smile blog

Besides providing patients with the straight teeth that are normally associated with a beautiful smile: Straight teeth play a very important role in the digestion of food, which means they are vital to the body attaining the nutrition it needs. This is one of the reasons seeking orthodontic treatment from an experienced orthodontist early-on is recommended. At Docbraces, experienced orthodontists consider the various teeth-straightening options available and create personalized treatment plans for each patient.

What Causes Crooked Teeth?

Some people inherit their crooked teeth. For example, if teeth on the upper arch sticking out past those on the bottom arch is commonly seen in an individual’s family, chances are this characteristic is genetic and orthodontic treatment is inevitable. However, bad habits can also contribute to the development of crooked teeth.These habits include:

• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking
• Tongue thrusting

A small mouth that does not have enough room for proper growth or severe injury to the face may also contribute to the development of crooked teeth.

The Importance of Straightening Crooked Teeth

Protruding, crooked or crowded teeth can negatively affect an individual’s self-esteem. Teeth that do not meet up properly impact the bite. The added pressure on the muscles doing all the chewing frequently leads to headaches.

Starting Orthodontic Treatment

Childhood is considered the ideal time to begin the teeth-straightening process; however, the advancements in teeth-straightening appliances have made it possible for adults of any age to enjoy the benefits of straighter teeth, inconspicuously.

Teeth-Straightening Options at Docbraces

Traditional Braces

The traditional metal braces remain one of the most popular teeth-straightening options, especially when it comes to children. The metal braces used today are smaller and more comfortable than those used in the past.Traditional braces are appealing because they are inexpensive and very effective. These braces consist of metal brackets and wires that are held on with elastic ties.

Clear Braces

Clear braces are the perfect solution for teens and adults who do not want to draw attention to the fact that they are undergoing orthodontic treatment. These innovative braces are created using a translucent ceramic material that will not stain.While clear braces are usually an acceptable treatment option for the upper front teeth, sometimes, metal braces are the only option for the bottom teeth; however, since the top teeth are the most visible teeth when one smiles, this is usually of little concern to most patients. It is the particular circumstances a patient’s bite that determines his or her possible treatment options.

Damon Clear Braces

These braces are also discreet, they resist discoloration and staining. In addition, Damon Clear braces are tieless. They are attached using high-tech archwires. These archwires can move quickly, without causing the patient any discomfort. One of the main benefits of Damon Clear braces is that there is no need for routine adjustments.

Friction-Free Braces

When friction-free braces are used, patients enjoy a much more comfortable teeth-straightening experience. Furthermore, oral hygiene is much easier to address with this treatment. This innovative orthodontic treatment appliance has a mechanism that holds the high-tech, shape-memory wires that these braces utilize. This mechanism allows the teeth to move more freely. In addition, fewer adjustments are required.These friction-free braces are lighter than conventional braces and can usually move the teeth into their proper positions quicker: In general, patients who choose friction-free braces complete their treatment four to six months sooner than they would have with traditional braces.Friction-free braces are self-ligating, which means there are no metal or elastic ties. Since plaque tends to accumulate on these ties, their absence makes it much easier to care for the teeth during treatment. In addition, the patient enjoys a more comfortable treatment because there is no need to tighten these braces.Sixty percent of the bracket is created using ceramic reinforced composite material. This material is highly resistant to staining and wear. By combining the clear ceramic material with the stainless steel, the bracket appears much smaller, providing the patient a more aesthetically-pleasing look.

Invisible Aligners: Invisalign and Invisalign Teen

Invisalign aligner trays are created using surgical-grade plastic. These trays are nearly invisible. Invisalign and Invisalign Teen are almost identical; however, the Invisalign Teen aligners have blue compliance indicator dots on them.Since Invisalign’s aligner trays are removable, these blue compliance indicator dots are used to help the orthodontist determine if the patient is wearing his or her aligners as directed.To be effective, the trays need to remain in the mouth for at least 22 hours a day. Adherence to the treatment plan is essential to attaining the best results possible, the fastest. The compliance indicator dots are located on the back of the Invisalign Teen aligners; therefore, they are not readily visible when being worn.Invisalign aligner trays are removed when the patient eats and drinks: The only time these aligners can be left in the mouth while drinking is when the patient is consuming plain water. The ability to remove the aligners while eating and drinking is beneficial because the patient can continue to eat the foods he or she loves. Foods that would be banned if traditional braces were used (e.g., corn on the cob, BBQ ribs, whole apples, caramels, etc.).Aligners are changed out every two or three weeks. The new set of aligners received will move the patient’s teeth slightly closer to their preferred location. Invisalign has become a popular option for addressing crooked and misaligned teeth, especially when it comes to adults. While Invisalign can be used to fix a variety of dental issues, when teeth are severely misaligned or twisted, Invisalign may not be the best option.

Docbraces Offers a Digital Scanning System

At some of Docbraces’ locations, there are digital scanning systems available. Using these systems, 3D impressions of the patient’s teeth can be created. By using the digital scanning system, patients can bypass the messy, uncomfortable traditional method of biting down on a tray filled with alginate to create an impression. The digital scanner also provides more accurate results; therefore, the trays fit better and offer faster results.

Express Smiles™

This treatment option addresses only the six front teeth (i.e., social six), which are the teeth mostly seen when an individual smiles. Sometimes, the bottom teeth are also addressed. Express Smiles™ treatment may include Invisalign, metal or clear braces.Express Smiles™ are a good choice for:

• Patients who just want their front teeth aligned and are okay with their current bite pattern and the potential risks it can cause.
• A conservative patient who is not interested in undergoing comprehensive treatment.
• Patients who had orthodontic treatment, but neglected to wear the retainer as directed, resulting in a relapse of the teeth.
• Someone who is looking for an economical, limited form of orthodontic treatment.
• Express Smiles™ offers several benefits over full treatments, including a more aesthetically pleasing smile in a shorter amount of time (approximately six to 10 months), for much less than the cost of other complete orthodontic treatment options.

Docbraces is a VIP Diamond Invisalign Provider

Docbraces is proud to be ranked as Atlantic Canada’s leading provider of Invisalign Teen, and the only orthodontic practice to earn the ‘Top 1 percent Provider’ status in Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick, a status reserved for those practices that have treated more than 800 cases with Invisalign. In addition, Docbraces places in the top 1 percent of Invisalign providers in North America.If you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, contact Docbraces today at 1-866-639-7695. Let our experienced orthodontists create a customized treatment plan to help you or your child attain a beautiful, functional smile. Docbraces has offices located throughout Canada. Offices are located in Halifax, Dartmouth, Moncton, Truro, Charlottetown, Ottawa, Summerside and London. If you would rather contact us online, click here to access our online contact form.