December 27, 2011

Will My Teeth Straighten Out as They Grow?

Misaligned teeth are quite common among adolescents and younger children. Many children and their parents hope that, with time, teeth will straighten out and move into a more appropriate position, but this is unlikely. Our orthodontist serving Fort Worth can answer questions about tooth alignment and possibilities for orthodontic treatment.

Causes of Misalignment

The most common cause of misalignment is a lack of room in the mouth. If your mouth is too small to accommodate all of your teeth, your teeth will be crowded and will probably be crooked and misaligned.

Misalignment can also occur when baby teeth are removed before the permanent teeth naturally cause them to fall out. This disruption of the natural process can cause permanent teeth to emerge in the wrong place or at the wrong angle. This is one of many reasons why baby teeth should be well cared for.

If your teeth are crowded, they are likely to become even more so as they grow out and as other teeth emerge. Overall, the chances are very slim that waiting for teeth to grow out and shift naturally will help avoid the necessity of braces.

Treatment for Misalignment

The most common treatment for misaligned teeth, especially for adolescents, is traditional braces. The braces are affixed to the teeth and attached to each other with wires and rubber bands. The tension from the rubber bands moves the teeth gradually into the appropriate position. Braces can also be made of porcelain so they are less visible, or can be applied to the back of the teeth. Consult with your orthodontist to find out what the best option is for you.

Another possible treatment for misalignment is Invisalign. This orthodontic treatment uses clear plastic trays instead of traditional metal braces to shift the teeth into the right position. Invisalign is not used as frequently for adolescents because it is more suitable for smaller changes in alignment. Invisalign treatment also tends to take longer when used with adolescent patients.

To find out more about misalignment, how it can affect your overall dental health, and how to correct it, please contact our Family & Cosmetic Dentistry office at 817.918.4199.

December 17, 2011

Will I Still Have to Wear a Retainer After Invisalign?

Invisalign Fort Worth

If you have misaligned or slightly crooked teeth, you might have considered Invisalign to straighten your teeth and improve your smile. Our Invisalign dentists in Fort Worth TX can help you determine if Invisalign is a good option for you, and can help explain how it works and how to keep your teeth straight in the long term.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic trays to shift your teeth into the correct position. These plastic trays are custom made to move your teeth a small amount with each new tray, gradually easing your teeth into proper alignment. By the time you reach the final alignment tray, your teeth will be straight and you will have a beautiful, perfect smile.

Invisalign treatment usually takes about a year, depending upon the severity of your misalignment. After treatment is complete, you will most likely have to wear a special retainer to keep your teeth from moving back into an inappropriate position. However, be sure to consult your Invisalign dentist about this issue, as treatments vary from person to person.

Maintaining Your Perfect Smile

After you have finished your Invisalign treatment, you will want to follow your dentist’s instructions to ensure your smile remains straight and perfect. How this is accomplished depends upon the recommendations of your dentist per your individual case. Typically, you will wear either a traditional retainer or a tray similar to those used during your treatment to keep your teeth from moving out of position.

In general, it is not necessary to wear your retainer every day. Usually, you will wear the retainer at night. Your dentist might recommend wearing it every night, or only a few days a week for the best results. If you do not follow your dentist’s recommendation, though, you might find your teeth moving back into their original positions, reversing the long-term effects of your Invisalign treatment.

For more information about Invisalign treatment and how to keep your smile straight, please contact our office for a consultation.

December 7, 2011

Causes of Tooth Discoloration and Treatment Options

Tooth discoloration is one of the most common reasons people seek cosmetic dentistry. Teeth that are dingy or darkened can make you self-conscious about your smile and detract from an otherwise spotless appearance. Our offices can provide information about cosmetic dentistry in the Fort Worth area, including treatments for tooth discoloration.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Many factors can lead to tooth discoloration. The most common of these is exposing your teeth to staining agents. Staining agents can include:

  • Foods
  • Beverages
  • Nicotine

Coffee, tea and cigarettes are the most common causes of tooth discoloration. This type of staining affects only the surface of the tooth, discoloring the outer layers of the enamel. Fortunately, this means that it is also easy to treat.

Other causes of tooth discoloration can be more difficult to treat. These include certain drugs, particularly tetracycline, and excessive fluoride. Exposure to these substances during the development of the teeth leads to intrinsic staining—that is, staining that is a part of the internal structure of the tooth. Because intrinsic staining affects more than just the surface layers of the enamel, it is more difficult to treat than extrinsic staining.

Treatment Options for Discolored Teeth

Depending upon the type of staining that affects your teeth, your cosmetic dentist might recommend different types of treatment. Treatment options for discolored teeth include:

  • Surface treatment
  • Deep cleaning treatments
  • Dental veneers

Surface treatment is very effective at removing staining from the outer surfaces of the teeth. Treatment involves painting a bleaching agent on the teeth, then leaving it for a period of time. A typical in-office treatment involves two or three applications of the bleaching agent and lasts about an hour.

Deep cleaning treatments are also applied to the tooth surfaces, but are specially formulated to reach deep into the teeth. These treatments are relatively new, and have proven effective for some types of intrinsic staining. Intrinsic staining that does not respond to surface treatment or deep cleaning treatments are usually best treated with dental veneers.

To find out how your discolored teeth can be restored to their natural color, please contact our Cosmetic & Family Dentistry practice at 817.918.4199 for a consultation or appointment.