The word ‘orthodontics' basically means to ‘straighten teeth', but it is much more complex than that, because there must also be harmony between a beautiful smile and a healthy bite.
Braces Today, and How They Work
There have been many changes in orthodontics and nowadays, braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be self-ligating brackets bonded to the teeth.
Braces use steady, gentle pressure to gradually move teeth into their proper positions. They can be clear or metallic, and you can choose the color of the ties that hold the wire in place. The newer self-ligating bonded brackets have less friction than the older braces, therefore they generally move your teeth faster. This is a great time to wear braces!
How Long Do I Have To Wear Braces?
In some cases, early treatment (also called interceptive treatment) is needed, and this may take as few as six months. Normally, treatment time typically ranges from one year to three years. The length of time depends on many factors: the rate of growth of the patient's mouth and face, the severity of the problem, and whether the patient has stopped growing. It also depends on whether the patient follows instructions diligently, and attends appointments as prescribed. An estimated treatment time is given in each individual case, but sometimes this is adjusted due to the number of varying factors that cannot be predicted.
If you're interested in learning about braces and the different options available, please feel free to contact Vancouver orthodontist Dr. Bianco.
