Orthodontics in Bloomington, IN

For many years, orthodontic treatment was thought to be just for children and teens whose jaws are more malleable. However, with advancements in orthodontic mechanics and materials, children and adults alike can enjoy the benefits of a perfectly-aligned smile.

At Ellettsville Dental Center in Bloomington, IN, orthodontic solutions for patients of all ages, from traditional braces to Invisalign. So, no matter your age, we’ve got a treatment for you!

What Is Orthodontics and Why Is It Important?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry dedicated to the treatment of dental irregularities like tooth misalignment, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. The goal of orthodontics is to improve both a strong, healthy bite and a bright, properly-aligned smile.

Orthodontics is important to both oral and overall health in several ways. First, by correcting bite problems and misaligned teeth, orthodontics ensures proper chewing function, which benefits both digestion and nutrient absorption. Also, as it is easier to care for properly aligned teeth, orthodontics contributes to reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Finally, it’s easier to enunciate more clearly and speak more confidently with properly aligned teeth. This, combined with the added assurance that comes with a radiant smile can greatly benefit a person's self-esteem.

Common Types of Orthodontics

There are a variety of different orthodontic treatments, each suited to particular needs and goals. Some of the most common among these are:

• Traditional braces - metal brackets and wires that are attached to teeth and are periodically adjusted by an orthodontist to gradually move teeth into alignment
• Ceramic braces - similar to metal braces, but with clear or tooth-colored brackets
• Lingual braces - structurally similar to traditional braces, only with brackets attaching to the back of the teeth
• Clear aligners – uses sets of custom-made, clear mouthpiece-like plastic aligners to gradually move teeth into the desired position; Invisalign is a popular example
• Palatal expanders - used to widen the upper jaws of patients with narrow palates in order to improve bite alignment by creating space for teeth

How Much Do Orthodontic Treatments Cost?

It’s difficult to pinpoint an exact figure as to what an orthodontic treatment “should” cost. This is because the cost of orthodontics is dependent on a number of factors. The most common and significant among these are:

• The severity of the orthodontic issue; more complex cases requiring extensive treatment and multiple appliances tend to be more expensive
• The chosen type of braces or aligners
• The duration of treatment is another factor as longer treatment periods may incur additional costs.

For this reason, consultation with a dentist or orthodontist is essential, in order to accurately assess a patient’s specific needs and calculate cost.

View All the Dental Options with Traditional Braces

Made of metal brackets and wires, traditional braces remain the gold standard for orthodontic treatment. With traditional braces, one of the Bloomington dentists at Ellettsville Dental Center bonds the brackets to the fronts of your teeth. These brackets are strategically positioned to move each tooth into its proper alignment. Once the brackets are in place, an archwire is guided through each bracket. Once in place, the wire is held in place by elastic bands. 

With traditional braces, you’ll need to schedule regular appointments at our Bloomington, IN dental practice so we can make the adjustments that are necessary to ensure gradual progress toward the perfectly aligned smile that you are seeking. The overall length of treatment depends on the complexity of each individual case.

Straighten Your Smile with Clear Aligners

For adults who want to straighten their teeth but prefer a solution that’s more discreet than traditional metal braces, there’s Invisalign. With Invisalign’s clear, custom-made mouthpiece-like plastic aligners, you’ll be able to gradually straighten your smile while maintaining your normal social and professional commitments, with no one being the wiser!

With Invisalign, every two weeks you will receive a new set of clear aligners. Each set of aligners, which are to be worn 20-22 hours per day, differs slightly from the set before and serves to continue gradually moving your teeth into alignment. 

In addition to being practically invisible, Invisalign clear braces are removable, This means that, unlike metal braces, with Invisalign, there are no restrictions regarding what you can eat. Additionally, not only are Invisalign aligners extremely easy to clean, their removal allows you to brush and floss as you normally would, reducing your risk of dental issues both during and after the treatment.

When Should Someone Start Orthodontic Treatment?

The ideal time to start orthodontic treatment varies depending on individual circumstances.

Typically, orthodontic treatment begins between the ages of 9 and 14. During this time, most permanent teeth have erupted, allowing an orthodontist to properly evaluate alignment and identify any potential issues. However, as an individual is still developing during these ages, the jaw and facial structures are still highly receptive to orthodontic interventions.

It's worth noting, however, that orthodontic treatment can be initiated at any age, provided an individual’s teeth, gums, and jawbone are healthy. Of course, one should consult with an orthodontist to determine their suitability for treatment, as well as to get an assessment of their specific needs and a personalized plan for achieving a healthy, confident smile.

Would You Like to Learn More about Orthodontics in Bloomington?

It’s vital that you speak with an orthodontist to not only ensure that you’re a candidate for orthodontic treatment, but also to determine the specific treatment that’s right for you, determine costs, and discuss all available payment and financing options.

If you’re in the Bloomington area and would like to learn more about your options for orthodontic treatments, contact dentist Dr. David Compton and the team at Ellettsville Dental Center to schedule a consultation! Our dentists and their team in Bloomington, IN will be happy to help you enjoy all the benefits of a straight smile!