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By Dr. Minelle Tendler, DMD –
The goal of orthodontic treatment is a good bite—meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. This can enhance your dental health and your overall health, and may improve self-esteem. Orthodontists have traditionally used metallic braces for the treatment of both children and adults. These braces are composed of small metal attachments, called brackets, which are connected through a metal wire and glued on the front or labial surface of the teeth. As a consequence, regular orthodontic treatment is quite visible and noticeable. Metal brackets have become smaller and less bulky throughout the years and the “colors”, which are small elastic ties that hold the wire inside the brackets, have made them more desirable for children. Nonetheless, the idea of having a “metal mouth” can still be intimidating to some people. And let’s face it, most adults will skip orthodontic treatment altogether if this is the only option.
Luckily, evidence-based dentistry has been able to combine research and technology to produce a number of more aesthetic alternatives to make orthodontics a more feasible and likeable option. Most patients treated with metallic or silver braces can now be treated with a variety of less noticeable alternatives, for example, ceramic braces, lingual braces and clear aligners.
With ceramic braces, the difference is clear! Much like silver braces, ceramic braces use constant, gentle pressure, which over time will move your teeth into their proper position. But there is one major difference: they are crystal clear! Ceramic braces, like the Clarity™ ADVANCED Ceramic Brackets (3M Unitek) that we use at Tendler Orthodontics, are a revolutionary leap forward in orthodontic ceramic brackets. These advanced brackets offer the ultimate combination of aesthetics and performance with a small bracket design that enhances patient comfort. They are made of innovative ceramic material that blends in with one’s natural tooth color and resists staining and discoloration throughout treatment.
It is imperative, though, for patients to have excellent oral hygiene in order to ensure the clarity and durability of ceramic brackets. Also, ceramic brackets are still connected together through a wire and are placed on the labial (front) portion of the tooth, which means they are still potentially visible from up close. Conversely, if we change the location where the braces are placed, the treatment can be “hidden” from onlookers.
Lingual braces have been available for over 30 years, but over the last five years, the technique has evolved into a more sophisticated art and science. Lingual braces are a unique choice that allows teens and adults alike to smile with confidence both during and after treatment. They are placed on the back of the teeth and are completely hidden from view. Tendler Orthodontics uses the Incognito Lingual system, which is 100% customized to the contours of the teeth and to the patient’s individual orthodontic situation. Because they are specially designed and fabricated for each patient, the fit is flawless and are more comfortable and efficient. These concealed braces are a great option for teens and adults who could benefit from the confidence of a great looking smile but are resistant to the idea of wearing traditional braces. Since lingual braces are practically invisible, people notice the smile – not the braces.
Despite the insuperable functional and aesthetic benefits of the Incognito Lingual System, lingual braces still require considerable oral hygiene efforts from the patient to ensure proper treatment progress. Also, speech can be altered temporarily and the comfort level might be an issue for some patients, as wires and brackets are still employed.
Another and perhaps the most esthetic and comfortable option to getting your teeth straight unnoticeably would be through the use of clear, removable aligners. Patients can go wireless with Invisalign!
Invisalign delivers a straight, beautiful smile without the hassle and look of regular braces. The Invisalign and Invisalign Teen tooth straightening systems are completely revolutionary and sophisticated tooth alignment systems that utilize invisible plastic retainers that are designed to slowly realign the teeth into a straight smile. Patients wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. Each set of aligners moves the teeth about 0.25 millimeters per aligner. As the patient replaces each aligner with the next in the series, the teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the final position. With Invisalign a patient can eat whatever they want, whenever they want, and the patient is free to remove them for special occasions. In addition, without brackets and wires, the patient will have the confidence of a great, comfortable smile even during treatment.
An important factor to remember about Invisalign is that treatment with aligners will only be successful if the patient’s compliance is excellent. The aligners must be worn 22 hours a day in order for the treatment to progress smoothly and properly. Consequently, this treatment option requires good discipline and cooperation from the patient.
Orthodontic treatment is often part of a comprehensive dental health care plan. With good care, including orthodontic treatment when necessary, teeth can last a lifetime and a healthy bite is as important at age 60 as it is at age 12. Orthodontic treatment is a smart investment in your dental, physical and emotional health and, fortunately, orthodontics has come a long way, with a variety of “appliances” available to choose from. Comfortable and efficient, today’s orthodontic appliances also contribute to a stable, long-lasting result. Schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Tendler today to find out about the best way to achieve your treatment goals! Call 561.826.7955 or visit tendlerorthodontics.com.
