Orthodontics Bridgewater & Martinsville, NJ
Do you have crooked or misaligned teeth? If so, then you may benefit from orthodontic treatment! At Aesthetic Dental Group we offer a few orthodontic treatments that can drastically improve your smile and oral health.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry designed to correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws. The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a more aesthetically-pleasing smile, better oral health, and teeth that will likely last a lifetime. Crooked teeth can be much harder to clean, which puts you at greater risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease. A misaligned bite can put stress of the chewing muscles and lead to problems with your TMJ, or temporomandibular joint.
Only Dr. Chan will be able to determine whether or not you can benefit from orthodontics. We will use diagnostic tools, such as an extensive examination, a review of your medical and dental histories, impressions of your teeth, photographs, and special x-rays to determine if you need orthodontic treatment. You may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment if you have crooked, gapped, or misaligned teeth. Orthodontics also addresses overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common fixed orthodontic appliance. As many people already know, braces consist of metal brackets linked together by a metal wire. The brackets are bonded to the front surface of your teeth. The wire is held in place by elastic bands that wrap around the brackets. Throughout treatment, we tighten the arch wire to put tension on the teeth. This tension will gradually move the teeth to a more proper position. Treatment time can vary from patient to patient, ranging from a few months to a couple of years.
Braces these days are smaller, lighter, and show far less metal than ever before. While traditional braces are more effective at treating severe overcrowding than other alternatives, they are still unsightly. Many of our older patients prefer a more discrete option.
Invisalign®
Invisalign Clear Aligners treatment involves a series of clear, plastic aligner trays that gradually shift the teeth to their proper position. The success of Invisalign treatment depends mostly on your will to wear the aligners. Each tray should be worn close to full-time, at least 22 hours a day. The only time you should remove your aligners is when you clean your teeth and during meals. Once the teeth have adjusted to the shape of the aligner, about two weeks later, you can move on to the next one in the series.
Difference Between Braces & Invisalign
Whether you need braces or Invisalign depends on the severity of your orthodontic issues. Traditional braces are usually necessary for complex orthodontic cases. For patients with minor to moderate issues, Invisalign is the way to go. Invisalign has some advantages over traditional braces, especially for adults. When compared to braces, Invisalign is more comfortable, more convenient, and requires fewer appointments. If you lose or break an aligner, you can simply move on to the next one in your series. If you damage or break your braces, you must schedule an appointment. Braces also trap food debris and put you at a greater risk for tooth decay if you do not properly clean these areas.
Schedule Your Orthodontics Appointment Today
If you think you may benefit from orthodontic treatment, we can help! Call 1-732-356-5050 to schedule your consultation appointment today!