Braces are one of the most versatile orthodontic treatments available today. They adapt to a wide variety of orthodontic issues, are suitable for patients of all ages, and produce excellent results.
On average, braces take about 18 to 24 months to work. However, if you have a less complex orthodontic issue, you may only need to wear them for as little as one year.
About Orthodontic Braces
Braces work by placing permanent brackets on the teeth and metal bands around the second molars. An archwire connects the bands and brackets, held in place by elastic bands or integrated clips. As the orthodontist tightens the archwire over time, the patient's teeth gradually move with it.
Patients may choose between multiple types of braces depending on their orthodontic needs:
- Standard Metal Braces: These are the strongest braces and most effective for complex orthodontic correction. Their strength and adaptability make them the most appropriate option for children. Also, unlike removable clear aligners, children cannot lose braces or forget to wear them. Standard braces are an excellent choice for patients of all ages.
- Ceramic Braces: These braces use tooth-colored ceramic brackets. Older teens and adults may appreciate the added discretion. These brackets are not as strong as metal and may be more prone to stains, requiring particular care.
- Self-Ligating Braces (Damon Braces): This type requires no elastic bands because the wire clips directly onto the brackets. They produce smoother tooth movement and may also be quicker.
- Same-Day Braces: An advanced process using digital scans enables orthodontists to design and install braces on the same day.
Orthodontic Conditions Treated With Braces
The diverse uses of orthodontic braces include, but are not limited to:
- Bite issues (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
- Gaps between teeth
- Tooth rotation
- Malocclusion
- Missing or extra teeth
- Impacted teeth
- Jaw malformation
Advantages of Braces
Protect Against Gum Disease and Tooth Decay
Since braces straighten teeth, they make it easier to remove all plaque and food particles. Left alone, these substances cause gum disease and tooth decay.
Prevent Excess Wear on Teeth
Bite problems can lead to uneven chewing and bruxism (chronic teeth grinding), both of which can damage enamel, cause cracked teeth, and wear the teeth down too soon.
Improve Chewing and Speech
Severely crooked teeth make speech and chewing challenging. Braces allow patients to pronounce certain sounds. They also improve chewing ability, leading to a more balanced diet.
Lower the Risk of Dental Trauma
Teeth that protrude, like underbites and overbites, are vulnerable to dental trauma. Sports injuries and falls cause cracked and broken teeth.
Improve Self-Confidence
Patients with misaligned teeth often feel self-conscious. After braces treatment, they will enjoy a symmetrical, brilliant smile that lifts their mood.
Expert Tips to Protect Your Oral Health With Braces
Some braces patients neglect to take care of their teeth. After treatment, they may experience problems like gum disease and tooth decay. You can prevent these issues by taking the following simple steps:
- Brush and floss as often as possible, using floss threaders and interproximal brushes to remove all plaque and debris.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, and sticky foods, as well as those that are challenging to remove from brackets and wires.
- Keep all scheduled dental appointments and orthodontic check-ups.
- If your braces break or detach from your teeth, see your orthodontist as soon as possible to avoid treatment regression. Cover any sharp or uncomfortable edges with orthodontic wax.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What are the factors affecting how long I need to wear braces?
Your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and give you an estimate of how long treatment will take. If you have complex issues like significant bite problems, rotated teeth, extra or missing teeth, or jaw issues, you may need up to three years to complete treatment.
Do I have to wear a retainer after braces?
After braces treatment, wearing a retainer is a must. Teeth need time and support to settle into their new positions. You may start out wearing your retainer at all times except to eat and drink, and eventually progress to wearing it only at night. Today, many orthodontists recommend wearing nighttime retainers indefinitely.
At Advanced Orthodontics, we work with our patients to create effective treatments for even the most severe tooth alignment issues. To schedule a consultation for yourself or your child, please contact us today!
Braces will help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile but will require you to make some changes to ensure you are maintaining proper oral hygiene for the duration of your treatment.
Traditional metal braces come with brackets and wires where food particles, plaque, and other debris can get trapped. As they build up, the risk of cavities, gum disease, and bad breath increase significantly.
This article explores how to properly brush your teeth with braces to protect your oral health.
Gather Your Oral Hygiene Supplies
In order to maintain your teeth with braces, you are going to need a few key supplies. For instance, a soft-bristled toothbrush. This may or may not be electric, based on your preference. Of course, this toothbrush won’t do you much good without some fluoride toothpaste. If you aren’t sure of the best options, ask your orthodontist for recommendations.
