Orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
An orthodontist is a specialist within the field of dentistry. Upon completion of dental school, orthodontists then attend 2-3 additional years of advanced training, specifically focusing on tooth movement and facial development.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child first visit an orthodontist by the age of seven. Many orthodontic problems can be solved more easily at a younger age, before jaw growth slows, to avoid the need for more complicated procedures. That being said, treatment can be sought out at any age, and there are many attractive treatment options available to adults today that ensure an efficient, aesthetic, and comfortable orthodontic experience.
Treatment duration is dependent on the severity of the case and the compliance of the patient. A patient who maintains good oral hygiene, keeps appointments, and follows instructions throughout treatment will complete their treatment on or ahead of schedule. Dr. Sellers is proud to reveal that our typical cases are roughly 6-8 months shorter than the national average of 28 months.
Most of our patients tell us that their teeth are sore for the first few days. Simple, over-the-counter pain medication usually alleviates this. In addition, we provide soft wax and silicone to place on any rough areas of your braces to minimize mouth irritations. Warm, salty water is also a good home remedy for oral discomfort.
We average 6-8 weeks between visits, though it depends on the case and treatment plan. In the beginning of treatment, some patients need to be seen more frequently, while others have long (10-12 weeks) intervals between appointments. As we get closer to finishing your treatment, appointments become more frequent. When we factor all visits together, we average about 6 weeks between appointments.
The quick answer is that your daily life will be basically unaffected by Invisalign. The clear, light material of the aligners ensures that they are virtually unnoticeable. And since the aligners are removable, you can eat and drink whatever you want! That being said, you will need to wear your aligners for 20 -22 hours a day, so you should only remove them for eating, brushing and flossing.
Teeth can shift with age, and it is a very common occurrence. Retainer wear is much different today than it was many years ago. Both Invisalign and Damon Brackets are excellent treatment options for adults.
Dr. Sellers will schedule your appointments according to your specific case. Usually, patients visit our office every 4 – 6 weeks for Invisalign treatment.
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