner will create a 3-D digital model of your mouth, enabling your doctor to visualize how your teeth will move. Your orthodontist will use this data to design a graduated set of aligners to correct your smile.
Step 3: Wearing Your Aligners
After the aligners return from the Invisalign lab, you will have a fitting appointment. Your orthodontist will ensure the trays fit smoothly and comfortably, preparing you for changing them once every one to two weeks. They will also ensure you understand how to use and care for the aligners. You will return to the office every six to eight weeks for check-ups.
Step 4: Retainer
After the aligner series is complete, your teeth will be in ideal positions. To protect your new smile, you must wear a retainer as prescribed, whether at night, during the day, or both. If you do not keep up with retainer wear, your teeth will want to shift back to their original position.
Benefits of Receiving Invisalign Treatment From an Orthodontist
- Orthodontists understand tooth movement better than general dentists. They know how moving teeth affects a patient’s oral and overall health.
- If something goes wrong, a general dentist may not know how to help you. An orthodontist can handle complications without the need to send you to another specialist.
- Orthodontic specialists have more advanced design skills than general dentists. Rather than simply following the instructions given from the aligner company, they can create a highly individualized plan for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
How will the aligners affect my hygiene habits?
Fortunately, Invisalign treatment makes it easy to keep your teeth clean and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Since you will remove your aligners for cleaning, you can easily brush and floss.
What makes someone an ideal candidate for Invisalign?
- Mild to moderate orthodontic correction needs
- No active gum disease or tooth decay
- Fully erupted permanent teeth
- Excellent oral hygiene habits
- Willing to wear the aligners 20-22 hours daily for at least 12 to 18 months
- Ready to take control of their orthodontic treatment
Call Andover Orthodontics
If you are ready to consider straightening your teeth, Invisalign can help. Our skilled orthodontist, Dr. Anthony Broccoli, is highly experienced with Invisalign and creates beautiful, healthy smiles. Please call our Andover, MA, office at 978-475-0450 to book your consultation today.
If you or your child needs orthodontic care, you have more options today than ever. Invisalign, for example, is an increasingly popular treatment for correcting bite and alignment problems. Offering benefits including discretion, freedom to enjoy all of your favorite foods, and in some cases, expedited treatment times, Invisalign successfully treats mild to moderate orthodontic conditions in teens and adults. So, how do you get Invisalign? Read on to learn more about correcting orthodontic conditions with Invisalign.
Getting Started with Invisalign: What to Expect
The first step in your Invisalign journey will involve a consultation and evaluation with a top-reviewed orthodontist who is highly experienced with Invisalign. During this examination and evaluation, the orthodontist will determine if you are a suitable candidate for Invisalign. Invisalign is best suited for patients who:
- Have a mild to moderate malocclusion (overbite, underbite, cross bite, open bite)
- Have mild to moderate alignment issues (crowding, gaps, crooked, or slanted teeth)
- Are in good oral health (free of gum disease or infections)
- Have all of your permanent teeth
- Are dedicated to following the treatment plan by wearing trays as prescribed
To confirm that Invisalign is an appropriate treatment, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough oral examination, including technologically advanced digital imaging scans and impressions. Your orthodontist will then determine if Invisalign is right for you, or if you’re better suited to orthodontic treatment with traditional metal braces or clear braces.
Approved for Invisalign: What’s Next?
Once your orthodontist has confirmed Invisalign is a suitable orthodontic treatment for you, they will provide you with a preview of what your smile will look like after completing your treatment. They will then use your digital images and impressions to custom-design your treatment plan. The treatment plan and all digital images will be sent to the lab to create your alignment trays.
Once your trays have arrived from the lab, you’ll return to the orthodontist to start your treatment with Invisalign. Your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions for wearing and caring for your alignment trays. You will likely wear your first set of trays for 2 weeks, but will change your trays at a quicker pace once you get used to them.
When you start your treatment, your orthodontist may need to place Invisalign “buttons” on some of your teeth. These buttons are made of tooth-colored resin and are used to specifically expedite alignment of teeth. Likewise, if you require treatment to correct a bite issue, the use of elastics (rubber bands) may be used, to reposition the jaw into the proper position.
