If you would like to learn how we can help you achieve the straight smile you desire, please call 703-323-8200 today for an appointment with cosmetic dentist Dr. Marzban in Burke, VA.
Benefits of Braces
Although there are many new approaches to orthodontics–straightening teeth–braces remain the best approach for many people. This is because they:
- Are capable of all necessary tooth movements
- Have a proven track record
- Offer predictable results
- Can move all your teeth
- Are more discreet than ever
Braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth. This gives them the power to achieve all necessary movements to straighten their teeth. While other approaches to tooth straightening may have trouble with rotations or bringing teeth up or down, braces can do all these things so you can get the straight smile you desire.
In the hundreds of years that people have been straightening teeth with braces, we have been able to show that they are effective in all situations. You aren’t taking a chance on a new technology, you’re going with a proven solution. That also means that you can count on the results. This includes the treatment time.
Some orthodontic approaches neglect to move some of your teeth, but braces can move all your teeth, including large, well-anchored molars.
Many people dislike the thought of having visible metal brackets and wires on their teeth. However, modern braces aren’t as visible as you think. Dr. Marzban uses clear brackets and tooth-colored wires so they are very hard to see. People might not notice unless you tell them.
How Braces Work
Our bones seem solid and fixed, but they’re actually constantly being broken down and remade. The body has special cells that remove bone material and other cells that add new bone.
Our jaws are particularly dynamic–they are capable of dramatic changes around the teeth. Your teeth aren’t attached directly to your jawbone–they are linked by the tough but flexible periodontal ligament. When the ligament gets pulled or compressed, it stimulates the release of bone-rebuilding cells.
This means that applying constant pressure to your teeth can encourage them to move. In braces we apply pressure to your teeth by bonding brackets to your teeth and attaching wires to the brackets.
This pulls your teeth into the desired positions.
Disadvantages of Braces
While braces are a great way to straighten teeth, they aren’t always the best orthodontic approach for everyone.
When choosing them, you have to remember that they:
- Aren’t removable
- Require diet changes
- Present hygiene challenges
- May be uncomfortable
- Can take years to achieve results
Because braces are bonded to your teeth, you have to wear them all the time, unlike Invisalign aligners, which are removable. This means that you will have to give up some foods that can get lodged in or may damage braces, and you have to learn to clean around them to avoid gum disease and cavities while getting treatment.
And while braces are more invisible than ever, you can still feel them. Some people dislike the feeling of braces.
Braces aren’t designed for speed. They can achieve the results you want, but it may take years to get there. If you need to achieve results fast, in some cases we might recommend using porcelain veneers, which are sometimes called “instant orthodontics.”
Functional Orthodontics
We also offer the option of Functional orthodontics at our dental practice. This new cosmetic dentistry approach not only straightens your teeth but improves your facial appearance, reduces or eliminates sleep apnea, and can combat TMJ. It also works 30% faster than traditional braces. If you’re interested in this approach, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Marzban for more details.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
Are you looking to straighten your teeth in northern Virginia? Dr. Pamela Marzban serves patients from Fairfax County and surrounding areas from her office in Burke, VA. Please call 703-323-8200 today for an appointment.
