Orthodontics FAQS: Straight Answers to Top Questions
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the alignment of teeth and correction of misaligned bites. There are a variety of orthodontic treatments that cater to patients of all ages, with all types of dental and bite issues. If you have questions about orthodontics, we’re here to help.
Dr. Charles Casey and Dr. Patrick Casey of Smile Montreal Dentistry in Montreal, QC, can diagnose, treat, and even help prevent some orthodontic issues. Some common questions will be answered here, but all of your questions will be answered at your in-office appointment.
What Conditions Does Orthodontics Treat?
Orthodontics can correct a variety of conditions including but not limited to:
- Crooked teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crowding
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
- Teeth grinding
- TMJ disorder
- Jaw/arch development
- Space maintenance for unerupted teeth
What Orthodontic Options Are Most Common?
There are a variety of methods a dentist or orthodontist can employ to treat dental misalignment and bite issues. Here are two of the most common:
Braces
Braces are a system of brackets, wires, and bands that straighten teeth using gentle, constant forces. Before a patient has braces applied, some teeth may need to be extracted to make room for proper alignment of the remaining teeth on each arch.
Invisalign
Like braces, Invisalign® trays are designed to shift misaligned teeth into the proper position. Instead of brackets and wires, Invisalign consists of clear acrylic trays that are barely noticeable. The aligners fit snugly over teeth and have smooth edges, so they never cut or irritate gums or cheeks like braces do.
How Do Braces Work?
For braces, the dentist or orthodontist bonds brackets to specific teeth and threads wires through the brackets. The wires will guide your teeth into the correct alignment.
Throughout treatment, the patient will have periodic adjustments. Treatment with braces usually takes two years and in some cases, two phases of treatment are necessary.
At the end of treatment, the dentist will remove the brackets and take dental impressions for a retainer. All orthodontic patients must wear a retainer as directed to prevent teeth from relapsing into misalignment.
How Does Invisalign Work?
At the outset of Invisalign treatment, the dentist or orthodontist will take digital impressions of your teeth and send the information to a certified Invisalign laboratory. The lab then fabricates a series of clear aligners to incrementally move teeth toward the final destination, your ideal alignment for optimal function, balance, and aesthetics.
You can begin wearing Invisalign aligners the day you receive your first set. About every two weeks, you will switch to the next set of aligners. Plan to visit the dentist’s office every four to six weeks so that your treatment progress can be monitored.
Invisalign therapy usually takes 12-18 months. At the close of treatment, the patient will either continue to wear the last aligners in the series or will switch to a custom retainer. Dr. Casey will advise you on how long to wear your retainer each day.
Does Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatment?
Dental insurance may cover part or all of orthodontic treatment in certain instances. In many offices, checking insurance coverage is up to the patient. However, at Smile Montreal, we will look into your coverage and let you know what your estimated out-of-pocket expense will be.
If any part of your treatment is not covered by insurance, talk with our office about finding an affordable payment plan.
Email Us with Additional Questions or Visit Our Office
Dr. Charles Casey, Dr. Patrick Casey, and the team at Smile Montreal Dentistry value the health, comfort, and satisfaction of their patients above all else. They welcome new patients and will certainly address all of your questions and concerns about orthodontics. Schedule your free consultation by calling (514) 937-6558 or messaging our team online today.