Orthodontic Treatment

Laytonsville, MD Dentist

orthodontic treatment

Orthodontic treatment is used to treat all types of patients, from adults to young teens. It is used to realign the teeth into a more natural position. It is also used to straighten teeth and correct any imbalance in the bite.

Braces

Traditional metal braces use small brackets that are affixed to your teeth to hold thin wires in place. These wires are minutely adjusted over time to gently guide teeth into the proper placement and alignment within your mouth. Although braces don’t hurt, in the first couple days after getting braces you may feel a slight discomfort as your teeth and mouth begin adjusting to your new braces.

Invisalign®

Invisalign® is a set of clear removable aligners that are worn over the teeth. These aligners can be removed to allow you to eat, brush, and floss normally. Invisalign® is comfortable, convenient, and easy to use.

Teeth that are crowded, gapped, or misaligned are more difficult to clean. Over time, this can lead to increased risks of tooth decay and gum disease. Crowded and misaligned teeth are also more prone to crack and wear. Straightening with Invisalign® can protect against these issues. Invisalign® is a non-invasive, aesthetic solution for straightening teeth. If your teeth are crowded, gapped, or misaligned, Invisalign® can give you a healthier, more beautiful smile.

ClearCorrect

ClearCorrect provides other substantial health benefits in addition to straightening teeth. Teeth that are crowded, gapped, or misaligned can be more difficult to keep properly cleaned and flossed. Over time, this can lead to a higher rate of tooth decay. Crowded and misaligned teeth are also more prone to issues like cracking and wearing over time due to improper occlusion (bite).

Straightening your teeth with ClearCorrect can protect against these issues. Additionally, misaligned teeth are more likely to develop periodontal (gum) issues. ClearCorrect can help keep gums firm around the teeth, protecting against bacterial infections that can lead to periodontal disease.

Aligners

Aligners are a comfortable, convenient, and easy-to-use solution for straightening your teeth. Orthodontic aligners provide other health benefits in addition to straightening teeth. Teeth that are crowded, gapped, or misaligned are more difficult to keep properly cleaned and flossed. Over time, this can lead to a higher rate of tooth decay. Crowded and misaligned teeth are also more prone to issues like cracking and wear, due to improper occlusion (bite).

Straightening your teeth with orthodontic aligners can protect against these issues. Additionally, misaligned teeth are more likely to develop periodontal (gum) issues. Orthodontic treatment can help keep gums firm around the teeth, protecting against bacterial infections that can lead to periodontal disease.

Adults Can Get Invisalign Too!

If you’re out of your teens, you might think you missed your chance for straight teeth, but that’s not true! Modern orthodontic treatment, including Invisalign, is for
adults as well as teens. And even if you had braces before, your teeth might still shift over time, which is another reason to consider treatment as an adult.

The Biology Of Shifting Dental Alignment

So what’s actually happening on the cellular level during orthodontic treatment? Specialized cells called osteoclasts and osteoblasts respond to the pressure around the periodontal membrane (the pocket of gum tissue connecting the tooth’s root to the jaw bone). Osteoclasts break down the bone tissue so that the tooth can move, while osteoblasts gradually form new bone tissue behind it. So it’s not just your teeth moving into position; your jawbones are reshaping themselves too!

Beyond Phase 2 Orthodontic Treatment

Wear your retainers as directed. Retainers will help your teeth get used to their new position, and they’ll prevent unrelated shifting that happens to most people naturally over the course of time.