Brace Yourself for New Braces and Aligners

(Smile: You Have Choices!)

Do you have a child whose adorable smile hides a few concerns from her dentist? Are you a middle-aged professional who has the means and motivation to fix some longtime dental shortcomings? Is your college student eager to fix his minor teeth issues with the latest clear aligners?

Here’s a look at some options for the ever-evolving world of tooth realigning and readjustment.

WHEN TO CONSIDER BRACES FOR YOUR CHILD

About 3.5 million teens and kids start wearing braces every year, according to the American Association of Orthodontists, who recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7, when most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. According to New Orleans and Metairie based orthodontist Dr. Brad Gottsegen, D.D.S., M.B.A. of Gottsegen Orthodontics, “Early orthodontic intervention can be beneficial for correcting a bite issue or guiding the growth of the jaw, as well as creating enough space for all the permanent teeth to erupt to avoid extractions. However, if growth is normal and the teeth are developing basically the way they should, most children that need braces won’t get them until all permanent teeth have erupted, which is usually between age 12-14.”

BRACES VERSUS ALIGNERS

For those who do not want to wear metal braces, there are tooth-colored or clear braces as an alternative. These are often worn for a longer duration, but some consider this worth the extra time in exchange for a less visible treatment.

Keep in mind that metal braces are not the clunky braces of yore. In addition to overall improvements in size and comfort, there are a rainbow of colors available for the elastic bands that go around the metal brackets of the braces. Since these can be changed at each orthodontist appointment (every four to eight weeks), you can switch out your braces band colors to reflect your favorite sports teams, upcoming holidays, or to match your eye color or favorite outfits.

Aligners (sometimes called “invisible braces”) are an option when there is mild to moderate orthodontic issues like overcrowded teeth. Instead of braces that are attached to your teeth, aligners are plastic, removable and changed out every week or two. Wearing an aligner takes more discipline because they must be worn 22 hours a day and put back on after contact sports, teeth brushing, etcetera. Braces are preferred by many because they are on for 24 hours!

The typical duration for wearing braces or aligners is 1-2 years, depending on the orthodontic issues and how well the wearer follows orthodontist instructions.

After your treatment plan is completed, your orthodontist will give you a retainer to continue your treatment long term. It is recommended that you wear the retainer 8-10 hours a day or night to continue to keep your teeth in place from the corrections made by your braces or aligner.

BRACES FOR GROWN-UPS

Twenty-five percent of braces worn today are worn by adults. This is due to several factors, from more awareness of orthodontic options and advances to the fact that people are living longer and want to ensure their teeth are in good shape for their golden years.

Orthodontic care for adults is different than for children because adult jaws have stopped growing. For this reason, adult braces sometimes require additional treatments and may need to be worn longer.

Adults have more of a variety of reasons for teeth alignment which may include:

1. Concerns about crooked or crowded teeth that make it difficult to clean teeth properly.

2. An overbite, underbite, or crossbite that causes discomfort, difficulty chewing, and can lead to tooth wear and other dental problems.

3. Adults who had orthodontic treatment in the past whose teeth have shifted back to their original position.

4. Jaw pain or temporomandibular joint (TMJ) issues.

5. Some adults simply want straighter teeth for a better smile and a boost in confidence!

“Humans ONLY have one set of teeth. Unfortunately, we are not sharks and therefore don’t grow new adult teeth. The goal is for our teeth to outlive us!” –Dr. Brent J. Benoit, D.D.S., M.D.S.

FROM THREAD AND METAL TO 3D IMAGING AND MEMORY ALLOYS

Orthodontics has come a long way since 1819, when the first wire crib (a woven wire with thread and metal) was created for teeth straightening by French orthodontist Christophe-François Delabarre.

Dr. Brad Gottsegen of Gottsegen Orthodontics noted these improvements:

Braces are now made with stronger, more durable materials that are less likely to break or become dislodged.

Wires used in braces are now made with shape memory alloys that can apply a more consistent, comfortable, and gentle force to the teeth.

Orthodontists now use advanced technologies such as 3D imaging and computer-assisted treatment planning which allow for more accurate diagnosis and treatment outcomes.

Newer orthodontic techniques can lead to faster treatment times than ever before. For example, self-ligating braces like the Damon system use a special clip to hold the wire in place, which can lead to shorter treatment times and fewer office visits.

With the proliferation of online resources, it can be confusing to do your own research on orthodontics. Here are some common misconceptions with facts provided by Dr. Brent J. Benoit, D.D.S, M.S.D., a New Orleans-based orthodontist, practicing at Dental Arts of New Orleans who is Board Certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

Myth: Braces are expensive!

Fact: Prices are mostly variable depending on the severity and the extent of treatment. Most orthodontists will work with you to find an acceptable monthly fee to make getting the smile of your dreams attainable.

Myth: You have to be referred by a general dentist to visit an orthodontist.

Fact: No referral is required. You can call your local orthodontist to set up an appointment without a referral.

Myth: Orthodontic treatment is only for aesthetics.

Fact: Your dentist may need teeth moved a certain way that requires orthodontics. Additional space may be needed for a future implant or ideal tooth position may be needed for porcelain veneers or crowns.

Myth: You only need to wear a retainer for a few years to keep your teeth straight after braces or aligners.

Fact: Now orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for a lifetime to protect your investment of a beautiful smile.

Myth: Online “at-home” treatments make teeth alignment cheaper and easier.

Fact: A thorough dental examination is not completed by DIY aligner companies, which could lead to harmful, expensive dental problems if not diagnosed correctly (gum loss, changes in the bite, or tooth loss). These companies do not take x-rays and do not monitor progress to see if your teeth are moving in an efficient, healthy way.

Myth: Anyone who offers braces or aligners is an orthodontist.

Fact: Only orthodontists who completed a 2+year residency can call himself/herself an orthodontist. Following four years of dental school, orthodontists attend 2-3 years of advanced training in how to move teeth in harmony with the jaws for proper function and aesthetics. In addition to residency, 40% of orthodontists take additional examinations to be certified by the American Board of Orthodontics.

The bottom line is: Align yourself with a trusted professional and see what options are available. Since braces and aligners are so common, ask friends and family members for recommendations. For kids, it can also be helpful to learn from others that their experiences have not been so bad!

“I hated them at first, but I’m used to them now. I still have to think about what I eat because food gets stuck easily!”—Lillian, age 13, Harahan, LA

“It does hurt for a few days after getting the wires changed. But overall, the experience is better than I expected!” –Jane, 12, Metairie, LA

“I like changing out the color bands whenever I go to my ortho and choosing colors to go with my school sports team and my other favorite teams.” –Michael, age 16, New Orleans, LA

New Orleans Saints Ticket Giveaway

Win 6 tickets to the August 13 home game versus the Kansas City Chiefs

Become a New Orleans Magazine partner ...