Braces can be an excellent way to help patients of all ages achieve straighter teeth and proper bite alignment. However, one of the keys to maintaining the results of orthodontic treatment is wearing your retainer as directed. This is because once your teeth have been adjusted by braces or another orthodontic intervention, gaps are left behind in the bone and supporting tissues. A retainer is designed to prevent the teeth from migrating back into their previous alignment while the supporting tissues reform.
Although retainer compliance is an integral part of the orthodontic treatment process, many patients—especially young adults—end up struggling to wear their appliances as directed. Fortunately, cosmetic dentist Kalil Abide, DDS has extensive experience helping young adults whose teeth have shifted out of alignment due to orthodontic relapse obtain the straighter, more uniform smile they desire using Invisalign® and porcelain veneers.
Invisalign® is a revolutionary orthodontic treatment that enables patients to obtain a straighter smile without the need for traditional metal braces. Using a series of custom-fabricated, clear, removable aligners, the Invisalign® system gently and progressively shifts the teeth into the desired alignment. This discreet, convenient method of orthodontic improvement is often appealing to patients who have already had metal braces and do not wish to repeat the experience. However, it is important to note that wearing the aligners as directed is vital to the success of Invisalign® treatment. They should typically be worn for a minimum of 20-22 hours a day, or whenever a patient is not eating, drinking, or attending to their oral hygiene routine. A retainer will also be necessary after the initial Invisalign® treatment is complete.
For patients who are primarily interested in improving the aesthetic quality of their smile, porcelain veneers can provide an effective and efficient alternative to oftentimes lengthy orthodontic treatments. Veneers are thin strips of high-quality dental porcelain that are bonded to the front and sides of your natural teeth. This enables them to close gaps between the teeth, lengthen short or worn teeth, and generally provide a straighter, more uniform smile aesthetic. They can also help conceal chips, cracks, stains, and tooth wear as part of a comprehensive smile makeover. Porcelain veneers are usually placed over the course of two office visits, and they do not require any special care beyond good oral hygiene. This can make them an ideal option for those who have struggled to comply with their orthodontic treatments in the past.
During your consultation, Dr. Abide will assess your smile and go over the different treatment options with you in-depth. In some cases, just one treatment may be sufficient to help you obtain the smile you desire. In other situations, porcelain veneers and Invisalign® can be combined for more comprehensive orthodontic and aesthetic improvement. Dr. Abide considers himself a partner in your healthcare and strives to create a compassionate, collaborative, and non-judgmental patient experience. Your input and his analysis of your orthodontic needs will allow him to recommend the treatment option that is optimally suited to your personal goals and lifestyle.
To learn more about orthodontic relapse and the treatment options available at Harmony Dental Care, please contact us today. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have or help you schedule an appointment with Dr. Abide.