(Newswire.net — June 17, 2013) Baton Rouge, LA — With the recent advancements in orthodontics, there are now many new types of braces that are now available for parents to help enhance their children’s smile.
“As our children mature and develop, in many cases, their teeth may need the additional support that braces can provide”, notes Dr. Clay Couvillion of Sullivan Dental Center. “We wanted to provide our local community with a simple-to-understand and helpful overview of how the process actually works, in a way that will help them to make an educated decision.”
The following steps are typically followed in the brace process:
– The first step is to determine whether braces are suitable for the patient.
– The orthodontist consults with the patient and inspects the teeth visually.
– If braces are appropriate, a records appointment is set up where X-rays, molds, and impressions are made. These records are analyzed to determine the problems and proper course of action.
– The use of digital models is rapidly increasing in the orthodontic industry. Digital treatment starts with the creation of a three-dimensional digital model of the patient’s arches. This model is produced by laser-scanning plaster models created using dental impressions.
– Typical treatment times vary from six months to two and a half years depending on the complexity and types of problems.
– About 2 weeks before the braces are applied, orthodontic spacers are required to spread apart back teeth in order to create enough space for the bands.
– Teeth to be braced will have an adhesive applied to help the cement bond to the surface of the tooth. In most cases the teeth will be banded and then brackets will be added. A bracket will be applied with dental cement, and then cured with light until hardened. This process usually takes a few seconds per tooth.
– An archwire will be threaded between the brackets and affixed with elastic or metal ligatures. Ligatures are available in a wide variety of colors, and the patient can choose which color they like. Archwires are bent, shaped, and tightened frequently to achieve the desired results.
– When applying another type of dental brace, such as Invisalign, the process is quite different but there are similarities like the initial steps of molding the teeth before application. With Invisalign, impressions of the patient’s teeth are sent for evaluation. After viewing and determining the best course of action for the patient, their series of trays are created. The patients dentist or orthodontist receives the trays which fit to the patients mouth almost like a protective mouthpiece.
– Every three to six weeks, the braces must be adjusted. This helps shift the teeth into the correct position. When they get adjusted, the orthodontist removes the colored or metal ligatures keeping the archwire in place. The archwire is then removed, and may be replaced or modified. When the archwire has been placed back into the mouth, the patient may choose a color for the new elastic ligatures, which are then affixed to the metal brackets. The adjusting process may cause some discomfort, which is normal.
“Dr. Couvillion goes on to note, “If you or a member of your family have “crooked” teeth, an overbite/underbite, or oversized spacing between teeth, then braces can be an effective way to manage these issues.
One of the best ways to find out if braces are a good fit for your specific needs, is to talk to an orthodontist in your local area, who can conduct a complete evaluation and answer any questions that you have, before making this important decision.
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Contact Person:
Dr. Candice Sullivan
Sullivan Dental Center
“Your St Francisville Orthodontist“
5436 Commerce Street
St. Francisville, LA 70775
Phone: 225-224-8444
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