Hello and welcome back to the blog! Today we want to talk about teeth: crooked ones, and oddly spaced ones to be more precise. You see, we are big on providing orthodontic solutions for the entire family. In addition to conventional braces, we are proud to feature Fastbraces®, Invisalign, preventive orthodontics, and dentofacial orthopedics at our Lexington, KY dentist’s office. Keep reading to hear more about these great opportunities for orthodontic improvements, and then be sure to follow up and schedule your consultation appointment with Dr. Takacs.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
If you are adverse to the idea of wearing metal brackets and wires, this might be just the thing for you. Invisalign uses a series of clear plastic aligners that are swapped out by you at home every two weeks to create even, comfortable teeth movement. Because they are made from a comfortable plastic material, Invisalign aligners do not cause the rubbing, cutting, poking, or bleeding generally associated with the metal wires and brackets of traditional braces.What’s more, the aligners are also completely removable! Just take them out to eat, drink, clean your teeth, or for special occasions. Since they are clear, no one will know what you are up to. Plus, your treatment will wrap up in about 12 months, depending on your situation when we get started.
Fastbraces®
This is a wonderful way to get a better smile without a big investment of time. Fastbraces® takes a decidedly non-traditional approach to moving teeth around. Here’s how: Fastbraces® is designed to move both the crown and root of the tooth simultaneously using patented triangular brackets and a specialized heat-activated wire.
Conventional braces move the crown and the root separately, requiring longer treatment times and higher levels of discomfort, but Fastbraces® can get the job done in as little at three months.
Invisible Braces
If you don’t think Fastbraces® or Invisalign aligners are for you, there is another way to go. We actually offer more traditional types of braces that are completely discreet.
Clear ceramic braces are regular-working braces that use clear ceramic brackets for better aesthetics. These braces are much more visually appealing than traditional braces because they reduce the amount of metal in your mouth.
FYI: this option still requires the use of a traditional metal wire, which will be somewhat visible in your mouth.
Preventive Orthodontics
The groundwork for a straight, healthy smile must be laid at an early age. Preventive orthodontics (AKA Phase I orthodontics) are what we use to prepare your child for braces. Phase I orthodontics can begin around the age of 8 or 9, before all of your child’s permanent teeth have fully developed. We can use space maintainers and other oral appliances to create space or otherwise alter your child’s jaw in preparation for later orthodontic treatment. This helps to ensure the success of Phase II treatment. The good news is that, in certain instances, preventive orthodontics can even be used to help sidestep the need for braces altogether.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
Dentofacial orthopedics is the process of guiding a child’s growth in order to normalize the bone structure of their face and jaws. Oral appliances and other techniques can be used to change the way your child’s jaw is developing in order to create a better bite, teeth alignment, and to prepare them for Phase II orthodontic treatment. We can give you all the details when you bring your family in for a consultation.
Let Dr. Takacs Straighten Things Out!
It is never too late to get a better smile! We hope you have been inspired by the possibilities outlined in today’s post! If you are ready to learn more and get started, call one of our convenient Lexington, KY locations today! Hamburg: 859-687-0975, Leestown: 859-368-8260, Beaumont: 859-223-2120 !