metal braces Archives - Reedley Family Dental

Traditional Braces in Reedley, CA

Braces and orthodontic treatment are used to correct “bad bites,” or malocclusion (teeth that are crowded or crooked). In some cases your teeth may be straight, but your upper and lower jaws may not meet properly. These jaw or tooth alignment problems may be inherited or could result from injury, early or late tooth loss, or thumbsucking.

If you are looking for traditional braces in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental can help you explore orthodontic treatment options for improving the alignment of your teeth and bite. Traditional braces use brackets and wires to apply controlled pressure that gradually moves teeth into more desirable positions. They may be considered for concerns such as crowded, crooked, or misaligned teeth and certain bite problems.

Before beginning treatment, a dental evaluation can help determine your orthodontic needs and whether traditional braces are appropriate for your smile. Good oral hygiene is also important throughout orthodontic treatment because brackets and wires can make it more difficult to clean around the teeth. Regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help maintain healthy teeth and gums during treatment.

For patients who prefer a removable and less noticeable approach, Invisalign may be another orthodontic option to discuss. After orthodontic treatment, cosmetic services such as teeth whitening may also be considered to enhance the appearance of your smile.

If you have teeth that are damaged or weakened, dental crowns may provide a separate restorative option depending on your needs.

If you have an abnormal bite, our dentist at Reedley Family Dental may recommend braces or another orthodontic treatment to straighten out your smile. Correcting the problem can create a nice-looking smile, but more importantly, orthodontic treatment results in a healthier mouth. Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including:

tooth decay
gum disease
tooth loss
affected speech and/or chewing
abnormal wear to tooth enamel
jaw problems

Invisalign in Reedley, CA

If you are considering Invisalign in Reedley, CA, Reedley Family Dental offers clear aligner treatment for patients who want to improve the alignment and appearance of their smile without traditional metal braces. Invisalign uses a series of removable, clear aligners designed to gradually move the teeth as part of a customized treatment plan.

Invisalign may be considered for certain alignment concerns, including crowded teeth, spacing or gaps, and some bite-related problems. Before starting treatment, your dentist can evaluate your teeth, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether clear aligner treatment is appropriate for your individual needs.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is especially important while wearing removable aligners. Regular dental hygiene and cleanings can help keep your teeth and gums healthy throughout treatment. If you are also interested in improving the color of your smile, teeth whitening may be another cosmetic option to discuss with your dental team.

For patients with missing teeth, dental implants provide a separate tooth-replacement option and may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan when appropriate.

A consultation with Reedley Family Dental can help you understand your Invisalign options and what may be involved in creating a straighter, healthier-looking smile.

One of the most popular dental solutions of the past two decades; it is basically braces without the hassle of metal wires. Composed of removable aligners made of durable, crafted acrylic, Invisalign provides a comfortable and invisible alternative to traditional braces. In addition, the duration of an Invisalign treatment is, on average, around 12 months. This is a huge step above metal braces, which sometimes take years to properly readjust a patient’s teeth.

When wearing Invisalign for the first time, you’ll notice it doesn’t fit perfectly. This is because it has yet to conform to the shape of your teeth. Each arrangement for an aligner is a two-week process. Each aligner you put into your mouth will not fit right at first because it has been shaped to fit your teeth at the end of the two-week adjustment period. In this way, you can see the progress of each arrangement as you are then given the next aligner that is shaped to fit your mouth two weeks later. This process can continue 10, 20, or possibly 30 times, but the total amount of tooth movement that can be accomplished is substantial.

Reasons for Invisalign:

Not having metal braces is preferable
Teeth are twisted or crooked
Little or no confidence in smile
Crowding, Overbite, Underbite, etc
Spacing or gaps in between teeth