Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The primary goal is to improve a person's bite, function, and smile esthetics. This field addresses a wide range of issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, gaps between teeth, and jaw discrepancies like overbites and underbites. These problems can lead to difficulties in chewing, speaking, and cleaning teeth, which can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and even jaw joint problems. Treatment can be initiated at various ages, from childhood to adulthood, with early intervention often proving beneficial for guiding jaw growth and tooth eruption.

There are several types of orthodontic appliances used to move teeth and align jaws:
Traditional braces for kids & adults
Bellevue Dentist provides traditional braces for both children and adults. Traditional metal braces are still the most common form of orthodontic treatment, and they can be used to correct a wide range of issues such as overcrowding, overbite, crossbite, and other various degrees of malocclusion.

Metal braces are composed of brackets that are bonded to your teeth and connected with an archwire.

Over time, our team will tighten the wire to apply pressure to the teeth, guiding them into their proper position.

Once treatment is complete, you will be delighted with a perfectly aligned smile.

Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an attractive alternative to traditional metal braces. They are a series of clear, custom-fit removable mouth trays that apply a controlled amount of force to your teeth to slowly straighten them.

The system provides the same beautiful results as traditional braces, but they are virtually invisible. Because clear aligner trays are removable, they can be taken out while eating, drinking, brushing and flossing.

The clear aligner system begins in the dentist or orthodontist’s office with taking molds to design a your trays. Patients switch trays every two weeks to gradually shift the teeth. The system requires a visit to the office every six weeks so that treatment can be monitored. Once treatment is complete, a patient will likely be given a retainer to maintain the smile.

The cost of clear aligners varies according to the complexity of the case. Insurance policies generally cover clear aligners to the same extent that they cover traditional braces.

The Process
The orthodontic treatment process typically begins with an initial consultation where the orthodontist performs a thorough examination. This includes taking dental impressions, X-rays, and clinical photographs to create a detailed treatment plan. Based on this analysis, the orthodontist will recommend the most suitable type of appliance and provide a projected timeline. The active treatment phase involves regular check-ups—usually every 4 to 8 weeks—for adjustments and to monitor progress. The duration of this phase varies widely, depending on the complexity of the case, but generally ranges from 18 to 36 months. Patience and compliance with the orthodontist's instructions, such as wearing elastics or aligners as prescribed, are crucial for a successful outcome.

Upon completion of the active treatment phase, a new, straight smile is achieved. However, the journey isn't over. The retention phase is arguably the most important part of the process, as it prevents teeth from shifting back to their original positions. This phase involves wearing a retainer, either fixed (a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth) or removable (a clear plastic or wire appliance). Retainers are worn full-time initially and then typically only at night for an extended period, sometimes indefinitely. Neglecting to wear a retainer can lead to a phenomenon known as orthodontic relapse, where the teeth gradually move out of alignment, undoing all the time and effort invested in the treatment.