Joe Bridges the Gap

Joe’s journey to a better smile continues. Joe has done a lot to improve himself in the last couple of years. He’s quit smoking, cut down on the amount of coffee and is exercising regularly. He is thinking of whitening his teeth to help his appearance.

He is also evaluating what he can do to fix gaps that have developed over the years. His dentist discussed different options.

To align his teeth:

Traditional Braces: These braces are made of metal brackets that are glued to your teeth, and tied together by wires and tiny rubber bands. You can get brackets to closely match the enamel color (making them more discrete), or have bold fashionable colors. Braces are often covered under insurance plans and may be effective if the teeth straightening needs are complex.

Care

In the beginning, the inside of the mouth can be tender as it becomes accustomed to braces. Sometimes patients are given dental wax to put over the brackets to reduce the irritation caused by the inside of your mouth rubbing against it. Eating sticky taffy or biting into some foods like apples may need to be curbed while the braces are on.   Regular brushing and flossing are usually all that’s needed.  Monthly visits to the orthodontist or dentist check on the progress of your straightening. They’re usually worn for about two years, with a retainer used at night time after that to keep teeth aligned.

Invisible Braces: These braces are made of smooth, comfortable, BPA-free clear plastic and are worn over your teeth to gently move your teeth. Your dental professional will use X-rays, pictures, and impressions to create a precise 3-D image of your teeth to individually configure your aligner trays. Regular visits every four to six weeks to the orthodontist or general dentist is required to check on the progress of your teeth straightening.  New custom trays are made as your tooth alignment changes. Because they are removable, these are ideal if there are occasions when pictures are going to be taken. Models and other public figures use these to correct minor gaps and crooked teeth.

Care

As well as regular brushing and flossing you will need to clean the straightening trays every night. The trays can be removed while you eat, brush and floss or for special occasions. The system will be used for approximately six to eighteen months depending on your individual needs, with a retainer used at night time after that to keep teeth aligned.

To fix his gap:

Dental Bridges: Dental bridges literally bridge the gap created by one or more missing teeth. A bridge is made up of two or more crowns for the teeth on either side of the gap and a false tooth/teeth in between. Bridges can restore your ability to properly chew and speak, maintain the shape of your face and prevent your remaining teeth from drifting out of position in your mouth. Bridges can be put in place over two visits to your dentist, the first to take impressions and the second to have the bridge fitted in place. Joe has minor gaps and has eliminated this option.

Care

Special flossing techniques may be required to clean between the bridge and gum, but once they are placed there is little difference in maintenance than regular teeth. Bridges longevity may vary; consult with your bridge provider.

Dental Implants: A dental implant is an artificial root made of titanium metal. It is inserted into the jawbone to replace the root of the natural tooth. An artificial replacement tooth is attached to the implant. The implant acts as an anchor to hold the replacement tooth in place. Sometimes a bone graft is needed to prepare a site to properly hold the implant in place. The process to prepare, insert and attach a replacement tooth can take months and several dental visits.

Joe opted to have invisible braces and to begin having work done to fill the gap that have developed over the years. Joe is feeling better about himself and his smile is really starting to work for him!