Why Braces?

For most people, a beautiful healthy smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. After orthodontic treatment has been completed, most people report they also feel more self-confident.

How Orthodontic Treatment Works

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or even clear Invisalign aligners. Brackets are bonded to the teeth and Invisalign is removable. Regardless of which appliance is used, teeth slowly straighten by placing relatively constant, gentle forces in a controlled direction.

This is a great time to have orthodontic treatment! Gone are the days when a metal band with a bracket was placed around each tooth. Now you can choose brackets that are made of ceramic that is almost tooth colored or braces made of stainless steel. Wires are also less noticeable than they used to be and the latest materials move teeth faster with less discomfort to patients.

Many times the Invisalign appliance is also a choice for your orthodontic treatment. Dr. Crawford is one of the top Invisalign Teen doctors in the nation and first earned her Invisalign Premier Provider Elite status in 2007, an honor shared by a small percentage of Invisalign certified doctors worldwide. See more information on our web page that talks about the Invisalign appliance.

Duration of Treatment

Teenage and adult treatment times typically range from one to three years for the “active” phase of treatment. The estimated treatment time depends on the severity of the original problem, the treatment goals and patient compliance. It is critically important for each patient to follow the instructions given by the orthodontist, to maintain excellent oral hygiene and to come for appointments as requested in order to complete the treatment plan as efficiently as possible. The patient's diligent use of any prescribed rubber bands or headgear is also an important factor for efficient treatment.

If the patient is still growing, the growth rate of that patient’s mouth and face directly influences the treatment time. Even using the best of methods it is sometimes difficult to accurately predict a patient’s rate and timing of growth because so many variables can influence it. Different people will also respond variously to orthodontic treatment, so the predicted or estimated treatment time may differ from the original estimate.

Interceptive, or early treatment procedures, may take as few as six months but the average treatment time is usually nine to twelve months in Dr. Crawford’s practice. Remember, if early, interceptive treatment is needed, more comprehensive treatment is almost always needed in the adolescent years also.

A “passive” phase called “retention” follows every comprehensive treatment to protect the results that have been achieved.