At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, we believe our patients deserve great smiles for life. Our commitment to excellence and personalized care ensures that every patient receives the best possible oral care. But, how does treatment work, and are the results of braces permanent? Find out more below.
Understanding orthodontics and how braces straighten teeth
Braces apply continuous pressure over time to move the teeth into alignment. This tension causes the bone around each tooth to change, shifting it into the desired position. This process, known as bone remodeling, is fundamental to straightening teeth and correcting misalignment. At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, we offer our patients a variety of treatment options, including Damon self-ligating braces, Insignia braces, and clear aligners, all of which apply pressure in unique ways to straighten the teeth into alignment, as they correct various dental issues, such as overcrowding, gaps, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
The effectiveness of braces
Braces are an extremely effective teeth straightening mechanism and often come highly recommended by an expert orthodontist like our very own Dr. Hutta or Dr. Kamrani. In fact, over four million Americans have or need braces. This number has continued to rise as the orthodontics industry has become more advanced, complete with 3D digital imaging and printing technology. However, it is important to note that the straightening process isn’t instant, but rather occurs gradually.
Short-term straightening results
During the course of orthodontic treatment, patients will observe gradual improvements in their dental alignment. However, the initial phase often involves significant changes as the teeth begin to shift and straighten rapidly. Regular appointments with an orthodontist are essential during this period to adjust the braces and ensure that the teeth are moving as planned. These adjustments might involve changing the bands or switching to a new set of aligners.
Typically, the treatment duration ranges from 18 months to 3 years, although this can vary based on individual cases, as all patients and their teeth are unique. By the end of the treatment, you will see substantial improvements in the alignment of your teeth and the overall function of your bite.
Long-term success
While braces are highly effective in correcting misalignments, their long-term success depends on several factors. The primary goal of orthodontics is not just to align the teeth but to ensure that these results are maintained over the long term. This is where post-treatment care becomes crucial. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse. To mitigate this risk, patients must adhere to their orthodontist’s recommendations for post-treatment maintenance.
Keys to permanently straight teeth
While braces themselves are not permanent, the results they achieve can be. However, permanently straight teeth require additional care, often in the form of retainers.
The importance of retainers
Retainers play a critical role in maintaining the achieved results. Post-braces, the teeth and surrounding bone are still adjusting to their new positions. They also help hold the teeth in place during this stabilization period, which can last several months to years.
There are two main types of retainers: fixed and removable. Fixed retainers are bonded to the back of the teeth, providing a permanent solution to prevent teeth from shifting. These are especially beneficial for patients who might forget or neglect to wear a removable retainer regularly. Removable retainers, often made out of clear plastic, need to be worn for a specified period each day, particularly during the initial months after braces are removed.
Orthodontists generally recommend wearing retainers full-time for the first few months post-treatment, gradually transitioning to nighttime wear indefinitely. This ongoing use of retainers is vital to ensure that the teeth remain in their new positions and do not revert to their previous alignment.
Other factors affecting your teeth
Braces are highly effective in correcting dental misalignments and can provide long-lasting results. However, the permanence of these results depends on factors such as post-treatment care, growth and development, oral hygiene, and lifestyle habits.
Growth and development
For younger patients, ongoing growth and development might impact the long-term stability of orthodontic treatment if they fail to adhere to post-treatment guidelines. The jaw and facial bones continue to grow and change, particularly during puberty, but also in adulthood. These changes can influence the alignment of your teeth, sometimes leading to shifts even years after treatment has been completed. However, orthodontists are experts at anticipating this natural growth and facial changes. With a retention plan and diligent wear, you won’t need to worry! Additionally, follow-up appointments can help monitor and manage these changes effectively.
Growth-related changes can be more pronounced in children and adolescents. Therefore, it’s crucial to have a comprehensive plan that accounts for these developmental factors. Early intervention and continuous monitoring can help mitigate potential issues that may arise from natural growth patterns.
Lifestyle and habits
Lifestyle and habits also play a critical role in the long-term success of orthodontic treatment. Certain behaviors, such as teeth grinding, thumb sucking, or aggressive biting, can negatively impact the alignment of your teeth post-treatment. Managing these habits is essential to preserving the achieved results.
Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups is crucial for long-term oral health. Poor hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay, which can affect the position and health of your teeth. A healthy mouth provides a stable foundation for maintaining results.
An orthodontist often provides specific guidelines and recommendations for post-treatment care to address these lifestyle and habit factors. Following these guidelines can significantly enhance the permanence of the results achieved through treatment.
Join the Hutta Orthodontic Specialists family today!
At Hutta Orthodontic Specialists, we emphasize the importance of wearing retainers and maintaining good oral health post-braces to ensure your smile remains beautiful and aligned for life. By following your orthodontist’s guidance and committing to post-treatment care, you can maximize the longevity of your results. Braces, combined with diligent retention strategies, can indeed provide a permanent solution to crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.
If you are considering braces or have any additional questions, contact Hutta Orthodontic Specialists today for a complimentary consultation. Our team is dedicated to helping you achieve and maintain a healthy, beautiful smile– start your smile journey with us today!