At Madison Square Dentistry, we proudly have a world-renowned and experienced orthodontist on staff. Dr. Thang Do has years of experience helping patients with their orthodontic treatments in Murrieta and can offer invaluable insight.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments Available
Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in recent years. Today’s most common orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, clear aligners, and accelerated orthodontic systems.
Traditional braces are the most well-known form of orthodontic treatment and involve metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected with archwires. Braces are typically worn for one to three years, depending on the severity of the orthodontic issue. In addition to traditional designs, variations like tooth-colored ceramic braces or lingual “hidden” braces also exist.
Accelerated orthodontics utilizes advanced technology to speed up the process of orthodontic treatment. These options may include self-ligating braces or orthodontic devices that use high-frequency vibrations to help teeth move more quickly.
Clear aligner systems made popular by Invisalign have also gained popularity among adults and teens. These clear, removable orthodontic trays straighten your teeth without metal brackets or wires.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment that we offer in Murrieta. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected with wires and small, usually colorful, rubber bands. The wires and bands are adjusted over time to move the teeth into their proper positions.
Getting traditional braces involves an initial visit where the appliances are installed and then checkups about once every month or so. Dr. Do will adjust them to move the teeth into their desired positions.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligner systems like Invisalign have become an increasingly popular option for orthodontic treatment in recent years. Today, a variety of invisible orthodontic trays exist on the market. They use a series of custom-made, clear plastic aligners designed to move teeth into their proper positions gradually; each pair of aligners is slightly different from the last as they nudge your teeth into the desired position. These aligners are removable, which makes eating, brushing, and flossing much easier than with traditional braces. Plus, they are virtually invisible, so they are a great option for adults who want to improve their smiles without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.
Accelerated Orthodontics
Sometimes called “fast braces,” accelerated orthodontics is a revolutionary approach to orthodontic treatment that significantly reduces the time required to straighten teeth. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatments that can take several years to achieve desired results, accelerated orthodontics utilizes advanced techniques and technologies to expedite the process in months.
There are different ways to achieve faster orthodontic results. One limits cases to minor tooth movement for individuals with mild crowding or small gaps. Another is the use of high-frequency vibrations, which help to stimulate bone remodeling and enhance tooth movement.
While accelerated orthodontics offers significant advantages in terms of treatment duration, working with an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Thang Do is crucial.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic bite correction offers numerous benefits beyond just creating a beautiful smile. Straighter teeth can significantly lower your risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental issues. When teeth are properly aligned, it becomes easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits, such as brushing and flossing effectively. It’s even considered part of a comprehensive plan for managing and treating periodontal disease.
One of the benefits of orthodontic treatment is the reduction in the risk of developing temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder. Correcting misaligned teeth and improving the bite can alleviate the strain on the jaw joints. Not to mention prevent wear and tear on misaligned teeth.
Early Intervention Orthodontics and Growth Modification
Many believe orthodontic treatment is only necessary when a child’s permanent teeth come in. However, early intervention orthodontics, or Phase 1 orthodontics, can benefit young children whose mouths are still developing.
During this phase, orthodontists focus on correcting problems such as crowding, jaw discrepancies, and bite issues before they become more severe. This can be especially helpful in preventing the need for more extensive treatments later on, such as tooth extractions or surgery.
Growth modification is another aspect of early intervention orthodontics. By using specialized appliances, orthodontists can influence the growth and development of a child’s jaw to improve alignment and reduce the likelihood of future dental problems.
Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Braces aren’t just for kids anymore! More and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatments, and there’s a good reason why. Orthodontic treatments are great for adults who missed out on getting braces when they were younger or who have experienced relapse after previous orthodontic treatment.
Adults make great orthodontic patients because they are typically more diligent about following the orthodontist’s instructions and are better at maintaining good oral hygiene. With options like clear aligners, adults can discreetly complete their treatment without major changes to their work routine or social life (nobody needs to know you’re in braces!)
Who is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teenagers anymore. Anyone who wants to straighten their teeth, correct bite issues, or improve their oral health can qualify for orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7, as early intervention can help correct growth and development issues.
For adults who missed out on braces as a child or whose teeth have shifted over time, orthodontics can help improve your bite and we will go over everything for you to decide if braces or aligners is better for you.
What to Expect During the Orthodontic Treatment Process
The journey to achieving a straighter and a healthier smile begins with the initial consultation at Madison Square Dentistry. Dr. Thang Do will assess your orthodontic needs during this first appointment and discuss your treatment options. From there, we can create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Once your treatment plan is established, we’ll review all financial information with you, including the cost, estimated insurance coverage, and payment plan options.
With all the necessary information, it’s time to start your orthodontic journey. Whether you opt for traditional braces or clear aligners, Dr. Do and his team will guide you through each step of the process. Most patients will visit us every month or so for follow-ups. Once your orthodontic treatment is complete, we’ll fit you with retainers to help preserve your results!
Visit Madison Square Dentistry today to learn more about getting braces and clear aligners in Murrieta, CA.
