Orthodontics
Are you unhappy with crooked teeth, an overbite, underbite, or gaps? Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to fix them and improve your smile with the help of orthodontics.
Orthodontic Services to Improve Your Smile
At CCED, we’re here to straighten things out.
Our teeth can seriously affect the way we view ourselves. Damaged teeth can hinder our confidence and impact our oral health, but a beautiful smile can do wonders. That’s why our orthodontic services are important for children and adults alike.
Our staff is made up of some of the best orthodontists in Center City, Philadelphia, who can help determine which teeth straightening options are right for you.
Why Should I See an Orthodontist?
Orthodontic services can resolve a number of dental health issues, such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and gaps. These issues can affect appearance and confidence, especially for children as they’re growing up. Teeth that are out of alignment can cause difficulties with eating, speaking, and other oral functions.
Our orthodontist can help alleviate those difficulties. Here’s why you should schedule an appointment at CCED for teeth straightening services:
- If your teeth are not straight, it can be difficult to clean your teeth and gums. Lack of thorough cleaning can lead to problems in the future, such as gingivitis.
- Straight teeth encourage you to smile and thus can help improve your first impressions.
- Teeth straightening services can fix issues with biting and chewing.
- If your jaw is misaligned, it can affect your entire facial profile. Orthodontic treatment can help to address this issue.
Treatments We Offer
You have options when it comes to teeth straightening services in Center City, Philadelphia. Our orthodontist, Dr. Han Lee, can fit adults and children with braces or decide if Invisalign is the best option.
Braces
Braces are an effective way to stabilize and realign teeth over a period of time, using brackets that attach to teeth and wires that run across them, connecting the brackets. They can be made from metal or ceramic materials and can run along the front of the teeth or, in the case of “lingual,” along the back. When it’s time to remove the braces, retainers are used to ensure the teeth remain straight.
The type and length of treatment will vary from patient to patient, depending on the degree of misalignment. Trust our orthodontist at CCED to assess your specific issues and determine the perfect solution for you. We’ll get it all straightened out.
Visit our braces page for more information.
Invisalign
For patients who want to avoid traditional braces in favor of a more “invisible” but equally effective form of teeth straightening treatment, Invisalign can be a great option.
Visit our Invisalign page for more information.
Braces vs. Invisalign — Which One Is Right for Me?
Traditional metal braces have been around for ages and are incredibly effective at straightening teeth, especially for more complex dental issues. They consist of metal brackets attached to your upper and lower teeth, connected by wires that gradually move your teeth into place. Braces are great if you need significant adjustments and don’t mind the look of metal.
Invisalign, on the other hand, uses clear, removable aligners. These are almost invisible and can be taken out for eating and cleaning, which makes maintaining oral hygiene simpler. Invisalign is excellent if you’re looking for a discreet option and have milder alignment issues.
Factors Leaning Toward Braces:
- More effective for severe misalignment and complex dental issues
- Typically, shorter treatment time for complicated cases
- Often less expensive than Invisalign
Factors Leaning Toward Invisalign:
- Virtually invisible, making them aesthetically pleasing
- Removable, allowing flexibility in eating and cleaning
- Generally more comfortable without metal brackets and wires
How Long Will My Results Last After Orthodontic Treatment?
Good news! The results from orthodontic treatments can last a lifetime with proper care. After your course of braces or Invisalign, you’ll likely receive a retainer to help maintain your new smile. Retainers are crucial because they prevent your upper and lower teeth from shifting back to their original positions. Wearing your retainer as instructed by your orthodontist is key to long-lasting results.
In terms of maintenance, regular dental check-ups and continuing good oral hygiene practices are essential. This includes brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for routine cleanings. By taking these steps, you can keep your confident smile and protect your teeth from future dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease. The duration of wearing retainers often starts with full-time wear and gradually shifts to only nighttime wear. This schedule allows your results to remain stable and your upper and lower teeth to stay aligned.
The Short and Long-Term Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontic dentistry offers many unique advantages, which is why so many people opt for these treatments. Whether you go with braces or Invisalign, the benefits are significant and multifaceted.
Short-Term Benefits
- Improved Appearance: Straightening your upper teeth and lower jaw boosts confidence.
- Better Oral Health: Aligning teeth makes it easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
- Enhanced Functionality: Orthodontic treatments can improve the bite, making eating and speaking more comfortable.
Long-Term Benefits
- Durable Results: Once completed, orthodontic treatments offer lifetime benefits with proper care and the use of retainers.
- Prevention of Dental Issues: Properly aligned teeth are less prone to wear and tear, reducing the risk of damage and dental issues over time.
- Improved Overall Health: Better oral health leads to improved overall health, as conditions like gum disease are linked to more serious health problems.
Is Crossbite the Same as Over or Underbite?
No, crossbites, overbites, and underbites are different types of dental misalignments, each requiring specific orthodontic treatments. A crossbite occurs when some of your upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth when you close your mouth. This misalignment can happen on one side of your mouth or both, affecting either the front or the back teeth.
An overbite means your upper teeth significantly overlap your lower teeth. While a slight overbite is normal, a pronounced one can lead to issues like tooth wear and gum damage. Conversely, an underbite is when your lower teeth extend past your upper teeth. This condition often affects the appearance of the face and can cause difficulties in chewing and speaking.
Understanding these distinctions is crucial for selecting the right orthodontic appliances to address these issues effectively. From braces to Invisalign, orthodontic treatments can correct these misalignment issues, leading to a more balanced and functional bite.
Is it Harder to Maintain My Oral Hygiene With Braces or Invisalign?
Maintaining oral hygiene is important during orthodontic treatments, but the ease of use varies between braces and Invisalign. With traditional braces, cleaning can be more challenging due to the brackets and wires. Food particles can easily get trapped, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Using special tools like interdental brushes and water flossers can help you thoroughly clean the braces.
Invisalign, however, makes maintaining oral health somewhat simpler. Since the aligners are removable, you can take them out while eating and brush and floss your teeth normally. This flexibility allows you to maintain better oral hygiene compared to braces.
Visit Our Expert Orthodontist
At CCED, you’ll be treated by one of the best orthodontists in Center City and the entire Philadelphia region. Dr. Han Lee is a graduate of Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry and holds a Master’s degree in dental science from The University of Colorado. Her impressive resumé features several academic awards, and she is a proud member of the American Association of Orthodontics. She specializes in both children’s orthodontics and adult orthodontics, making her equipped to provide appropriate solutions for every age group.
Contact CCED today to set up an appointment with our orthodontist and begin the process of repairing your smile!