You will continue to see your orthodontist during your treatment for progress evaluations. However, with Invisalign, you’ll likely have fewer orthodontic appointments during treatment, than those who have traditional or clear braces.
Completing Invisalign Treatment
Your Invisalign treatment may last as few as 6 months or as long as 2 years, depending on the severity of misalignment in the teeth and jaw. On average, most people complete treatment in about 12 months.
Once you’ve progressed through all trays in your treatment plan, you’ll transition to a retainer, to keep your teeth in their proper position. You will need to wear your retainer most hours of the day initially, before gradually reducing your wear time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign
Will Invisalign be covered by insurance?
Today many insurance companies that provide orthodontic coverage are flexible on the type of orthodontic treatment you choose. Coverage often applies to either braces or Invisalign.
Is Invisalign safe for teenagers?
Absolutely. Responsible teenagers with mild to moderate orthodontic conditions are often excellent candidates for Invisalign. Made of BPA-free plastic, Invisalign trays are actually gentler on the soft tissues of the mouth than traditional braces.
Book an Invisalign Appointment in Andover, MA
If you’d like to correct imperfections in your smile, or if your teen requires orthodontic treatment, book a consultation with Dr. Anthony Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics. Dr. Broccoli is a highly experienced Board-Certified Orthodontist in Andover, just minutes from Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, Westford, and surrounding communities. Request your appointment online or call 978-475-0450.
Orthodontic treatment can cause discomfort, as the teeth shift in the bone. However, the sensation most patients experience is one of pressure, rather than sharp pain. Read on to learn why Invisalign doesn’t hurt the majority of patients.
Invisalign’s Smooth Alignment Trays
Invisalign was created to offer patients an alternative to traditional braces that use brackets and wires to align your teeth. In addition to empowering patients to eat whatever they like, and to undergo discreet orthodontic care, the comfort of Invisalign is undisputed.
Each set of alignment trays is meticulously created from medical grade, BPA-free thermoplastic polymers to snugly fit on your teeth. The materials used to make the Invisalign trays have been approved by the FDA for decades for use inside human bodies.
The smooth plastic is gentle on the delicate skin of the inside cheeks and lips. This eliminates the risk of laceration to the inside cheek, which although rare, can happen with traditional braces if a wire snaps.
Tooth discomfort is a rare side effect of Invisalign, but some people may experience a little sensitivity, due to the pressure being exerted on the teeth while they are moving. Incidentally, tooth sensitivity can also be a side effect of traditional braces, for the same reason.
Switching To New Trays During Your Invisalign Treatment
Nearly all patients who experience discomfort from Invisalign, experience it when they begin treatment or when switching to the next set of trays in their series. This is due to how Invisalign works.
Each set of trays that you’ll wear for 1-2 weeks has the teeth slightly more aligned than the previous position of your teeth. The plastic aligner gently squeezes your teeth into the straighter position with a gentle, consistent force. Traditional braces, which use a wire threaded through brackets to pull your teeth into alignment, can sometimes exert higher forces and therefore feel more uncomfortable. Overall, people have generally felt less discomfort with Invisalign than traditional braces.
Managing Discomfort During Invisalign Treatment
No two people are the same. So, although some people may not experience pain from orthodontic treatment, others may experience some discomfort. If you are dealing with pain from any form of orthodontic treatment, there are many safe ways to get relief.
- Apply ice packs to the face near the tender area
- Use an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or generic acetaminophen
- Use an over-the-counter oral anesthetic such as Orajel or Anbesol
- Switch to a soft food diet temporarily
- Rinse mouth with warm salt water
If you experience severe pain that cannot be managed with any of these home remedies, be sure to notify your orthodontist.
Frequently Asked Questions about Invisalign
How Young Can Kids Get Invisalign?
Children who have all of their adult teeth are the best candidates for Invisalign Teen. This is generally around the age of 12 but may vary from child to child.
