One of the things that we pride ourselves on at Seabreeze Orthodontics is providing our patients with a wide variety of treatment options. And not only that, but Dr. Juan is always researching and implementing the newest orthodontic treatments on the market! The science of orthodontics is growing all the time, which is wonderful because it means there are so many new and better ways for us to help our patients get the happy and healthy smiles they want.
If you are curious about what kind of new orthodontic treatments are out there, read on to learn what we offer at Seabreeze Orthodontics!
AcceliDent© Aura
AcceliDent© Aura is a device designed to help teeth shift faster when paired with other forms of orthodontics. This revolutionary device is complementary to braces or other orthodontic treatments and involves biting down on a mouthpiece for 20 minutes per day while the device omits gentle vibrations that help your teeth shift up to 50% faster according to some studies. It has been known to work well when paired with braces, ceramic braces, Invisalign, and more.
AcceliDent© is a portable device, making your 20-minute daily treatments easy to accomplish while doing other tasks. As an added bonus, it has also been known to help decrease general discomfort during your treatment! This accelerating treatment works for most patients, but can only be accessed with a prescription from your orthodontist, so be sure to get an appointment and discuss if AcceliDent© could be a good fit for you and your unique dental needs.
Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)
A temporary anchorage device (TAD) is a semi-permanent device that your orthodontist might suggest using to achieve quicker tooth movement. TADs are titanium rods that your doctor will secure through your gum and into your jawbone. While it might sound invasive, it’s actually a fairly simple and routine insertion process that will increase the speed and ease of your treatment overall. Many patients opt for a TAD rather than using traditional headgear or other cumbersome and uncomfortable devices.
The insertion process is quick with some local anesthetic to numb it so that you shouldn’t feel more than light pressure. You can take a painkiller if you have pain later, but it should subside in less than a day or so. Removal happens at the end of your treatment and should be quick and pain-free.
Not every one of our patients will need a TAD during their treatment, but if it is an option, Dr. Juan will be sure to discuss your options with you to see if the TAD would be helpful!
Ceramic Braces
If you are familiar with metal braces, then you already know what ceramic braces are–just more discreet! Ceramic braces are tooth-colored and made of ceramic, resulting in a more inconspicuous form of orthodontics than braces. Sometimes braces are necessary to shift the teeth and bite rather than other forms of orthodontics, and when that is the case many adults and teens prefer ceramic braces to their shiny, metal alternative.
A few things to consider when choosing between metal and ceramic braces–ceramic braces typically cost a bit more than metal braces, and they can sometimes work more slowly. If neither of these is a big concern, then certainly talk to your orthodontist about ceramic braces!
Invisalign
While Invisalign might seem like it’s new on the market, it has actually been around for nearly 20 years! Thankfully in that time it has become even more effective and affordable and is now a really common treatment for many patients. Typically about the same cost as braces, Invisalign is a good fit for patients who don’t have severe bite issues, rotated teeth, or large gaps. So while it works well for many people, it won’t work for everyone and you should consult with your orthodontist if it is a good fit for you.
Invisalign works as a series of clear retainers that cover the teeth completely, slowly shifting them into alignment. You will typically wear each retainer in the series for one to two weeks, and have frequent visits with your orthodontist to track your progress and update your retainers along the way.
When wearing Invisalign retainers it is important to keep them in your mouth for at least 22 hours a day, only taking them out to eat, drink, and brush. Never try to chew anything with your retainers in, or eat or drink anything aside from water as it can break or distort the plastic. Rinsing and brushing your retainer well at least once a day is also important to help keep out nasty bacteria and plaque.
Special Orthodontics–Dentofacial Orthodontics, Surgical Orthodontics, Craniofacial Orthodontics
There are many different types of orthodontics that are helpful for people under specific circumstances or dental needs. Dentofacial orthodontics focuses on younger kids and teens and how to adjust their teeth as their faces and bones grow. Surgical orthodontics is necessary when jaw bones grow in ways that are not healthy for the teeth and bite. Sometimes it is necessary to surgically adjust the jaw to help with oral health, typically followed by traditional orthodontic treatment. Craniofacial orthodontics focuses on various birth defects like cleft lips and palates. All of these specialties are essential for the overall health of patients depending on their needs!
Find Your Best Treatment at Seabreeze Orthodontics!
Dr. Juan offers all of these new advancements in orthodontic treatment and so much more at his office in Myrtle Beach! Give our office a call to schedule a free assessment appointment and learn all about these treatments and get advice about what might be the best fit for your unique needs. It’s the perfect time to ask all your questions about treatment options and what you hope for your smile. We can’t wait to see you in our office soon!