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Short Term Orthodontics
Are you one of the millions of adults who are unhappy, self-conscious or even embarrassed of your smile?
Many adults spend their entire lives covering their mouths when they laugh, smile or talk. They feel stuck because they do not want to wear metal braces for years or they are concerned that other corrective procedures could be too invasive or too expensive. Now, there is an effective, safe and affordable orthodontic solution that fits your lifestyle.
A revolutionary combination of proven orthodontic techniques, modern materials, and innovative thought - Short Term Orthodontics (STO) utilizes modern braces and nickel titanium wires to gently straighten and align teeth in an average time of just six months. The two most common term associated with this technique are Six Month SmilesTM and PowerProx Six Month BracesTM.
What Is Short Term Orthodontics (STO)?
The Short Term Orthodontic treatment is a novel perspective in adult (patients 16 and older) orthodontic treatment method which was pioneered in 1990s. Many people are put off from having orthodontic work to straighten their teeth as they think they will have to wear visible metallic braces for between two and three years. Today however, thanks to Short Term Orthodontics technique you can have the straight teeth you always dreamed in about six months.
What Can The Treatment Be Used For?
The Short Term Orthodontic treatment can be used to correct many orthodontic problems including
Crowding –the teeth are close together giving them a crowded (crooked) appearance
Overbite – the front teeth overlap considerably
Spacing – there are large, unsightly gaps between the teeth
Overjet – the front teeth jut out
Underbite- the lower teeth protrude
Openbite – when you bite your teeth together they will not touch
Misplaced Midline – the middle lines of both sets of teeth aren’t in alignment with each other
Crossbite – the teeth do not bite on the right side of each other
As you can see there are many orthodontic problems that can be corrected by following the Short Term Orthodontics treatment protocol.
What Does The Treatment Involve?
As usual with any type of orthodontic treatment at your first visit, we will examine your teeth and smile, take photographs, x-rays then will then discuss your needs with you. At this time we will tell you if the Short Term Orthodontic treatment is the right option for you. In addition you will also find out the estimated length of your treatment and the cost of treatment.
On your next visit your unique set of straight wire orthodontic brackets will be fitted. The brackets are either made of stainless steel, composite or ceramic material. The choice is yours. If you prefer a more discreet look, you may choose composite or ceramic braces since they are the color of your teeth and therefore are less noticeable.
Once your braces have been fitted you should expect to return for follow up visits approximately every four to five weeks for shorter appointments. During these 15 to 20 minute sessions your braces will be adjusted – this will continue until you finish your treatment. Usually treatment is completed in 10 visits or less.
Is The Treatment Painful?
Any orthodontic treatment involves a little discomfort and Short Term Orthodontics is no different, particularly when you first begin your treatment. You will however become used to it, and as Short Term Orthodontics uses a much lower force than equivalent treatments to move the teeth, this discomfort is minimal. Many people think that the accelerated treatment means simply “tightening” regular braces to get the teeth moving faster, but that is not true. Short Term Orthodontics utilizes standard orthodontic mechanics, but with an emphasis on the cosmetic appearance of your front teeth rather than the position of your entire teeth. If you do feel any discomfort it can be advisable to take a low strength pain killer such as ibuprofen for the few days following an appointment.
Advantages of Short Term Orthodontics
* Treatment time is much shorter than other equivalent techniques, sometimes by up to 75%
* As teeth are moved slowly any discomfort you may feel is minimal.
* The cost of treatment is approximately half of what you would expect to pay for Invisalign or traditional braces.
* As the wires and brackets are small and can be tooth colored they are barely visible like regular braces.
Disadvantages of Short Term Orthodontics
* Wires and brackets are not totally invisible.
* Some treatments may take slightly longer than six months.
How Can Short Term Orthodontics Work So Quickly And Easily– don’t braces normally have to be in place for two – three years?
The Short Term treatment incorporates the very latest in orthodontic technology and methods which will reposition your teeth quickly and safely. As the treatment’s main focus is the teeth shown during a smile (the Esthetic Zone) you are not waiting for all the teeth in your mouth to be moved. To achieve this, specially designed wires made from nickel titanium alloy are used to ensure that the treatment is fast, comfortable and effective. Short Term utilizes standard straight wire orthodontic techniques. However since Short Term Orthodontics is done exclusively on adult patients there is no worry about future growth and development of the dental arches that prolong and disrupt the treatment progress.
Will I Have To Wear A Retainer For A Period Of Time After My Treatment?
As your teeth will naturally want to return to their pre-brace positions it is wise to wear a retainer after any orthodontic treatment involving braces. Using a retainer will prevent the teeth relapsing into their previous positions and we will recommend to you which type of retainer is best for you. This will usually come in the form of a removable night time retainer or you could have a permanent retainer fitted which can be easily bonded to the back of the teeth and will not show.
Insurance/Payment Plans?
There are great variations in insurance plans. Depending on specifics of your particular plan, you may have adult orthodontic benefits. We will be happy to check into your insurance for you. We have many convenient payment options available to make the orthodontic treatment affordable to you.
Metal Braces Clear Braces
Whether you prefer metallic or clear braces, the outcome is always a beautiful smile !