Can I Skip a Set of Invisalign Trays to Speed Up Treatment?
No. Putting too much force on the teeth can cause significant pain. In addition, skipping trays may cause poor “tracking” of your teeth in the aligner and actually prolong your treatment time.
Book a Consultation for Invisalign in Andover, MA
Dr. Broccoli and his team have helped thousands of teens and adults correct problems with their bite and misaligned teeth with Invisalign. If you’d like to learn if Invisalign is right for you or your teen, book an appointment by calling 978-475-0450.
Braces are still a very popular way to straighten misaligned teeth in children and adolescents (and sometimes for adults too!). Both metal and clear braces are now available to suit every style and budget. However, there’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to the dos and don’ts of having braces. From how to take care of them to what foods you can eat, patients getting braces usually have a lot of questions. Some of the most common questions we hear are about which foods they can and cannot eat.
Best Diet for Braces
When you first get braces, you’ll have to eat a soft diet while you get accustomed to them. This may include foods like oatmeal, yogurt, scrambled eggs, soups, pastas, and mashed potatoes. As time goes on, you’ll be able to add in firmer foods so your diet is not quite so restricted. However, it is always best practice to go for the softest foods possible when you have braces, even if you’ve had them for years.
Why Do Certain Foods Need to Be Avoided With Braces?
Hard, sticky, or gummy foods can damage your braces and lead to more extensive dental work to repair the damage. Hard food can cause physical damage to the brackets, bands, and wires of the braces, while sticky and gummy foods tend to get stuck in the nooks and crannies of the parts, building up over time and causing difficulty with movement along with possible tooth decay. Avoiding these types of foods, along with proper dental hygiene, is the only way to keep your braces in good condition.
Foods to Stay Away From if You Have Braces
These are the most common problem foods for people with dental braces. Avoid the foods on this list, and any other foods like them, completely for the entire time you have braces:
- Crunchy Veggies (don’t bite into a large carrot, cut it into thin strips)
- Hard Candies
- Chewing Gum (sugar-free gum is okay)
- Sticky Candies (Now or Laters, Laughy Taffy, etc)
- Corn on the Cob (just cut it off)
- Beef Jerky
- Hard Pretzels (the large ones)
- Bagels and pizza crust, don’t tear into it with your front teeth, break off smaller pieces and chew them with your back teeth
- Ice
What to Eat Instead
Now that you know what types of food you need to stay away from when you have braces, let’s talk about the foods that are safe to eat:
- Pastas
- Grains
- Mashed Potatoes
- Meats with No Bones
- Cooked Veggies
- Soft Fruits, harder fruits can be cut up.
- Soups
- Dairy Products
- Soft Breads
- Casseroles
- Cheeses
- Seafood
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Braces
What is the best age for braces?
The ideal time to get braces is between 8-14 years old, when most of the adult teeth have erupted but the teeth are still moving into their permanent places. However, older adolescents and adults are also potential candidates for braces. Each dental situation is unique and must be evaluated by a dental professional before a recommendation for braces can be made.
How long do braces take?
Patients will have braces for 1-3 years on average, with the exact amount of time depending on the patient’s specific dental issues, severity of those issues, and age. Some patients complete treatment in just six months, while others may take 3 years.
Need Dental Braces in Andover, MA?
If you’ve noticed misalignment, crowding, or gaps in your child or teen’s adult teeth, it may be time to speak with a dental professional about dental braces. Dr. Broccoli is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and ensures that all of his patients have the most comfortable experience possible with excellent results.
For more information or to book an appointment, call 978-475-0450 or request an appointment online.
Most children will not need to keep a palatal expansion appliance in place for more than six months. Some children may only need to keep their palate expander for five months or less. Your orthodontist will confirm the expected treatment duration for your child when you discuss the treatment plan.
How Does a Palate Expander Work?
Palate expanders widen the upper jaw. Expanding the palate (roof of the mouth) during childhood is ideal, as the palate is still developing and flexible. The palate continues to solidify until adolescence when it becomes much more difficult to expand.
