The Patient Guide to Orthodontics: Braces, Aligners & Candidacy

Orthodontic service, or orthodontia, is the area of dentistry that treats irregularities and pain in the jaw and teeth. If you struggle with an overbite, gaps between your teeth, or pain in your temporomandibular joints, an orthodontist can help. Different from a regular dentist, an orthodontist has an additional two-to-three years of training in their specific area. So, when you have a dental issue that is beyond the scope of what your normal dentist can treat, they may refer you to an orthodontist in Chesterfield to find the help you need. 

While it's often children who need early orthodontic treatment, these specialists treat patients of all ages. Many adults need orthodontic treatment from time to time, too. Typically, an orthodontist focuses on non-surgical treatment to correct dental problems. However, while they're not usually surgeons, they may collaborate with other dental professionals, such as maxillofacial surgeons, in the event that surgical intervention is required. If you damage your teeth or jaw in a car accident or while playing sports, for example, you may require the services of a dentist, an orthodontist, and an oral surgeon. These professionals all work together to alleviate your pain and bring the brilliance back to your smile. 

Patient's Guide to Orthodontics

There are many reasons why your dentist may refer you for orthodontic treatment, but rest assured, these referrals are always made with your best interests at heart. Though your particular dental problem may seem complicated, you can rest easy knowing it's all in a day's work for your orthodontic specialist. Several of today's more popular orthodontic services include:

• Traditional metal braces
• Clear aligners
• Retainers
• Elastics
• Mouthguards

Each of these services is designed to improve the functionality of your smile, as well as its appearance. Much more than just aesthetic improvements, they can help with pain, speech impediments, chewing problems, and more.

Different Types of Braces

While there may be a wide range of reasons why you find yourself at the orthodontist's office, the most popular reason, hands-down, is for teeth straightening. Usually, this means braces. Fortunately, there are several different types of braces available, so you're sure to find one to suit the needs of you or your teen. 

Metal Braces

Metal braces are the type that come to mind for many of us when our orthodontist mentions teeth straightening. Metal braces use a series of brackets affixed to individual teeth. These brackets are connected to one another with adjustable archwires, and tiny elastic bands hold the archwires to the brackets. Your dental professional will tighten the wires intermittently as your teeth move into the corrected positions. Usually, patients must wear traditional metal braces for anywhere from 18 months to several years to achieve the best smile. 

Metal braces are often the more economical choice for teeth straightening, but they're also a bit more visible than other options. If you're not worried about your braces being somewhat visible when you speak, then these may be a perfect, affordable choice for you. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces have much in common with metal braces. They use individual brackets as well, and these brackets are still connected by wires. The big difference lies in visibility. The brackets used in ceramic braces are either clear or they match the color of your teeth. The ceramic wires are clear or tooth-colored as well, and so are the elastics. These accommodations make ceramic braces much less noticeable than traditional metal, but they still do a terrific job of straightening wayward teeth. 

Ceramic braces are a second affordable option, just behind metal braces, for improving the appearance and functionality of your teeth. The light-colored components are resistant to stains, too, which makes them an even more attractive choice. The length of time to complete treatment with ceramic braces is basically the same as with metal, although every patient will have different needs. Typically, you must wear ceramics for anywhere between 18 months and several years. 

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces, while they work along the same lines as their metal and ceramic counterparts, actually adhere to the rear surface of your teeth, making them virtually invisible when you speak. They also utilize brackets and archwires that work together to reposition teeth, but they do it a bit more discreetly.  Lingual braces may be a great choice for adults who must maintain a professional appearance on the job, for anyone who plays a wind instrument, or for someone who plays contact sports. 

The typical treatment time for teeth straightening using lingual braces is one-to-three years. 

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces basically tighten themselves. While they still use archwires and brackets attached to the front of the teeth, they have no need for elastic bands. Instead, the brackets are specially designed with a spring-loaded door that tightens the wires automatically as your teeth reposition. Self-ligating braces are visible to others, but they usually need fewer adjustments by your orthodontist, and they may even lessen your treatment time. 

Self-ligating braces, while affordable, tend to cost a bit more than traditional options. However, many people prefer them because they require less professional intervention, which means fewer visits to your orthodontist. 

Most patients wear self-ligating braces for between 7 and 36 months.  

Clear Orthodontic Aligners

Clear aligners are a very popular alternative to braces for teeth-straightening, and for good reason. They're not highly visible to anyone looking, and they can be easily removed by the patient for eating and cleaning, which makes oral hygiene a dream. One drawback of invisible aligners is that they must be worn for between 20 and 22 hours per day to provide optimum treatment. And because they're easy to remove at home, it takes some discipline to use aligners correctly. 

This option for teeth straightening uses a series of custom-designed plastic trays to gradually reposition teeth. As patients reach each stage of realignment, they move to the next tray in the series until treatment has concluded. 

Clear orthodontic aligners are super-convenient and require an average treatment time of between 6 months and 2 years. However, they tend to cost a bit more than other options. 

