For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of braces. At Lilli Pilli Dental, we believe that it’s more than just a smile.
Improved Oral Health
Straight teeth contribute to healthy teeth and gums. Straight teeth decrease your chances of tooth decay and cavities. The gums are healthier too and therefore you are less likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease. Not only will you have a great smile, you will keep your beautiful smile!
Enhanced Self Esteem
An attractive smile is a wonderful asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image. These are important qualities at every age. A pleasing appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person’s self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings everything into proportion. In this way orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success. It may also improve a person’s general attitude toward life. Behind every smile is a unique and important individual.
Comfortable Bite
Along with the straight teeth comes an improved and comfortable bite. Various bite problems can cause excessive wear of your teeth and possible jaw joint problems. The American Association of Orthodontists explains, “Straight teeth help an individual to effectively bite, chew and speak.”
How Orthodontic Treatment Works:
Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. They may be removable (Invisalign) or they may be brackets (braces) bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, braces or aligners gradually move teeth to their corrected position. This is a great time for orthodontic treatment! Gone are the days when a metal band was placed around each tooth. You can choose brackets that are clear or metallic. We also offer self-ligating braces that don’t need colour ties, offering gentle and more hygienic treatment with fewer office visits. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be, and the latest materials move teeth gently and more efficiently with less discomfort to patients. For some teen and adult cases, Invisalign clear aligners may be an option, making a beautiful smile possible without traditional braces.
Duration of Treatment Treatment time typically ranges from one to three years, depending upon the patient’s age, growth of the mouth and face, the severity of the problem, and the complexity of the case as a whole. Patients will respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the time to case completion may differ from the original estimate. Patient cooperation with any prescribed appliances or elastics is an important factor in achieving the most efficient treatment. Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as little as eight months. We make every effort to have your treatment time be as short as possible while still achieving that beautiful smile that you deserve.