Flossing daily is just as essential to your oral hygiene as brushing. Floss, a floss threader, or a water flosser will be necessary to clean between teeth. An interdental or proxy brush will be used for cleaning between brackets.
And finally, mouthwash. This is also great to use daily. Most orthodontists will highly recommend making it part of your routine.
How to Care For Your Teeth With Braces
Below is a step-by-step overview of how you can brush and take care of your teeth while wearing traditional braces. Keep in mind that this routine may vary slightly based on the tools you choose to use.
Let’s dive in.
Rinse Your Mouth
When you have braces, debris can find its way into all sorts of sneaky areas throughout your mouth. Rinsng thoroughly is a great way to help loosen any particles that may be stuck in these areas — and get them out of your mouth. Doing this before brushing can make your brushing more effective.
Brushing Outer Surfaces First
The first step in brushing your teeth is to attack the outer areas first. That means brushing along the gumline using small, circular motions from one side to the next and from the top to the bottom. You will want to brush the brackets and your gums, making sure you tilt your brush to thoroughly reach its top and bottom. It is often easiest to take the time to focus on each tooth individually as you move around the mouth.
Brush the Remaining Surfaces
Next up, switch to the chewing and inner surfaces so that you clean the whole tooth. While you won’t have brackets or other hardware in these areas, they still require your attention. Brush in a circular motion, reaching the gums behind the tooth.
Use an Interdental Brush
An interdental or proxy brush is one that is used to clean the areas between the brackets. Rather than using a toothbrush, this smaller tool makes it easy to reach tighter spaces, working around wires. This will help you to remove any remaining debris that your toothbrush won’t have access to.
Flossing Daily
Don’t forget that flossing should always be part of your routine, as it will remove food particles, plaque, and other debris from between your teeth. Using a floss threader can help you navigate the wires. However, a water flosser will make this much easier — and much less tricky.
Rinse With Mouthwash
Finishing your routine with a fluoride mouthwash can help kill bacteria and strengthen your teeth. It also helps to keep your breath minty and fresh. Ask your orthodontist for recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I brush my teeth with braces?
You will want to brush your teeth at least twice each day. If possible, brush after every meal to prevent buildup.
Do I still need to see my dentist for routine cleanings if I have braces?
Yes, you should still see your dentist for professional cleanings every 6 months, even if you have braces. It is a significant part of maintaining your oral health.
Do You Need Braces?
Many of our valued patients want to know whether Invisalign® or traditional braces are their best treatment options. Both systems produce excellent results, and each has clear advantages.
Expert orthodontists can help patients decide which method best suits their situation. This blog explains the ideal uses for Invisalign and conventional braces and shares some tips for patients on how to choose between these treatments.
Ideal Uses of Invisalign
Invisalign is a sophisticated and highly adaptable orthodontic treatment system. While many patients use Invisalign to treat misalignment, gapped teeth, and other minor conditions, the system's versatility allows it to treat more complex cases.
The best candidates for Invisalign include:
- Teens and adults with all permanent teeth present
- Minor to moderate orthodontic issues, including bite problems
- Patients responsible enough to care for their aligners and keep them in 20-22 hours daily
- Patients with excellent oral hygiene
Common Uses of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are strong, versatile, and highly effective. They can help correct even the most severe orthodontic issues.
Patients who should consider traditional braces first include:
- Children and young teens whose permanent teeth have yet to erupt fully
- Patients with missing teeth
- Severe malocclusion or bite problems
- Difficulty remembering to remove and replace aligners
- Jawbone formation issues
- Impacted teeth that need exposure
Deciding Between Braces and Invisalign
If you need help deciding whether to get braces or Invisalign for yourself or your child, your orthodontist can help you make the ideal choice, considering your budget and alignment issues.
Patients who learn that either treatment would serve their needs may wish to keep these points in mind:
- Comfort: Braces may require a more extended adjustment period than Invisalign.
- Convenience: Braces patients do not have to keep track of their aligners and remember to replace them.
- Durability: Braces are more rigid than Invisalign and better suited to younger patients for this reason.
- Food Restrictions: Patients with conventional braces may have certain restrictions on what they can eat and drink, while Invisalign patients have none.
- Oral Health Outcomes: Braces require excellent oral hygiene, including the use of floss threaders and interdental brushes. Patients with Invisalign often exhibit improved gum health compared to those with braces.
Frequently Asked Questions About Invisalign
Which treatment is more expensive: braces or Invisalign?
Conventional metal braces and Invisalign are close enough in price in most areas, but cost may not be your main point of comparison.
Why should I see a qualified orthodontist for Invisalign treatment?
