Many dentists have a massive network of specialists they work with to provide patients with the treatments they need. In most cases, patients desiring cosmetic treatments alongside orthodontic care can face significant challenges due to the lack of coexistence between the two fields. However, short-term orthodontics attempts to change that by providing a new form of dental care that appeals to aesthetics and alignment. By using minimally invasive methods, patients can finally receive the tooth alignment care they need while catering to their aesthetic desires.

What is Short-Term Orthodontics About?

Short-term orthodontics refers to using minimally invasive methods with a focus on cosmetics, allowing dentists to use appliances such as braces, aligners, and other devices with an aesthetic focus to treat their teeth. This form of orthodontics focuses on addressing alignment concerns to improve oral health while adding an aesthetic touch. Still, most importantly, it focuses on aligning teeth within a shorter time. Because of the shorter time frame, dentists can now provide patients with beautiful smiles that are easier and faster to achieve than traditional methods. Some treatment options commonly found with short-term orthodontics include:

• Six-Month Aligners: Six-month aligners help straighten teeth within six months. These aligners are made with hard plastic instead of traditional braces. Also known as Invisalign, these types of aligners can be used for mildly misaligned teeth and, in more complex cases, can take up to two years to complete with the help of your orthodontist.
• Six-Month Clear Brace Wires: Similar to plastic aligners, these aligners work with clear brace wires, acting similarly to traditional braces but with more translucent material. Because of this translucent wire material, these braces are considered an effective way of treating misaligned teeth and are difficult to see at a distance, adding to their aesthetic quality.
• Sectional Lingual Braces: Lingual braces sit along the interior of the teeth near the tongue. These types of braces offer the same results as traditional braces but tend to take longer in their treatment timeframe to complete.

Many patients have mistaken this type of orthodontic care as one purely from a place of vanity. However, addressing orthodontic concerns can improve oral health and make dental hygiene easier and more effective for life. With the introduction of these types of braces, more people can now achieve straighter smiles with an aesthetically pleasing treatment. Your dentist may be able to provide you with other options to address other issues, including missing teeth, poor enamel strength, and cavities, to help care for your oral health.

Schedule Your Orthodontic Consultation With Your Dentist

To learn more about these treatments, the best place you can go is to your local orthodontist for a consultation. By visiting your orthodontist, you can learn about time frames, procedure details, and ways your dental team can address your orthodontic concerns. By working with your dental team, you’ll have a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and will give you a more beautiful smile in no time.