The palatal expander device will be placed by an orthodontist who specializes in interceptive (early) orthodontic treatment. The device looks similar to an orthodontic retainer that you might have worn after braces. Expanders are made of BPA-free plastic and metal. It will fit securely on the roof of your child’s mouth.
A small “key” is used to operate the Expansion appliance. When the key is turned in the oral appliance, it causes the appliance to widen slightly, this expands the palate and allows new bone to grow.
What Conditions Does a Palatal Expander Correct?
Palate expanders are used to treat a narrow upper jaw. In widening the palate, myriad orthodontic conditions can be improved and sometimes prevented including:
- Impacted teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Crossbite
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Open bite
In addition, palate expanders help children who experience difficulty chewing, and those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. A palatal expander device can also help break oral habits such as thumb, finger, or tongue sucking, all of which can lead to orthodontic problems in the future.
Signs Your Child May Need Early Orthodontic Treatment
All children should see an orthodontist by the age of seven. However, your dentist may refer you to an orthodontist earlier, due to potential problems identified during a routine cleaning and exam.
Other children may exhibit symptoms of needing a larger palate that parents identify such as:
- Crossbite (when biting, the upper teeth move inside the lower teeth)
- Crowded, overlapping, or crooked teeth
- Difficulty breathing through the nose
- Speech problems (lisp, difficulty pronouncing certain words)
- Tooth decay or gum disease
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a palate expander be covered by my dental insurance?
Many dental plans do provide partial coverage for orthodontic appliances, including palatal expander devices. Other plans may not provide coverage. For the most accurate information, contact your insurance carrier.
Do you offer financing for interceptive orthodontics?
Andover Orthodontics does offer financing plans for orthodontic care. Talk with our front desk staff about options. You may also be able to use Medical Savings Plans or Flexible Spending Plans for interceptive orthodontic treatment for your child.
Book an Orthodontic Exam for Your Child in Andover, MA
If your child is showing any signs of a narrow upper jaw, schedule an orthodontic exam with Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics. Dr. Broccoli is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. His vast experience and skill in providing successful early orthodontic care are matched only by his friendly approach, which puts young patients at ease. Call 978-475-0450 or send us a message to request an appointment.
A palate expander is a device that helps to correct common orthodontic conditions in children such as crowding, impacted teeth, and malocclusion, including a crossbite. By enlarging the palate (upper jaw), orthodontists can also help children who suffer from sleep-disordered breathing (mouth breathing and snoring). In some cases, a palatal expander may also be indicated to break habits such as thumb or finger sucking.
How Does a Palatal Expander Work?
A palate expander is made from BPA-free plastic and metal, it is custom fabricated to fit snugly along the palate and attach to the upper molars. The function of a palate expander is to widen the upper jaw, by gradually separating the two halves of the jawbone.
To accomplish this, a small “key” is provided with the device. At prescribed intervals, the key will be inserted into the palate expander to incrementally widen it. This pressures the jaw bone to separate, enlarging the upper jaw. Over time, new bone grows in the space between the separated halves.
The use of a palate expander can significantly reduce the length of orthodontic treatment necessary in the future. For some children, a palatal expander will be the only orthodontic treatment they will ever need. Treatment with a palate expander is typically only necessary for a few months, with most children completing treatment within six months.
Does My Child Need Early Orthodontic Intervention?
Children should see an orthodontist by the age of 7, per the American Association of Orthodontists. Seeing an orthodontist when the jaw is still growing and malleable can prevent a host of problems as the child grows up.
By enlarging a too-small palate, the following conditions may be prevented:
- Impacted teeth
- Overcrowding (requiring extractions)
- Crossbite
- Crooked teeth
- Jaw Joint pain
- Fractured teeth
- Teeth grinding
Parents may wish to have their child seen by an orthodontist even earlier if their child exhibits any of the following symptoms:
- Very early tooth loss
- Delayed tooth loss
- Difficulty chewing
- Mouth-breathing
- Crowded teeth
- Pain in the jaw
- Prolonged finger or thumb-sucking
- Protruding jaw
- Significantly misaligned teeth
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Appointment in Andover, MA
Dr. Broccoli, founder of Andover Orthodontics, in Andover, MA is a Google 5-Star reviewed orthodontist treating patients of all ages. An esteemed, highly experienced orthodontist, Dr. Broccoli is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. To book an appointment for yourself or your child, call 978-475-0450 or message us. To best accommodate busy families, Dr. Broccoli begins seeing patients at 7:30 am Mon- Thurs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance pay for a palate expander?
