Today’s Dentistry is here to provide your whole family of all ages with quality and compassionate orthodontics to the greater Vancouver, Washington, area including Clark county, Salmon Creek, Hazel Dell, Orchards, Five Corners, Walnut Grove, Minnehaha, Camas, Brush Prairie, Cascade Park and Mt. Vista.
Call us now at (360)356-7791 now for an orthodontic consultation or family dental care, or schedule online. We have flexible scheduling.
I have heard many different clear aligner companies that can straighten teeth, how do they work?
These companies use a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired position. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Consultation: The first step in the process is an initial consultation at the dental office. During this visit, one of the dentists will evaluate your teeth and determine if clear aligners or braces are a suitable orthodontic treatment option for you. There are skeletal abnormalities and certain tooth movements that do not work with clear aligners. There also dental conditions that can be worsened by clear aligner therapy.
- Treatment Plan: If clear aligners are deemed appropriate for your needs, we will create a custom plan that outlines the specific movements your teeth need to make in order to achieve your desired healthier smile.
- Aligner Fabrication: Based on the plan, a series of clear, custom-made aligners are fabricated using 3D imaging technology. Each aligner is designed to fit snugly over the patients teeth, applying gentle pressure to gradually shift them into their desired position.
- Wearing the Aligners: Patients wear each set of aligners for 1-2 weeks, removing them only to eat, drink, brush, and floss. You will then switch to the next set of aligners in the series, continuing the process until your teeth have moved into their final position.
- Progress Monitoring: Throughout the orthodontic treatment, patients will visit us periodically to monitor your progress and ensure that your teeth are moving as planned. If they are not moving as planned, changes need to be done.
- Completion of Treatment: Once you have completed the series of aligners, you may be given a retainer to wear at night to help maintain your new healthier smile.
Overall, clear aligner therapy uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to gradually shift teeth into their desired position. The process typically lasts several months to a year, depending on the severity of the alignment issues being addressed.
Is the difference between Invisalign clear aligners and other clear aligner brands like Clear Correct?
Invisalign clear aligners and ClearCorrect are both popular brands of clear aligner therapy used to straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. Invisalign clear aligners is the most popular clear aligner company in the United States, while Clear Correct is the most popular in the world. Since the patents of Invisalign expired, there are many more companies that offer clear aligners to straighten your teeth. Each aligner company has different cuts to their trays, different aligner tray materials, and different wearing cycles. Whether it is Invisalign or one of the other clear aligner trays, they are effective when used in the appropriate situations and monitored correctly by your orthodontic provider.
What if my situation is not recommended for clear aligner therapy?
When your situation is not ideal for clear aligners, our office offers traditional orthodontics and traditional braces. We can help you create beautiful smiles.
How Do Braces Work?
Traditional metal braces work by using a combination of brackets, wires, and elastic bands to apply gentle, constant pressure to the teeth, gradually moving them into their correct position over time. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of how metal braces work:
- Placement of the Brackets: The Orthodontist or dentist first attaches small metal brackets to the front surface of each tooth using a special adhesive.
- Connecting the Wires: A thin metal wire is then threaded through the brackets and secured in place with elastic bands.
- Adjusting the Wire: Over time, the orthodontist or dentist will tighten and adjust the wire at regular intervals to apply pressure to the teeth, gradually shifting them into their desired positions.
- Additional Attachments: In some cases, additional attachments such as rubber bands, springs, or headgear may be added to help correct bite issues or other alignment problems.
- Progress Monitoring: Throughout the treatments with braces, the orthodontist or dentist will closely monitor the progress of the teeth and make adjustments to the braces as needed to ensure they continue to move in the right direction.
Overall, traditional dental braces work by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth, allowing them to gradually shift into their desired positions over time. The orthodontic treatment process typically lasts several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the dental alignment issues being addressed.
Do I need to go to an orthodontist to get braces or clear aligners?
No. Many dentist have training in orthodontics and how to straighten teeth. An orthodontist is a dentist who graduated from dental school and then went to an addition 3 to 5 year American Dental Association approved training program. The orthodontist gets trained in problems such as genetic diseases that effect you jaws, facial imperfections, and severe mis-aligned teeth. In severe situations, an orthodontist referral is appropriate.
