The gold standard for starting comprehensive orthodontic treatment (braces) is when all the permanent teeth are fully erupted (12-13 years old). The best way to correct smiles and bites is still braces. The Titanium Orthos mini braces straighten both the teeth and the roots. Straightening the roots creates a stable result with less likelihood of the teeth returning to their original positions. Aligners do not straighten roots. Therefore, Dr. Cardot does not recommend aligners for comprehensive orthodontic treatment.
There are several companies that promote products that claim to speed up tooth movement, replace braces (aligners), or reduce the amount of time in braces. The advertising approach to sell their products is to convince dentists and consumers (do-it-yourself aligners) that it is easy to use their products. Dr. Cardot does not recommend these products because they produce unstable results and are not supported scientific evidence.
Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. As an adult, you have options. If you’re looking to improve your smile and correct your bite, we offer titanium or clear braces. If you’re interested in improving just your smile, we offer short-term treatment with braces or aligners.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that each child first be examined for orthodontic problems by age 7. The gold standard for starting orthodontic treatment (braces) is when all of the permanent teeth are fully erupted. However, university studies show that a patient can significantly benefit from correcting the following four orthodontic problems prior to the eruption of all permanent teeth:
There are claims that utilizing expansion appliances in children early (age 4 - 11) can eliminate the unnecessary extraction of permanent teeth. There is no basis for performing expansion therapy in the mixed dentition of patients who do not have posterior crossbites.* Therefore, Dr. Cardot does not recommend expansion therapy in the absence of a posterior crossbite.
There are claims that Phase 1 treatment (age 4 - 11) will control the growth of the jaws, eliminate bite problems, prevent the extraction of permanent teeth, and eliminate the need for braces (Phase 2 treatment - age 12 and over). University studies show that most patients do not significantly benefit from two phases of treatment.** Two-phase treatment increases the total time the patient is in treatment and increases the total cost. In patients who receive two-phase treatment vs. adolescent treatment (age 12 and over), there is no difference in the smile, the bite, the need for extractions, or the need for eventual jaw surgery.*** Dr. Cardot does not recommend two-phase treatment.
This option is for patients who would only like an esthetic solution. Most orthodontic problems are still best corrected by traditional braces. Aligners work well with smiles that have a good bite, a small rotation, a small gap, or a minor problem. Dr. Cardot does not recommend or provide Invisalign. Instead, he recommends a significantly more cost-effective aligner system.
Dr. Cardot believes you deserve the best clear retainer. That’s why our retainers are made at Specialty Appliances in Atlanta, Georgia (not at our office) by 3D printers (not by an orthodontic assistant) using the highest quality thermoplastic. Our retainers are scalloped to fit only on teeth to prevent discomfort from gum irritation. Titanium braces are so effective in straightening the crowns and the roots of teeth that your retainers only need to be worn for 8 hours per day.
*Gianelly, A. Rapid palatal expansion in the absence of posterior crossbite. American Journal of Orthodontics.
**Ghafari, J. The early treatment of Class II, division 1 malocclusions: a randomized clinical trial. University of Pennsylvania, American Journal of Orthodontics.
**Johnston, L. Is Timing Really Everything? University of Michigan.
**Keeling, S. Skeletal and dental changes after early Class II treatment. University of Florida, American Journal of Orthodontics.
**Tulloch, J. Outcomes in a 2-phase randomized clinical trial of early Class II treatment. University of North Carolina, American Journal of Orthodontics.
***Ackerman, M. Evidence-Based Orthodontics for the 21st Century. Journal of the American Dental Association.
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