A perfect smile is something that forms an image of perfection when one smiles – but what makes it perfect? This question can be answered in many ways – straight teeth are often associated with perfection, for example. Straight teeth are much easier to maintain, which means much less work for you! Additionally, straight teeth do not have to fear the consequences of coming out crooked over time because there will be no crook! The best thing about having perfect, straight teeth would have to be that your dental health will improve substantially. Your speech will sound clearer, and since there is nothing to get in the way of words being spoken clearly, communication becomes a lot easier.
This is all good, but you might be wondering how to get perfect teeth. Here at Patuxent Orthodontics, our mission is to separate superior options from the rest and put you on the path that will get you to a lifelong perfect smile. For that reason, in today’s article, we will discuss the concept of teeth shifting and the reason why we believe that a particular treatment can genuinely bring your dental aesthetic goals to fruition – Invisalign!
THE 101 ON WHY TEETH MOVE AND HOW WE FIX THEM
It’s not hard to understand why we perceive our teeth as immovable entities; after all, the teeth are connected to the upper and lower jawbones by the periodontal ligament and cementum, which keep our teeth in place during regular activities, such as food chewing.
However, this view is far from the truth – teeth experience constant movement, though it is more evident during childhood. Several factors cause teeth shifting during our adult lives:
- The changing shape of the jaw
- Mouth injuries
- Teeth grinding (scientifically known as bruxism)
- Dental conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease
- Gaps from missing teeth
ACHIEVING PERFECT TEETH THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME
Due to the natural aging process and external forces, our teeth are continuously moving. Fortunately, the world of dentistry has managed to find good ways to prevent such tendencies and to restore the teeth to their original places, recreating the perfect smile of our dreams! However, no two treatments are created equal, which is why we shall compare the dental market’s best-known treatments with braces:
THE PROS AND CONS OF GOOD, OLD-FASHIONED BRACES
We know – you probably imagine those metal devices that make children seriously consider oral hygiene. For a long time, metal and ceramic braces were the sole options for teeth straightening. However, what’s their degree of efficiency, and how do they fare against one another?
Let’s start with metal braces. Made from high-grade stainless steel, metal braces are bonded to the teeth. The use of wire and rubber bands helps hold them in the desired position to allow for movement. In addition, they deliver constant pressure to the teeth for a straightening effect and correct biting and crowding issues. In terms of price, metal braces are a superior choice; however, aesthetic aspects might deter would-be patients from choosing them.
Next, we have ceramic braces, which are more popular with older crowds due to being less visible than metal braces. Simultaneously, however, the higher chance for breaks and cracks, coupled with a higher price tag, makes ceramic braces less attractive than their metal counterparts are.
THE PROS AND CONS OF INVISALIGN
Instead of relying on treatments that come short of combining solid results with aesthetic aspects, here at Patuxent Orthodontics, we introduce to our patients a revolutionary approach to teeth straightening, which not only promises but also delivers perfect, straight smiles – Invisalign!
Using state-of-the-art technology, Invisalign retainers are made out of 18 to 30 aligners (akin to mouth-guard templates) generated by computer simulation. Suitable for both children and adults, these braces take teeth straightening to the next level while dealing with other dental conditions, such as overbite, underbite, crossbite issues, open bite, gap, and crowded teeth.
Together with a perfect smile, Invisalign brings numerous benefits to the patient, such as:
- Superior aesthetics: Invisalign braces are virtually undetectable, putting them above metal and ceramic braces.
- Removable: If needed, Invisalign braces can easily be removed.
- Easier teeth cleaning: The moment you remove the braces, you can adequately care for your teeth without having to worry about working around wires and brackets.
- Fewer maintenance issues: It is not uncommon to hear about patients whose brackets fell off or whose wires broke, leading to an unexpected visit to the orthodontist. With Invisalign, you are sure to stay away from such issues.
THE PROS AND CONS OF MAIL-ORDER TEETH ALIGNERS
Aside from the treatments recommended by dental practitioners, several companies are offering “miracle-worker” braces at home without paying any visits to the dentist. Using software algorithms, these companies supposedly create custom treatments for each patient. Sounds too good to be true, right?
Unfortunately, in a world where a correct assessment of the patient’s needs is essential, mail-order teeth aligners are nothing but a futuristic wild guess, and for good reasons. First, a dental practitioner, whose expertise is the cornerstone for any treatment, does not create the treatment plan, nor can they modify it along the way. Second, the techniques employed might be outdated, leaving you with unsatisfactory results or, in some unfortunate instances, with additional dental issues. In that case, the money you save through mail-order teeth aligners will go to dental treatments, thus defeating the purpose.
That being said, choosing a mail-order treatment provides an unsatisfactory pros and cons ratio, enough of a reason for you to choose an orthodontist for your teeth straightening goals.
MEET THE DOCTOR: CHOOSING A CERTIFIED ORTHODONTIST IS KEY
You’ve already set your eyes on the Invisalign treatment, and that’s fantastic. Now, what’s next? As we can see in other medical fields, your results directly correlate with the technology and the practitioner’s level of expertise. For that reason, knowing how to choose the right orthodontist is vital.
In the U.S., orthodontists spend years of arduous work becoming Board-Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO), whose sole mission is to promote excellence in orthodontics by gathering the best of the best in this field. To receive their certification, orthodontists must become experts in more than just teeth straightening; understanding the complicated relationship between facial growth, development, and form and all the elements that harmoniously create the perfect smile is essential. Furthermore, Board-Certified Orthodontists dedicate themselves to constant growth and education and renew their certification every ten years.
For these reasons, entrusting your smile in the hands of a Board-Certified Orthodontist is a rule of thumb for any dental treatment.
START YOUR ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT AT PATUXENT ORTHODONTICS
Contact Patuxent Orthodontics if orthodontic care is the way to achieve the beautiful smile of your dreams! Whether you want to learn more about the benefits of our orthodontic services or simply have questions about the process, use our live chat or call (240) 802-7217 or send us a message through our contact us page to connect with our friendly staff today and book a free consultation! Our office, located at 44220 Airport View Dr., Hollywood, MD 20636, proudly serves Maryland’s Patuxent area, as well as the Greater Washington DC area. So, if you’re residing in California, Lexington Park, and Great Mills and are looking for one of the best orthodontists in MD, don’t hesitate to visit our office! We also invite you to keep up with our blog to get answers to many of the frequently asked questions about maintaining sparkling oral health and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to become a part of our smiling community!
