ORTHODONTICS

Crooked teeth may seem like a mere cosmetic issue.

The truth is that while misalignment can certainly affect your appearance, it can also have long-term effects on your overall oral health. That is why Dr. Michael Young stresses the importance of orthodontics for patients of all ages. Although children and teens more commonly wear braces, many adults benefit from orthodontia, as well, particularly if they are struggling with overall bite misalignment.

Dr. Young offers several orthodontic treatment options, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligners. Based on health needs, cosmetic concerns, and age, he can recommend the most appropriate type for you or your child. No matter which type you select, he will routinely monitor your progress to ensure the best possible treatment outcome.

The Importance of Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is a vital way to protect your overall oral health. Misalignment can lead to an increased risk for decay since food can become lodged between crooked teeth. An imbalanced bite can put uneven pressure on your teeth, weakening them, wearing down the enamel, and causing small cracks to develop. Further, overall misalignment or malocclusion can increase your risk for bruxism and TMJ disorder.

Traditional Orthodontia

For most people, braces are the most familiar type of orthodontic treatment, and Dr. Young has great results with standard metal braces. He also offers ceramic braces, which work using the same technology. However, their clear or tooth-colored brackets are much more discreet.

Both metal and tooth-colored braces use brackets and wires to gradually and gently shift teeth. While wearing braces, you will visit the office regularly so that Dr. Young can adjust and tighten the wires as needed. He will carefully calibrate the amount of pressure required to achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort.

Invisalign® and ClearCorrect

For qualified patients, clear aligners can provide comparable results to traditional braces. Dr. Young offers both Invisalign and ClearCorrect™. Both treatments use advanced technology to take three-dimensional scans of your teeth and provide custom-made aligner trays. Like braces, the trays will place a mild pressure on your teeth so that they steadily move over time. Invisalign and ClearCorrect are extremely subtle and hard to see, even at a close distance.

Which Type Is Right for You?

Clear aligners can be great options for adults and older teens, especially those who are concerned about how braces would affect their appearance. It is important to note that because aligner trays are removable, they do require a mature commitment to your oral health. For this reason, younger, more forgetful patients may be better candidates for traditional permanently bonded braces. The most appropriate type of orthodontia will also depend on the severity of your misalignment, which Dr. Young will assess at your pre-treatment consultation.

Contact Us to Begin Your Journey to a Healthier Smile

Putting off orthodontic treatment can jeopardize your long-term oral health. Don’t delay the care you or your child needs! To learn more about orthodontics and to begin developing a care plan, visit Dr. Young at our Lafayette or Delcambre office. You can schedule an appointment by calling 337-237-6453.