Orthodontic Services in Long Beach, CA
Orthodontic treatment is a branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws. At Dr. Nashed’s office, orthodontic treatment involves braces or clear aligners to align the teeth and bite into a more favorable position. This improves the overall appearance of a smile and the way the teeth function together. A more functional bite can improve speech and the chewing of food. It can also reduce the likelihood of tooth damage due to misalignment.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Braces
Braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment. They use brackets and wires to pressure the teeth to move them into alignment gradually and gently. Most patients can expect to wear braces for about one to two years. During this time, they may need occasional adjustments to their orthodontic appliances.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, facing the tongue. They are custom-made and hidden from view when smiling. Lingual braces are an option for those who desire a discreet treatment option but still want the benefits of traditional braces.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces but have brackets made of tooth-colored or clear ceramic material. This makes them less noticeable and more aesthetically pleasing. Ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces but blend in with the natural tooth color.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are another popular option among patients. These use a series of plastic trays that the patient wears over their teeth to move them into place. They are clear and removable for eating, drinking, and cleaning the smile. However, some patients may require traditional braces or other orthodontic treatments in combination with clear aligners for optimal results.
What Conditions Can Orthodontic Treat?
The primary goal of orthodontic treatment is to address various orthodontic issues, including:
Crooked or Misaligned Teeth
Orthodontic treatment can correct teeth that are crowded, overlapping, or rotated, creating a more even and aligned smile.
Malocclusions
Orthodontic treatment can address different bite problems, such as an overbite, an underbite, a crossbite, or an open bite.
Jaw Irregularities
Orthodontics can help correct jaw irregularities, such as an overly narrow or wide dental arch, a receding chin, or an asymmetrical jaw.
Overcrowding
Orthodontic treatment can create space to alleviate crowding issues, allowing the teeth to be aligned appropriately.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
- Orthodontic treatment can enhance the smile’s aesthetics by aligning crooked or misaligned teeth.
- Correcting bite problems and alignment issues can improve chewing, speech, and oral function.
- Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Orthodontic treatment can help address jaw irregularities, improving facial aesthetics and the overall balance of the facial features.
The average treatment time depends largely on the complexity of your individual treatment needs. On average, full Invisalign® treatment is 12-18 months with office visits about every 8-12 weeks. Traditional Braces treatment time is typically 20-24 months with office visits approximately every 4 weeks.
The great news is that no matter what option you use for treatment, we offer technology to help finish treatment in half the time. Vpro5 is an advanced orthodontic mouthpiece that is worn for only 5 mins per day and gently vibrates your teeth to stimulate the bone and improve teeth movement. VPro5 is a easy and cost effective option to reduce overall treatment time.
Orthodontic treatment can have long-lasting benefits for oral health, self-confidence, and overall well-being. For the best dental care, visit Orthodontist in Arcadia CA or Orthodontist in Long Beach, CA – Dr. Nashed’s office at 4200 E Pacific Coast Highway Suite 100, Long Beach, CA 90804. You may also call us at (562) 498-5788.