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Patients choose orthodontics in Queens as a way to achieve their ideal smiles that are perfectly straight and healthy. However, people sometimes enter the process without a thorough understanding of what the process entails. Here’s an overview of what you can expect during orthodontic treatment.
Before active treatment, the orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient’s case. This step may include x-rays and a dental exam. The orthodontist will also take impressions of the teeth during this initial appointment. Those impressions will serve as an important planning tool for the orthodontist, and they will also help the orthodontist and the patient to measure the progress of orthodontic treatment.
After the treatment plan is complete, the patient enters the active orthodontics phase. Patients can choose from a variety of orthodontics appliances based on their personal budgets and preferences. Traditional metal braces are an economical option, while invisible plastic tray aligners meet the needs of patients with concerns about smile aesthetics during treatment. Brackets can also be bonded to the backs of the teeth to avoid a significant impact on the patient’s appearance. Patients may also select clear plastic or ceramic brackets connected with metal wires.
Regardless of the method, the basic premise of orthodontic treatment is the same. The devices exert forces on the teeth to reposition them over time. The process of moving the teeth can take months and even years. The orthodontist will switch out the archwires to increase or decrease tension and may use rubber bands to reposition the jaws in addition to the teeth.
For patients with particularly narrow upper arches, tooth extraction or jaw expansion may be necessary before the appliances are placed. This step gives the teeth sufficient room to move into the proper alignment. Patients will have to wear retainers for several months after the braces are removed to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original positions.
In highly complex cases, orthodontists may refer their patients to other specialists for complementary treatment, such as oral surgery. In these cases, additional treatment may be needed for the patient to achieve the desired outcome of orthodontic treatment.
Although many people associate braces with adolescents, some adults can benefit from orthodontics just as much. No one needs to be resigned to a misaligned smile.
Call (718) 335-4444 to schedule your consultation today!
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