What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Commonly, orthodontics treats issues of misaligned teeth such as overbite, underbite, crossbite, gaps, and crowded teeth.
At what age is orthodontics necessary?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children with misaligned teeth start seeing an orthodontist at the age of seven. Problems detected before the jaw has fully grown can be substantially easier to treat. However, orthodontics can help teenagers and adults as well.
Can adults see an orthodontist?
Adults can and do see orthodontists. In fact, over twenty-five percent of orthodontic patients in the United States are over the age of eighteen.
What are some common orthodontic treatments?
Orthodontic treatments include any apparatus that can be used to realign teeth and correct bite issues. Some of these include braces, Invisalign®, and retainers. At Galleria Dental Aesthetics, our Virginia cosmetic dentists can solve a majority of orthodontic problems without the use of traditional metal braces.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Orthodontics is done on a case by case basis. With Invisalign®, the process generally takes around twelve months. Traditional braces can take up to two years to correct common problems. Your results will rely on how well you follow our doctor’s instructions.
Talk to our experienced Northern Virginia cosmetic dentists if you have more questions about Invisalign®.
If you are interested in your options for orthodontic treatment in Northern Virginia, please contact Galleria Dental Aesthetics; straightening smiles in McLean and Tysons Corner, Virginia.