September 13th, 2009

Best Orthodontist for Beautiful Smile

Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that corrects improper bites or crooked teeth. It is important to select the best orthodontist in your area so that your teeth are aligned correctly. A beautiful smile is also the end result of the work of the best orthodontist.

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Orthodontics is a dentistry specialty that corrects improper bites or crooked teeth. It is important to select the best orthodontist in your area so that your teeth are aligned correctly. A beautiful smile is also the end result of the work of the best orthodontist.

The first step is to select your orthodontic dentist. Ask for referrals from your current dentist. He or she will be knowledgeable about which orthodontists do the best work because they see their work at the closest level. He or she will establish their opinions of orthodontists based on patients at the regularly scheduled cleanings.

Another great source of referrals is family and friends whose teenager has recently completed treatment with an orthodontist. If you know the teenager, observe how their teeth look. Ask the parents if they were satisfied with the cost and the end results. Once you have referrals, contact the office of the orthodontist and inquire about their payment program.

This is critical at the onset because an orthodontist who does not offer installment payments (such at beginning of treatment, middle of treatment and end of treatment) may not be the best orthodontist for you.

During the consultation, orthodontic treatment should be discussed. It should be caterer to the specifics of the patient’s teeth. Some treatment work better for some types of irregularities. The best orthodontist will discover the options, the benefits and disadvantages, time factor and the cost. There are several types of braces and brackets that an orthodontic dentist might recommend.

The first type is Damon brackets. Named after the inventor/dentist Damon Wright, they utilize a technology that allows the wire to slide back and forth inside the bracket. Benefits of Damon brackets include comfort for the patient, less friction, fewer adjustments and reduced treatment time. A disadvantage of Damon brackets is their higher cost.

The ceramic “tooth colored” brackets are less noticeable and appeal to those who want orthodontics that blend in with the natural tooth color. An advantage of the ceramic brackets is that they won’t stain or discover over extended periods of time. A disadvantage of ceramic bracket is that they may chip or crack and treatment length tends to be slightly longer than metal braces.

The most popular braces used during orthodontic treatment are clear braces and metal braces. Clear braces, as the name implies, are clear except for arch wire. They are made from pure monocrystalline sapphire.

A disadvantage of clear braces is that that the elastic ties may discolor between appointments. Metal braces are considered the best choice for extensive realignment.

The benefit of metal braces is their affordability, their durability and the ties come in an array of colors. A disadvantage is that they are very noticeable and patients may feel self-conscious about wearing them. Also, metal braces are somewhat uncomfortable when first put on.

The best orthodontist will explain the costs with each type of braces or brackets. The standard range of cost is $1700 to $5600, depending on the type as well as the duration of treatment. Other considerations that can adjust the cost are if extraction or jaw surgery is necessary and whether headgear is recommended. Metal braces are at the low end of the range.

Clear and ceramic braces are the most expensive orthodontic treatments. Another orthodontic appliance commonly used is the orthodontic retainer. It is an appliance made from stainless steel wire and plastic. Its function is to hold the teeth in place once braces are removed. The best orthodontist will usually recommend that retainers be worn by teenagers into their early twenties.

By selecting the best orthodontist, the end result will be a healthy and dazzling smile.



Categories: Dentists

Topics: Tags: adult braces, beautiful smile, best orthodontist, braces, brackets, ceramic braces, clear braces, crooked teeth, dental braces, features

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2 Responses to “Best Orthodontist for Beautiful Smile”

  1. This is a very up-to-date and comprehensive look at the options for orthodontic treatment. Adults can benefit from braces, too – the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) estimates that more than one million braces-wearers are over 18, and people in their 40s, 50s, 60s and older can have great results if their teeth are basically sound. For a supportive forum on adults in braces, check out http://www.ArchWired.com, and for general information, including recipes and tips for tender teeth, see http://www.braces.org (from the AAO).

  2. I agree with Pamela. 30% of our orthodontic patients are adults! The options for orthodontic treatment are varied. Damon Clear Braces are self-ligating braces that use “doors” instead of ties. This removes the issue of “staining”. Dr David Allen also offers Invisalign and “behind the teeth” braces. Visit wheatonorthodontics.com fro more information.

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