Children may be ready for certain orthodontic treatments when they are as young as seven. Orthodontics involves the straightening or correcting teeth that have not come in properly and straight. The problems that can be corrected by orthodontics include overbites, underbites, gaps between teeth, crowded teeth, and teeth that don’t come in straight. If a patient has any of these issues, Dr. Bell will determine the best orthodontic treatment option for their specific situation.
Orthodontics in Victorville, CA
Here are some of the most common orthodontic treatments offered under Dr. Bell’s “Care without Scare” practice:
- Braces: Traditional braces made from wires and brackets are just one option available for straightening a patient’s teeth. The brackets are affixed to the teeth, and the wires put tension on the brackets. This pulls the teeth in the desired direction to straighten them. The process lasts approximately 24 months and requires multiple appointments with Dr. Bell.
- Fastbraces®: The Fastbraces® system straightens teeth faster than traditional braces, hence the name. Fastbraces® work for correcting teeth that have grown in sideways, tilted or overlapping; it also corrects spaces between teeth. Fastbraces® takes about six months to straighten teeth, depending on how much correction is needed, so they require fewer appointments with Dr. Bell.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is one of the most popular alternatives to traditional wire braces, and there are good reasons for that. The clear plastic aligners used with Invisalign are made of thin plastic, they are removable, comfortable, and the system is nearly invisible. The aligners are custom made and push the patient’s teeth in the desired direction. One aligner is worn for about two weeks and then the patient receives the next one in the mail. The aligners can be removed for meals, and for brushing and flossing.
The orthodontic treatments offered by Dr. Bell’s office can straighten teeth gently to give you the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact our office today to schedule your next “Care without Scare” appointment.