All insurance policies are a bit different. If your dental insurance plan offers coverage for orthodontia, a palate expander may be partly or wholly covered. For specific coverage information, contact your insurance provider. You may be able to use Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Spending Accounts for orthodontic care for your child. Additionally, Andover Orthodontics accepts all major credit cards and offers in-house financing.
Will a palate expander hurt my child?
There can be some discomfort as your child adapts to the device in their mouth. They may also experience a sensation of pressure as the upper jaw is widened. Most young patients adapt quickly to the device without significant discomfort.
Braces for kids needing orthodontic treatment typically range in cost from $3,000-$7,000. The reason for the large range in prices is due to a variety of factors that will impact the total cost. To learn more about factors that influence how much braces cost for kids, read on.
Factors that Influence the Cost of Braces
Various factors will contribute to the total cost of your child’s orthodontic treatment.
Complexity of Orthodontic Issues
The cost of braces for kids who simply need a few teeth straightened will be significantly less than for a child who has a bite problem, partially impacted canines, or needs extractions. Severely twisted or slanted teeth are also more labor-intensive, therefore requiring more appointments and longer treatment times. Moreover, if your child had interceptive orthodontics or a palatal expander when they were younger, the total cost of all orthodontic treatments may be higher.
Type of Braces
Parents of teens may remember a time when the only options for aligning teeth and correcting malocclusions were metal brackets and wire braces. Today, there are a variety of options, including clear bracket braces and Invisalign Teen. Invisalign may be slightly more expensive than metal or clear brackets and wire braces. Clear brackets are typically slightly more than metal brackets.
Length of Treatment
The duration of your child’s orthodontic treatment can also impact the cost of braces for kids. The longer a child needs treatment, the more appointments will be necessary, which increases the cost.
Insurance Coverage
Insurance that provides coverage for orthodontic treatment can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket expense for your child’s braces. However, to ensure that braces are not cost-prohibitive for any patients, many orthodontic practices offer special financing to pay for care over time. In addition, many Medical Savings Accounts (MSA) or Health Savings Accounts (HSA) allow funds to be used for orthodontic treatment. Most orthodontic practices also accept all major credit cards.
Does the Cost of Braces for Kids Include X-rays and Appointments?
When you’re given a quote for the cost of braces for your child, the quote will include all imaging tests needed and the creation of your treatment plan. It is also inclusive of the cost of materials, regular follow-up appointments, and emergency treatment if necessary (broken wire, loose bracket).
The first set of retainers are also included in the treatment fee. There are additional charges for follow up appointments and for lost or broken retainers once treatment is completed. Retainers are typically a few hundred dollars for a removable plastic retainer. The cost of braces does not include treatments such as teeth whitening, cleanings, or fillings that your child has during and after their braces.
Book Your Child’s Orthodontic Evaluation in Andover, MA today
Dr Anthony Broccoli is one of Massachusetts’ most experienced and recognized orthodontists. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontists and a member in good standing with many other local, regional, and national associations. He is a staff member at the Sykes Wellness Center at Phillips Academy Andover and a top Google-reviewed orthodontist serving patients from Andover, Burlington, Boxford, Middleton, Westford, Haverhill, Wilmington, and surrounding communities. To book an appointment with Dr. Broccoli, call 978-475-0450. For your convenience, Dr. Broccoli begins seeing patients at 7:30 a.m. Mon- Thurs.
