What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental subspecialty that diagnoses and treats alignment problems affecting the teeth and/or jaw. If your teeth don’t fit together properly, they’re harder to clean, increasing your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Orthodontics uses custom oral appliances to place mild pressure on your jaw and periodontal ligament (a band of tissue that anchors your teeth). Over time, that pressure changes their position, improving their alignment and symmetry.
What types of alignment problems does orthodontics treat?
At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Yusupov and the team use orthodontics to treat various alignment problems, including:
- Overlapping teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Impacted teeth (teeth unable to break through the gum line)
- Underbite
- Overbite
You might also benefit from orthodontic treatment if you have gaps between your teeth.
Who qualifies for orthodontic treatment?
You need healthy teeth and gums to undergo orthodontic treatment. Attaching braces or other orthodontic appliances to diseased teeth can negatively affect your oral health and increase the risk of more serious issues.
If Dr. Yusupov determines that you have cavities or gum disease, he develops a treatment plan to manage those issues first.
What are the types of orthodontic treatment?
At Amazing Smiles Orthodontics, Dr. Yusupov and the team offer several types of orthodontic treatment, including:
- Braces
- Retainers
- Invisalign®
- Surgical orthodontics
- Two-phase treatment
- Interceptive treatment
After a review of your dental records, a comprehensive oral exam, and a discussion of your goals, Dr. Yusupov develops a custom treatment plan.
The type of orthodontic treatment that will most benefit you depends on various factors, including the severity of your alignment problems and budget.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The time that orthodontic treatment takes depends on the alignment problems treated, your age, and how closely you follow Dr. Yusupov’s treatment plan.
Orthodontic treatment with braces and invisible aligners typically takes between 12-18 months*, but it may take longer. Be patient, listen to Dr. Yusupov’s instructions, and make sure to attend each of your scheduled checkups.
After you finish wearing braces or aligners, you switch to a retainer. The retainer holds your teeth in place and prevents them from returning to their original position. Some people wear their retainer for several months; others need to wear it for the rest of their life.
Call the nearest Amazing Smiles Orthodontics office today to learn more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment or click the online booking feature.
*Individual results may vary.