An extended period of time is required to align teeth using traditional braces with metal brackets and wires. Traditional braces are now being used with heat-activated archwires by some orthodontists. With these, teeth can be moved faster than ever before thanks to the natural heat in the mouth.

Since ceramic braces are tooth-colored, they blend in better with your teeth than traditional braces. In some cases, the wires of braces can also be colored in order to help make them appear invisible. Their effectiveness and efficiency are just as high as those of metal braces, but their cost is typically higher.

In contrast to traditional and ceramic braces, lingual braces are attached at the back of the teeth. Since they frequently come into contact with the tongue, they are virtually invisible, but more uncomfortable than traditional braces. Your orthodontist will be able to determine if lingual braces would work in your specific case if you’re interested in getting them.

In the world of braces, the most recent addition looks nothing like braces at all. With its clear, pop-on retainers that straighten teeth without brackets, bands, or wires, Invisalign is a highly popular choice in the orthodontic world. Using only plastic trays, Invisalign guides misaligned teeth into a proper position over a period of 18-50 weeks.

The purpose of braces is to change the position of teeth and jaws and alter the smile by exerting constant pressure on them. In order to hold the archwire in place, brackets are glued to teeth, putting pressure on them. As time passes, teeth move into their desired positions.

In addition to the teeth and bones, periodontal ligaments surround the soft tissue. Ligaments hold your teeth in place and can be stretched or compressed as you move them. To fill a gap left by a tooth moving right, the ligament on the right compresses and new bone forms on the left

A dental and orthodontic evaluation is recommended for children around the age of seven by many dentists and orthodontists. Issues like overcrowding or an uneven bite can become apparent during this time. It does not mean, however, that kids should get braces at this age. Rather, it’s a good time for your dentist or orthodontist to create a treatment plan for your child. Braces are typically used by children between the ages of 10 and 14 - a period that corresponds closely to the development of adult teeth. It may be beneficial to begin orthodontic treatment as early as seven years old. Such decisions are made by dentists and orthodontists on a case-by-case basis, depending on your child’s individual circumstances.

In general, orthodontic treatment takes about 24 months to complete. There are some patients who need less than 12 months of treatment, but there are also those who require up to 3 years. Every patient’s mouth is unique, and orthodontics isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.

In adolescents and children, teeth are easier to manipulate because their jaws are still developing, making results faster. This does not mean that all adults must wear braces for two years or longer. The length of treatment can also be affected by other factors. You must also take into account the severity of your orthodontic problem. The treatment of mild spacing/crowding may take a year or less, whereas the treatment of severe cases may take longer. To ensure a successful orthodontic treatment, patients must follow their orthodontist’s instructions carefully. Keep your dental appointments, maintain proper oral hygiene, and use your orthodontic appliance as directed. The type of braces will also dictate the duration of braces use.

Orthodontic braces are available at Dentistry of Oxnard. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online! We are conveniently located at 4225 Saviers Rd # 9, Oxnard, CA 93033. We serve patients from Oxnard CA, El Rio CA, Port Hueneme CA, Saticoy CA, Camarillo CA, and surrounding areas.