If you have dental insurance that includes orthodontic coverage, the cost of Invisalign with insurance in Andover, MA can be very affordable. Invisalign treatment is similar in cost to traditional braces, and many insurance policies provide coverage for either Invisalign or braces. Nationwide, treatment with Invisalign ranges from $4,000- $9,000 depending on the complexity of the case. In Andover, MA, and surrounding communities, Invisalign treatment typically costs less than $7,500. Most dental insurance will cover a lifetime maximum amount for braces or Invisalign which could be $2,000-$3,000.
It is important to note that like medical insurance, all dental insurance policies are slightly different. Some may have generous coverage for orthodontic treatment, while others may have fewer benefits. To learn what your out-of-pocket cost will be for Invisalign, contact your insurance company for specifics.
What Affects The Cost of Invisalign?
Even without insurance, Invisalign is typically less than $7000. But, it may be significantly less than that.The total cost of aligning your smile or correcting malocclusion with Invisalign will depend on:
- Severity of the Condition(s)More complex cases will be more expensive to treat with Invisalign, as they require longer treatment and more alignment trays.
- Length of TreatmentThe longer you need to wear your Invisalign, the more follow-up appointments you’ll have, so the cost will be higher. By contrast, if you’re only correcting slight misalignments, your cost will be reduced.
- Geographic LocationDifferent areas of the country have different costs of living. In Andover, MA, you may pay less for Invisalign than in New York City, but more than you would pay in the rural South.
- Orthodontist’s ExperienceA highly experienced, or nationally recognized Orthodontist will command a higher fee for treatment than less experienced providers in most cases.
What is Included in the Cost of Invisalign?
With few exceptions, the cost of your treatment with Invisalign will be all-inclusive. The total amount you are quoted by your orthodontist will include:
- All imaging tests
- Designing your treatment plan
- Smile preview (to see what your teeth will look like after treatment)
- The cost of your Invisalign alignment trays
- Cost of attachments (elastics, buttons, or wings)
- Regular follow-up appointments during treatment
- Replacement trays for one set of damaged aligners
What is Not Included in the Cost of Invisalign?
Some services may not be included in the cost of your Invisalign treatment. However, your insurance may offer coverage. These include:
- Extractions before treatment
- Treatment for oral health conditions before beginning Invisalign (gum disease, cavities, etc.)
- Cosmetic restorative procedures (crowns, fillings) after the teeth are aligned.
Your financial responsibility can often be paid with a credit card. Those with Health or Medical Savings Accounts may also be allowed to use them for orthodontic treatment. Finally, some orthodontic practices may offer helpful no-interest payment plans to help make your care more affordable.
Book a Consultation for Invisalign in Andover, MA
When you schedule a consultation for Invisalign at Andover Orthodontics, we will provide you with a personalized quote for Invisalign treatment. Our office will also gladly assist in the filing of insurance claims. To book an Invisalign consultation with nationally recognized orthodontist Dr. Broccoli at Andover Orthodontics, call us at 978-475-0450, or request an appointment online.
Most people want a perfectly straight smile, yet very few have one without the help of orthodontic treatment. Traditional braces are one of the most common methods used for achieving these results.
But how do braces work? What makes them so effective?
What are Braces?
Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that work to address many different issues with the teeth, including:
- Overcrowding
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Misaligned jaw
While there are various different types of braces that can be used, traditional braces include 2 major components: metal brackets and an archwire. Square metal brackets are bonded to the front of each tooth and the metal archwire is held in place by each bracket. Sometimes elastics may be used for added pressure, especially when handling bite adjustments.
Each part works together to correct the orthodontic issues above – and more.
How Do Braces Work?
Simply put, braces work by applying pressure to the teeth. Because they are bonded to each tooth, they are constantly working to encourage them, as well as the jaws to move in the desired direction.
The archwire itself gently puts pressure on the brackets and, ultimately, on the teeth. This pressure reaches the soft tissues around the tooth that contain ligaments holding the tooth in place. As they are pressured to the right or left, the ligament will compress and bone will fill in the gap.
The orthodontic team will tighten this archwire routinely throughout the course of treatment to encourage this movement to take place.
