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Right: Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment; Left: Preventive Orthodontics
Benefits of Treatment
A beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. But the benefits run much deeper.
Self-esteem, confidence, healthy personality development, and improved treatment by others are immeasurable psychosocial benefits.
On the physical side, improved health of the teeth, gums, and jaw joints provide the greatest assurance that you will keep your teeth for a lifetime.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces slowly move teeth to a corrected position.
This is a great time to wear braces! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. You can now choose brackets that are clear, metallic, or gold. You can choose the color of the ties that hold arch wires in the brackets. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest orthodontic techniques move teeth faster and with less discomfort than ever before.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years depending largely on the severity of problems present.
Interceptive, early treatment procedures generally take six to eighteen months.
Patient compliance and biological variation in individual treatment response also affect treatment time. For these reasons, treatment time may vary from original estimates.
The most important factors influencing the efficiency and effectiveness of your treatment are under your control: Keep appointments at the doctor's recommended intervals; maintain excellent oral hygiene; and follow the doctor's instructions for care and wear of your appliances and braces.
We will do our utmost to insure the most efficient and effective treatment outcome possible. Treatment is a cooperative effort. We share a common goal. Your success is our success. We stake our reputation on it!