Orthodontic treatment focuses on treating alignment issues within the mouth and giving patients a healthier smile, but with orthodontics comes many challenges. The most commonly used treatments offered by orthodontists tend to have longer treatment times, lack aesthetic appeal and tend to be highly invasive in their methods. Metal braces with elastic bands and archwires tend to have social stigmas associated with them. When not taken care of properly, they can lead to dental problems such as periodontal disease. So, what alternatives are available to those who don’t require as much treatment time but still need orthodontics? Short-term orthodontics works to resolve that issue by providing minimally invasive techniques as an alternative to this problem.
What is Short-Term Orthodontics?
Short-term orthodontics provides cosmetically-driven solutions for patients with alignment issues. This process provides a more patient-friendly experience that gives patients the option to see the results of their treatment within six months to a year. It attempts to eliminate the financial costs associated with traditional orthodontics and addresses cosmetic concerns that normally aren’t addressed. However, patients opting for short-term orthodontics would need to have a relatively stable jaw that’s healthy before receiving treatment.
For patients who do qualify for these types of treatments, short-term orthodontics allows patients to make more cost-effective decisions about their oral health and help move their teeth in proportion to their facial structure. Many cosmetic, restorative, and orthodontic dentists have opted to incorporate short-term methods into their practices as a way to appeal to the desire for both alignment and aesthetics, and the shorter time frame helps patients see the results – a healthier, more visually pleasing smile.
Types of Treatments Found in Short-Term Orthodontics
Short-term orthodontics has numerous benefits for patients and dentists. For patients looking into orthodontic treatment for their teeth, multiple types of treatments can be used, including:
- Six-Month Clear Aligners: Clear aligners allow for a gentle, gradual straightening within six months to 2 years maximum and can be easily removed during and after treatment. Clear aligners include brands such as Invisalign and Byte invisible braces.
- Six-Month Clear Brace Wires: These are translucent brace wires and brackets that are attached to the front and sides of the teeth. Brace wires allow for safe alignment within as little as six months and can easily blend into the teeth for anesthetics and hold the same retention as traditional braces.
- Tooth-Colored Fixed Braces: For a more permanent solution, patients can also choose tooth-colored braces. These braces provide a short amount of time, are less noticeable, and provide the same amount of retention strength needed to straighten teeth.
- Sectional Lingual Braces: Sectional braces provide retention support by attaching behind the front teeth and providing support while maintaining the person’s aesthetic appearance.
To learn more about short-term orthodontic treatments, the best place to learn about your braces options is by visiting your orthodontist and scheduling an appointment today. Through your orthodontist, you can see if you qualify for alternative alignment treatments, schedule appointments with restorative dentists, and gain the smile you’ve always wanted with ease.