Unless there is a minor specific issue that needs to be corrected, most orthodontic treatment involving braces is usually done in phases. First, the orthodontist will adjust the braces so that they move the teeth into alignment. And, once they are where they need to be, bite issues will be tackled. This is then followed up by any other minor issues that require orthodontic treatment in order to leave the patient with a beautiful smile.
Keep in mind that all of this takes time and you may not see results right away. After all, moving teeth is a big deal – and it needs to be done slowly in order to achieve the right outcome.
How Long is Braces Treatment Time?
Treatment time will vary from person to person. For some patients who only have minor orthodontic issues that need to be addressed, braces treatment can be completed as quickly as six months. On the other hand, those requiring more complex, in-depth treatment – especially when the jaw is involved – may need to wear their braces for up to three years.
Braces treatment is personalized for each patient. If you are wondering how long you will be wearing braces, your orthodontist will be able to give you an estimated timeframe based on your personal orthodontic treatment needs.
Braces at Andover Orthodontics
If you would like to learn more about how braces can transform your smile, then Dr. Broccoli and the team at Andover Orthodontics can help. We offer a unique orthodontic experience and a wide array of orthodontic options, including traditional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign.
To get started, request an orthodontic appointment online. Or, contact us at 978-475-0450.
An underbite is a common malocclusion involving a lower set of teeth that protrudes further than an upper set. A jaw misalignment is typically the cause of an underbite.
Someone with an underbite may struggle with more than just feelings of self-consciousness about their smile. Additional complications an underbite might cause or contribute to include the following:
- Speech issues
- Facial pain and/or headaches
- Mouth-breathing
- Difficulty chewing
- Greater risk of dental decay
- Sleep apnea
- Greater risk of tooth damage
Like any typical malocclusion, an orthodontist may correct an underbite with braces. However, some patients are not happy with the way braces can impact their appearance during treatment.
Can you relate to these concerns? If so, you may be wondering if Invisalign can fix an underbite. The information here should help you better understand whether this is an option.
Invisalign vs. Traditional Braces: Basic Information
Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces primarily because Invisalign aligners are clear. Unlike the metal wires of braces, it’s virtually impossible for anyone to determine if you’re wearing Invisalign aligners.
Other benefits of Invisalign treatment include:
- Comfort
- Convenience, as Invisalign aligners are removable
- The option to eat foods that you might otherwise have to avoid with traditional braces
These are all reasons you might ask your orthodontist whether Invisalign is an option for fixing your underbite. They’ll account for several factors to determine if this is the right treatment for you.
Fixing an Underbite With Invisalign: What You Need to Know
Invisalign aligners correct a misaligned smile by gently moving teeth into the desired position. Whether Invisalign can fix an underbite depends primarily on how severe an underbite is.
An underbite that’s relatively mild or moderate might benefit from Invisalign treatment. If an underbite is severe, an orthodontist may decide other treatment methods are necessary. Along with traditional braces, treatment for a severe underbite may include the use of dental appliances. A patient with a particular severe underbite might also need to undergo orthognathic surgery to correct the misalignment.
Can I Fix My Underbite With Invisalign? It Depends on the Cause
Often, the cause of an underbite will determine how severe it is. As such, it might also determine whether a patient is a good candidate for Invisalign.
Some minor or moderate underbites result from teeth being in the wrong position. In these instances, Invisalign treatment might be sufficient to move the teeth back into place.
However, underbites can also be the result of skeletal issues. When this is the case, even if Invisalign can correct a smile to some degree, an orthodontist may recommend surgery to ensure ideal results.
The best way to learn more about this topic is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. Remember, no matter what treatment option is right for your needs, correcting an underbite can improve not only your smile, but your quality of life as well. The sooner you meet with an orthodontist, the sooner you can begin working towards a life without this bothersome dental misalignment.
Learn More About Invisalign and Underbite Treatment Options
At Andover Orthodontics, in Andover, Massachusetts, a qualified orthodontist is on hand to answer any questions you may have about Invisalign and other potential treatment options for your underbite. Contact us online today or call us at 978-475-0450 to schedule an appointment.