The Five Stages of Teeth Straightening with Braces

Once you and your dental team have decided that braces are the best solution to your oral health issues, you'll learn more about the various phases of teeth straightening. There are five different stages:

1. Your Initial Consultation: This is where you'll meet with your orthodontist to discuss treatment and learn more about what's required of both you and your dental professional.
2. Bonding and Banding: During this visit, your orthodontist will adhere the brackets to your teeth and apply the wires that connect them all together. 
3. Intermittent Adjustments: You'll meet with your orthodontist at regular intervals to have the wires adjusted and to address any issues that have come up. 
4. Debanding: At the end of your treatment period, your orthodontist will remove the brackets and wires. 
5. Receiving Your Retainer: Your retainer, which is specially fitted, will help keep your newly aligned teeth where they need to stay. Some patients wear a retainer for several years following treatment. Others wear it for life. Your orthodontist will advise you on what to do regarding your retainer. 

Other Reasons to See Your Orthodontist in Chesterfield 

Even if your teeth are perfectly straight and beautifully aligned throughout life, you may still find yourself in the orthodontist's chair, because orthodontics is about more than just misaligned teeth. Your bite matters, too, and so does your comfort and your ability to chew easily and to speak clearly. Many factors can impact the health of your teeth and jaw, which is why early orthodontic treatment is so important. And your best friend, when it comes to spotting problems early on, is your dentist. Keeping regular appointments for cleanings, fillings, and check-ups is vital because each visit is an opportunity for your dentist to examine your teeth, gums, jaw, and more, and to address any issues before they become problematic and painful, including issues like those listed below:

TMD

TMD, or temporomandibular joint disorder, affects the "hinge" that connects your lower jaw to your skull. It's the joint that allows your mouth to open and close, and you have one joint beneath and just forward of each ear. If something goes wrong with your temporomandibular joint, you may experience pain or decreased mobility in your jaw. Common causes of TMD include:

• Accident or injury
• Arthritis
• Teeth grinding
• Teeth clenching
• Nail-biting
• Smoking

If you're experiencing all-over facial pain, tenderness in your jaw, pain when chewing, headache, or inability to open and close your mouth, your orthodontist may help you find relief through treatment for TMD.

Malocclusion

A malocclusion occurs when your upper and lower teeth no longer meet as they should. This may lead to a series of problems, including overbite, underbite, or open bite. Sometimes, your orthodontist can fix issues like these through braces or clear orthodontic aligners. However, sometimes more intervention may be required, including oral surgery. Regardless, a visit to your dental professional is necessary because problems with your bite may make it difficult to bite or chew your food or to pronounce certain letters clearly. Common causes of malocclusion include:

• Thumb-sucking
• Pacifier use
• Cleft palate
• Breathing through your mouth
• Tongue-thrusting
• Extra teeth
• Lost or missing teeth
• Impacted teeth

Left untreated, Malocclusions may cause pain, and they may also negatively impact your self-confidence. Over time, they can change the shape of your face and jawline, making you appear older than your biological age. 

Mouthguards

Mouthguards serve several important purposes, but we mostly think about mouthguards in conjunction with contact sports. It's true a mouthguard fits over your front teeth and gums for added protection during football or wrestling practice, but they help treat other dental conditions, too. Your orthodontist may prescribe a custom mouthguard to treat issues such as sleep apnea or teeth grinding while sleeping, for example. Mouthguards may also be instrumental in reducing snoring and helping to relieve symptoms of TMD. 

Palate Expanders

Palate expanders are used to widen the palate, or maxilla, which is the upper jaw. These are helpful for patients who struggle with crowded teeth or crossbites. Palate expanders are usually prescribed as a form of early orthodontics in children or teens, but may be beneficial to older patients, as well. 

Is Orthodontic Care Covered by Insurance? 

This is not an easy question to answer, because every patient's situation is different. It's very possible the orthodontic care that you or your child need may be covered, at least in part, by your insurance carrier. However, the only way to know for sure is to read over your benefits booklet or talk with your insurance representative. Your coverage may vary based on medical necessity, age, network provider, and more. 

If you need orthodontic services, it's worth checking with your insurance company for an explanation of benefits. You may be pleasantly surprised to learn your treatment will be more affordable than you assumed.

How Should You Choose an Orthodontist? 

With the abundance of online resources available today, most of us turn to the internet when searching for medical professionals. The same is true when you're trying to find quality orthodontics in Chesterfield. When doing so, there are certain factors to consider. Look for clinicians who are highly trained and credentialed. 

At Monarch Valley Dental, our practitioners and staff fit both descriptions. Additionally, they're friendly and always professional. Our orthodontist, Dr. John Pastorek, is a Doctor of Dental Medicine and an active member of the Academy of General Dentistry, who served his residency at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, OH.

Informed, passionate, and always prepared, Dr. Pastorek's first concern is helping his patients meet their dental health goals.

If you're searching for top-notch orthodontics in Chesterfield, Monarch Valley Dental is your go-to practice. Call today to speak with a friendly member of our staff to schedule a convenient time to come in and meet with Dr. P.