How much do braces cost?
The cost of braces in Vancouver, WA can vary depending on several factors, including the type of braces, type of brackets, insurance coverage, the length of orthodontic care, and the individual orthodontic practice. In general, traditional metal braces tend to be the least expensive option, while clear aligner therapy such as Invisalign may be more costly. Additionally, the length of orthodontic treatment can impact the total cost, with more complex cases requiring longer orthodontic treatment times and thus higher costs.
Call our office now at (360)356-7791 now for a orthodontic consultation or family dental care, or schedule online. We have flexible scheduling. At the consultation we can give you an accurate estimate of the cost of Invisalign, clear aligners or braces for your smile. We accept most insurance. During your consultation, we can evaluate your teeth and jaw, discuss your orthodontic care, and provide you with a cost estimate.
In the Vancouver, WA area, the average cost of braces can range from $4,000 to $8,000 (before insurance) or more depending on the factors mentioned above. Today’s Dentistry offers many payment plans and flexible financing options to help make your dentistry more affordable.
At what age should I have my child evaluated?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), and pediatric dentistry, recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. At this age, many of the permanent teeth have started to come in, and dentists can evaluate the child’s teeth and jaw to identify any potential problems, such as overcrowding, bite issues, or jaw growth problems.
While most children will not require immediate orthodontic or dental treatments at age 7, early evaluation can help identify and treat any developing dental issues (like thumb sucking or mouth breathing when sleeping) and plan for dental treatment if needed. Early orthodontic treatment can be beneficial in correcting problems, such as crowding, skeletal or bite issues, before they become more severe and require more extensive treatment later on.
If your child is older than 7 and has not yet had an orthodontic evaluation, it is still a good idea to schedule one as soon as possible. In general, orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, but early dental evaluation can help ensure the best possible outcome. Today’s Dentistry can recommend the most appropriate orthodontic options based on your child’s individual needs and help you determine the best time to start.
Do adults get braces?
Yes, adults of all ages can certainly get both clear aligners and traditional metal braces or brackets. In fact, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, about one in every five orthodontic patients is an adult. There are many reasons why patients choose to get traditional braces, such as correcting issues with their bite or alignment, improving their appearance, wanting a healthier smile, or addressing dental health issues.
Orthodontics can be effective for adults just as it is for children and adolescents. However, there are a few key differences between adult and child orthodontics. For example, adult teeth may have more extensive wear and tear than children’s teeth, and adults may be more susceptible to gum disease, so orthodontic plans may need to take these factors into account. Additionally, adults may prefer treatment options that are less noticeable, such as clear aligners, ceramic braces, or lingual braces (which are placed on the inside of the teeth).
If you are an adult considering orthodontic treatment, it is important to consult with a orthodontist or dentist to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs. Your orthodontist or dentist can evaluate your teeth and jaw, discuss your orthodontic options, and provide you with a personalized plan to help you achieve the best possible results.
Are there health benefits to a straighter smile?
Straightening your teeth can provide a number of health benefits in addition to improving your smile, oral health and overall appearance. Here are some of the potential health benefits of orthodontic treatment:
- Improved overall oral health: Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain than crooked teeth, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
- Better chewing and digestion: Properly aligned teeth can improve your ability to bite and chew properly, which can help improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- Reduced risk of injury: Teeth that protrude or are misaligned can be more prone to damage or injury, especially during physical activities or sports.
- Reduced jaw pain: Orthodontics can help correct bite issues that may be causing jaw pain, headaches, or other TMJ-related issues.
- Improved speech: Misaligned teeth or jaws can affect speech, and orthodontics can help improve speech clarity and articulation.
- Reduced risk of sleep apnea: Misaligned teeth or jaws can contribute to sleep apnea or other breathing problems, and orthodontics can help improve airway function and reduce the risk of these issues.
In summary, orthodontic treatment can provide many potential health benefits in addition to improving the appearance of your smile. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, it is important to consult with an orthodontist or dentist to determine the best treatment options for your individual needs.
Call us now at (360)356-7791 now for an orthodontic consultation or family dental care, or schedule online.
