Braces Paradise Valley AZ
When it comes to straightening crooked or crowded teeth, braces are the time-tested, tried-and-true method. Millions of teens and adults in the U.S. and around the world wear braces to improve their smiles and their bite alignments. Braces are extremely effective in correcting smile and bite problems. Today’s braces are also a lot more lightweight and comfortable compared to braces from a decade ago. They’re also smaller and more discreet. At Dunn Orthodontics, we offer state-of-the-art braces for teens and adults in and around Paradise Valley, Arizona, helping every patient enjoy a lifetime of beautiful smiles. Whether you’re considering braces for yourself or for your child, you probably have some questions. Here’s what you should know about Paradise Valley braces treatment.
How do Paradise Valley braces straighten teeth?
Today’s Paradise Valley braces may be lighter and more comfortable than the braces your parents or grandparents wore. But, the underlying design remains the same — because it works. That design uses brackets and wires to gently move teeth into their new positions. The process improves the way your smile looks and also optimizes your bite mechanics (the way your jaws work and meet). Individual brackets are affixed to the front of each tooth using very strong dental “glue.” Once the brackets are secure, the next step is to thread the wires through the brackets. The brackets are designed to hold the wire in position. At each office visit (about once a month during treatment), the orthodontist adjusts the wires and brackets, tightening them a tiny amount to make sure pressure on the teeth is maintained. That pressure, applied individually to each tooth, is what keeps your teeth moving toward alignment.
More Than Cosmetics
Many people think of braces Paradise Valley AZ as a cosmetic treatment. It’s true, braces do improve smile aesthetics. But wearing braces could also improve your oral health. First, by straightening your teeth, Paradise Valley braces make it easier for you to thoroughly clean your teeth and gums. So, you can reduce your risks of cavities, gum disease and tooth loss. When your teeth are straight and evenly spaced, brushing and flossing simply work more effectively to remove plaque and bacteria.
The second way Paradise Valley braces may improve your oral health is by realigning your bite. When your bite is properly aligned, the mechanical stresses on your jaw joints is balanced. But when your bite is out of alignment, even by a tiny amount, that stress becomes uneven. Eventually, your jaw joints can become irritated and inflamed. This can lead to chronic jaw pain, headaches and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ). An uneven bite also wears down your teeth more quickly. It can contribute to chronic tooth grinding (called bruxism). Over time, uneven tooth wear increases your risks of cracks, tooth breakage, infection and tooth loss. Straightening your teeth and realigning your bite with braces can help you avoid these serious oral health problems — and give you a great-looking smile at the same time.
What’s the difference between traditional braces and clear braces Paradise Valley AZ?
Traditional braces and clear braces Paradise Valley AZ work the same way. The difference is in how they look. Typically, traditional braces refer to braces that use metal brackets and metal wires, while clear braces use clear or tooth-colored brackets and tooth-colored wires. As a result, clear braces are more discreet and not as easy to detect as traditional braces. Clear braces are a bit more costly, but if you want your braces to blend in more, they can be a good investment. Some people combine clear braces with colored wires to add a bit of flair and individuality.
What issues can be corrected with Paradise Valley braces?
For decades, Paradise Valley braces have been the go-to treatment for orthodontic problems, and today, they can treat a broad range of issues, including:
- Overcrowding
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Crooked teeth or “sideways” teeth
- Teeth that erupt out of alignment, like higher up in the gum
- Problems with bite mechanics or jaw function
At Dunn Orthodontics, we use the most advanced treatment techniques to provide custom-tailored treatment for each patient, including patients with complex issues, for beautiful results and greater self-confidence.
Will I have to wear a retainer after my braces come off?
Yes, once your braces are removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer for a period of time while your teeth stabilize. When your teeth move during treatment, it’s not just the tops of your teeth that are shifting — it’s the tooth roots, too. As they move, the jaw bone around them remodels itself to accommodate those movements. Once your teeth are in their new positions, it takes a little time for the jaw bone to reform around the roots so your teeth are stable. Without a retainer during this time, your teeth could drift out of alignment. You’ll wear your retainer all day and all night for a few weeks or months after your treatment, and slowly reduce your wear time as your teeth stabilize. Some patients continue to wear their retainers a couple of nights a week while they sleep to ensure their smiles always look their best.
Do braces work as well as clear aligners like Invisalign®?
Braces and clear aligners like Invisalign both work to straighten and realign teeth, but because of their design, braces can treat a wider range of issues compared to aligners. Invisalign can treat most problems, but not all problems. Plus, braces tend to cost a bit less than aligners, and more dental insurance plans provide at least partial coverage for braces, while many plans provide no coverage for aligners. During your consultation, we’ll be able to determine if Invisalign is a good choice for your needs, and we can also review financing and payment plan options to make the cost of your treatment affordable for your budget.
Let our Paradise Valley, AZ, team help you get a lifetime of beautiful smiles
Orthodontic treatment is an investment in a more attractive smile, greater self-confidence and self-esteem, and improved oral health — benefits that can last for the rest of your life. As a leading orthodontist practice in Paradise Valley, AZ, we offer advanced technology and custom treatment plans aimed at helping Arizona patients look and feel their best. And we can help you, too. To learn more about Paradise Valley braces treatment with our team, call our office at 602-864-0004 and schedule a consultation today.