Other Treatment Options
Prentice Orthodontics offers a variety of treatment options that suit the needs of children, teens, and adults. Recent advancements mean braces or aligners are lighter, less noticeable, and more comfortable, which makes treatment easier and reduces the number of visits to the orthodontist. After your thorough patient evaluation, we will establish a treatment plan and provide care instructions that anyone can follow and understand. Read on to learn about our other treatment options and feel free to contact us for more information.
Orthodontic Treatment Explained
The American Association of Orthodontists explains that orthodontic treatment “works by placing ‘appliances’ on teeth to apply gentle, controlled force that repositions them over time . . . Tooth movement happens because of the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue.” Orthodontists use many different appliances, like braces and aligners to achieve this process. At Prentice Orthodontics we pride ourselves in thoroughly educating our clients, and only prescribe what is absolutely necessary and implement only what you are comfortable doing.
Various Orthodontic Appliances
Archwires
All braces have wires, but for some treatment programs, just archwires are used to move the teeth. Archwires offer a more subtle, virtually undetectable form of treatment that is quick to install and adjust.
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs)
The American Association of Orthodontists defines temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, as miniature implants that use a fixed point to apply force to move teeth predictably. These TADs can be placed across different sites of the mouth, depending upon a patient’s needs. TADs are simply removed when treatment is over.
Power Chains
The American Association of Orthodontists mentions that power chains are sometimes used with braces to close space.
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Palatal Expander
A palatal expander is used to expand the roof of the mouth and widen the upper jaw. It’s typically only used for patients aged 7 – 15 who are still growing and who are experiencing very bad bite issues. The palatal expander is used in conjunction with braces and is turned slowly over time to adjust and expand the palate.
Impacted Teeth
Many times, “impacted” teeth can cause major oral problems. The American Association of Orthodontists describes an “impacted” tooth as one that either has not or cannot come in properly because there is no room or has come in at an awkward position, causing shifting. Orthodontics can help erupt impacted teeth with the help of an oral surgeon. Sometimes, these impacted teeth, such as wisdom teeth, must be removed to achieve a healthy bite and prevent crowding or spacing.
Mouthguards
Mouthguards don’t move teeth, but they do protect them. Mouthguards can be used by athletes of all ages to safeguard teeth from trauma during competitive and individual sporting activities. Made from a variety of materials, some mouthguards are flexible, others are stiff. Talk to us today about getting a custom-molded mouthguard to protect your smile.
Separators
Separators are small elastic rings placed temporarily between teeth to make space for an orthodontic appliance.
Different Types of Braces
We do our best to make our treatment options approachable for everyone. While Empower® 2 Metal Brackets and Empower ® Clear Brackets are industry leaders for self-ligating brackets and trusted by orthodontic professionals everywhere, there are other types of helpful braces. Many of these braces are quick to install, reduce treatment time and provide a far more subtle appearance. Typically, they are also quite comfortable.
Invisible Braces
Worried about the look of metal braces or various brackets? We have Invisalign® clear aligners that are hard to notice, easy to take on and off, and very affordable.
Ceramic Braces
Translucent ceramic braces are another very subtle and comfortable option that improves a smile, without hurting self-confidence. These braces blend in with teeth by using tooth-colored brackets. Have questions about ceramic braces? Talk to us now.
Which Orthodontic Treatment is Quickest?
How long each treatment takes varies from patient to patient, but advances in technology have made all treatment options quicker and easier than ever. Contact Dr. Prentice today to discuss which treatment option is best for you or your child. We work hard to provide the best smiles in Colorado and to accommodate you or your child’s busy schedule.
How To Make Your Orthodontic Treatment Proceed Quickly
- Follow all care instructions given by Dr. Prentice.
- Brush and floss normally, even with braces.
- Set up and attend all the necessary appointments with Dr. Prentice.
- Watch what you eat, including sugary foods or sticky, crunchy foods.
- Wear aligners and elastic bands as instructed.
Which Orthodontic Treatment Option Is Best?
Many factors will determine the right treatment option for you — it all depends on your individual treatment needs. But please understand that the best treatment is one performed by a professional orthodontist, like Dr. Prentice, in a comfortable environment, all facilitated by a professional staff. Prentice Orthodontics will never “upsell” you a product. Instead, we prescribe only what is completely necessary and equip you with the necessary know-how and skillset to properly shift teeth and realign jaws to give you a healthy, beautiful, long-lasting smile. Contact Prentice Orthodontics right away for more information.