Columbus Orthodontic Center Blog

Clear aligners are one of the most convenient ways to correct dental misalignment. Plus, their discreet nature makes them ideal for people who want to maintain a professional image throughout treatment. How can set yourself up for a successful and stress-free orthodontic journey? You should avoid these five Invisalign mistakes:

Phase 1 orthodontics, also known as interceptive orthodontics, is a focused treatment aimed to help children enjoy proper development of their oral structures. Could your little one possibly benefit from it? Read on below to learn more about this treatment and some of the indications that your child might need it.

If you are soon going to attend your first orthodontic appointment, you may be eagerly looking forward to achieving a straighter, healthier smile. You have an exciting time ahead of you! Before you embark on your journey with clear aligners or braces, however, your orthodontist might recommend that you undergo a procedure called interproximal reduction (IPR). The prospect might seem a little intimidating at first, but there is no need to worry. This quick preparatory procedure can play a large role in helping you enjoy successful orthodontic treatment.

In the past couple of decades, clear aligners have seen a boom in popularity. Other innovative orthodontic treatments are also on the rise. Such options are usually very effective, and they can be much more discreet than traditional braces. However, that doesn’t mean that brackets and wires are obsolete. On the contrary, there are a number of situations in which they remain the best way to straighten teeth. Let’s discuss a few signs that might indicate braces are perfect for you.

Straight teeth are often part of an attractive smile, and many people seek orthodontic treatment solely for that reason. But did you know that the benefits of straight teeth go far beyond aesthetics? They can play a role in both your oral and overall wellness, leading to a better quality of life. Let’s discuss some specific ways in which they do that.

Early orthodontic intervention can encourage proper development of the oral structures and set your little one up for a lifetime of healthy, confident smiles. But how can you tell if your child should visit an orthodontist? Very likely, your general dentist will make a referral if necessary. However, you should still be on the lookout for indications that your little one could benefit from braces for children.

There is a common misconception that orthodontic treatment is primarily for young people. In reality, though, you can start to straighten your teeth at virtually any age. In fact, many adults are excellent candidates for braces because they are highly responsible and are committed to making their treatment a success. What can you expect when you choose to get braces as an adult? Let’s talk about a few key things that you should keep in mind.

Advertisements for orthodontic treatments often feature adolescents and young adults. If you have a few more years of life behind you, such media might make you wonder, “Am I too old for Invisalign?” The answer to that question is no! Let’s talk about why there is no upper age limit for Invisalign and why right now might actually be the perfect time for you to get started with straightening your teeth.

After you finish our orthodontic treatment, your retainer becomes your smile’s best friend. If you wear it properly, it can prevent your teeth from drifting back out of place and spare you from having to undergo future orthodontic retreatment. One of the only bad things about retainers is that they do not last forever. Failure to replace yours on time could lead to unwanted tooth movements and other undesirable consequences. So when should you get a new retainer? That depends on which type of retainer you have. Let’s talk about the average life expectancy of Hawley retainers, clear plastic retainers, and fixed retainers.

If you are thinking about getting traditional braces, one of the first questions on your mind might be, “How long will I have to wear them?” There is not a one size fits all answer to that question. Braces treatment time can vary widely, with most cases taking between 1 and 3 years. Let’s talk more about some of the factors that affect the length of treatment and a few steps you can take to avoid unnecessary delays.