Orthodontics Pleasanton
Achieve a Straighter, Healthier, and More Confident Smile
What a difference straight teeth can make! A great-looking smile can boost your self-confidence and have a positive impact on social and professional opportunities. Orthodontic treatment is the original smile makeover tool — and you will be happy to know that you're never too old to take advantage of it. But it isn't all about looks; properly aligned teeth help you to bite, chew and even speak more effectively. They are also easier to clean, which helps minimize your risk of decay and gum disease.
The amazing thing about orthodontics is that it harnesses the body's natural ability to remodel its own tissue. With the application of light, constant force, orthodontic appliances gently reshape bone and move teeth into better positions. Some examples of these appliances are traditional metal braces, inconspicuous clear or tooth-colored braces, and clear aligners. If you’re interested in orthodontic treatment, call our office today to schedule an appointment with our in-house orthodontist.
Why Choose Brush Country Dental Center for Orthodontics?
- In-House Orthodontist for High-Quality Treatment
- Clear Aligners and Traditional Braces Available
- Improve Your Smile’s Health & Appearance
Traditional Braces
When you imagine someone wearing braces, you probably picture small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth with a thin wire running through them. This time-tested method remains very popular because it’s often regarded as one of the most effective types of braces out there. However, Dr. Alfonso, our in-house orthodontist, also offers clear braces, which provide similar results with a less noticeable appearance.
Clear Aligner Orthodontics
Removable clear aligners are an alternative to fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of a series of clear plastic trays that fit precisely over your teeth; each one moves your teeth a little bit, until they are in the proper position. After a complete examination, our team at Brush Country Dental Center will discuss which treatment options are best for you. In cases where the orthodontic issues are mild to moderate in severity, clear aligners could be ideal!
Fixing Bite Problems
Orthodontic treatment can resolve a number of bite problems which often become evident by around age 7. These include underbite, crossbite or excessive overbite, where upper and lower teeth don't close in the proper position; open bite, where a space remains between the top and bottom teeth when the jaws are closed; and crowding or excessive spacing, where teeth are spaced too close together or too far apart.
To correct bite problems, teeth need to be moved — but doing that isn't as hard as you might think! Teeth aren't fixed rigidly in their supporting bone. Instead, they're held in place by a hammock-like structure called the periodontal ligament which is very responsive to forces placed on the teeth. Orthodontic appliances move teeth by careful application of light, constant pressure. This force can be applied via metal wires that run through small brackets attached to the teeth (braces), or via the semi-rigid plastic of clear aligners.
It's Never Too Late - Orthodontics for Adults
Having orthodontic treatment in childhood is ideal because we can take advantage of a child’s natural growth to help move their teeth into proper alignment. For example, it's possible to create more room for teeth in a crowded mouth by using a palatal expander to widen the upper jaw. This phase of growth modification can shorten overall orthodontic treatment time and ensure the best result if additional orthodontic appliances are needed.
But remember, healthy teeth can be moved at any age, so you've never missed your chance for orthodontic treatment. In fact, about one in five of today's orthodontic patients are adults. Several technological developments — including tooth-colored ceramic braces and clear aligners— have made orthodontic appliances less evident and enhanced the treatment experience for adults.
Post-Orthodontic Care
Once your orthodontic treatment is completed, it's extremely important to wear a retainer as directed. That's because teeth naturally tend to drift back to their original locations — which is the last thing you want after you've gone to the trouble of straightening them! Wearing a retainer holds your teeth in their new position long enough for new bone and ligament to re-form around them and helps keep your gorgeous new smile looking great for a lifetime.