Redmond Orthodontist, Seattle Washington

Redmond Orthodontist

Orthodontics for a Redmond Orthodontist is a rapidly growing facet of dentistry

Orthodontics involves the use of corrective appliances, including braces and retainers, to straighten crooked teeth and/or repair an irregular bite. Since the introduction of new clear and "invisible" braces, orthodontic treatment has gone from something reserved for children and teenagers to an option for adults with cosmetic and functional dental issues. To learn more about orthodontics, please read the sections below.

If your child develops an "open bite", or you are otherwise concerned about the development of your child's teeth, no matter what the age, contact us right away for a consult with Dr. Jackson. Otherwise, children should be evaluated by the age of 6 for orthodontic treatment. In the past, a child was 11 or 12 before brackets were actually placed on the teeth to straighten them. This may still hold true in most cases, but there are new techniques that can correct problems early, while a child is still growing. This may eliminate the need for braces in the future, or if the child does still need braces, the treatment will be less complicated, usually shortening the period of time in braces.
Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth and correct a misaligned bite, but in some cases, it can take several years to achieve the end result. Before beginning treatment, it is important to investigate your options and speak with your dentist and/or orthodontist to find out which orthodontics solution is best for you.

An Arch Expander is one example of Redmond orthodontist treatment available for younger patients going to the dentist. Many times an arch expander can be used by a Redmond Orthodontist to create a proper alignment of the arches so permanent teeth have room to erupt in a natural position. The use of an arch expander will generally minimize or eliminate the need for braces when the patient gets older.

Orthodontists align teeth with braces by applying constant pressure in a desired direction. The pressure is adjusted at prescribed intervals over the course of the orthodontic treatment, which can last from one to three years or longer depending on the severity of the patient’s case. There are several types of orthodontic braces available to consumers, including the traditional metal braces and new clear braces.

It takes time to do it properly, but teeth will shift if constant, gentle pressure is applied by braces put on the patient by a Redmond Orthodontist. Brackets are bonded to the front surface of each tooth and wires are attached to the brackets with elastic bands. The slight tension on the wire is gently transferred to the bracket through the elastic band.

Dentists now have several orthodontic treatments to offer adult patients who wish to straighten their teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. From "instant orthodontics" with porcelain veneers to invisible braces, these new methods allow adults to transform their smile quickly and discreetly.

Once the teeth have been moved into proper position, a retainer is sometimes used to keep the teeth in place until they have "settled". Retainers can be fixed (bonded to the teeth) or removable.

Invisalign® is a new orthodontic treatment that gradually straightens teeth through the use of custom-fitted plastic aligners. These aligners are worn 24 hours a day except for when eating and drinking. Because they are "invisible" in the mouth, invisalign® aligners have become the most popular orthodontic treatment option for adults with crooked teeth or misaligned bites.

Adult "invisible braces" (which are not really braces at all, but clear plastic retainers) are a new technique for adults to obtain the results of braces without wearing braces! This technique, which is effective only for mild to moderate crowding, utilizes a series of retainers (computer generated or lab constructed) that are worn sequentially until the desired correction is achieved.

A Redmond Orthodontist is a highly trained cosmetic dentist or regular dentist professional that has maybe devoted their practice to the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned bites and jaw disorders. Whether you are seeking orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, there are certain characteristics you should always look for in a Redmond orthodontist.

Orthodontics can be daunting for those on a budget; however, there are several financing alternatives to assist with the cost of orthodontic treatment. In many cases, payments can be made in installments over a long period of time.