While family dentists receive extensive Invisalign training, they do not have the skills and expertise of specialists. They may try to influence you to choose Invisalign because it is all they offer, while an orthodontist can also provide braces in appropriate cases.
At Advanced Orthodontics, we are proud to offer both Invisalign and conventional braces. If you have questions or concerns about your orthodontic treatment, please contact our Canton, MI, office today.
December Highlights: Holiday Cheer in Full Swing
1. Christmas in the Village
- Date: Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Time: 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM
- Location: Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI
2. Glass Fusion Workshop: Holiday Ornaments
- Date: Tuesday, December 10, 2024
- Time: 6:15 PM to 8:15 PM
- Location: Village Arts Factory, 50755 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI
3. Aaron Radatz Magic Show
- Date: Monday, December 23, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI
4. Detroit Circus Performance
- Date: Tuesday, December 31, 2024
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI
January Highlights: New Year, New Adventures
5. Nick Paul Comedy Magic Show
- Date: Friday, January 10, 2025
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Village Theater at Cherry Hill, 50400 Cherry Hill Road, Canton, MI
6. Great Lax Box Classic
- Dates: Saturday, January 25 – Sunday, January 26, 2025
- Location: High Velocity Sports, Canton, MI
5 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Are these events family-friendly?
- Yes! Canton’s events are designed to cater to all ages, making them perfect for families, couples, and groups of friends.
- Is there an admission fee for these events?
- Admission varies by event. While some, like Christmas in the Village, are free to attend, others, such as theater performances, may require tickets. Be sure to check the event’s official page for details.
- What should I bring to these events?
- For outdoor events, dress warmly and bring a camera to capture the memories. If attending workshops, confirm if any materials are provided or need to be brought.
- How can I purchase tickets for performances?
- Tickets for events at the Village Theater can typically be purchased online through their official website or at the box office.
- Are there food and beverages available at these events?
- Many events offer refreshments, such as hot cocoa and snacks at Christmas in the Village, or concession stands at theater performances.
Plan Your Visit
Canton’s December and January events showcase the community’s creativity, warmth, and festive spirit. Whether you’re creating ornaments, marveling at a magician, or cheering on lacrosse players, there’s something to suit every interest. Don’t miss out on the chance to make lasting memories with friends and family during this magical time of year. Be sure to check event schedules, dress appropriately for the weather, and bring your holiday spirit!Many adults did not have the opportunity to change their smile early in life. They may have spent their lives feeling self-conscious about their teeth and want to make a change. Adult braces are an excellent choice for these patients.
In general, adult braces cost between $4,500 and $7,000 for the entire course of treatment. If you have dental insurance, you may be able to reduce your out-of-pocket cost if the policy offers coverage for orthodontics.
Benefits of Adult Braces
Prevent Gum and Bone Loss
Patients with a compromised dental bite may experience more gum and bone loss than patients without malocclusions.
Prevent Tooth Decay and Gum Disease
Straighter teeth are simpler to clean and lower the risk of harboring food particles and plaque that can cause gum disease and decay.
Protect Tooth Enamel and Surfaces
A poor dental bite produces uneven wear on tooth surfaces, causing premature enamel wear and a higher risk of broken or damaged teeth.
Lower Risk of TMJ Syndrome
An uneven dental bite may contribute to TMJ syndrome since it puts pressure on the jaw joints and muscles.
Patient Compliance
Adults know the value of braces and are more likely to comply with all aspects of their treatment. This factor means that adult treatment faces fewer setbacks and creates permanent results.
Good Candidates for Adult Braces
Patients who are good candidates for adult braces practice exceptional oral hygiene. They are willing to learn new ways to care for their teeth and to devote time to the task.
They have healthy gums and teeth, with no untreated issues like decay or gum disease. They take the treatment process seriously because they understand it is a commitment to improving their oral health.
How Adult Braces Work
Braces work by attaching metal bands, brackets, and wires to the teeth. The metal bands encircle the molars, providing an anchor for the archwire, which attaches to the brackets. When the orthodontist tightens the archwire, the teeth move gradually into new positions.
Types of Adult Braces
- Traditional Metal Braces: Efficient and cost-effective, traditional metal braces can be an excellent choice for adults. They can treat even the most severe alignment and bite issues.
- Self-Ligating Braces: Self-ligating or Damon braces eliminate the need for elastics. The brackets clip on the archwire, creating faster and more comfortable movement.
- Ceramic Braces: These braces have tooth-colored brackets, which make them less apparent when the patient smiles, making them attractive to older teens and adults.
- Same-Day Braces: Using advanced digital scanning, orthodontists can design and install braces on the same day.
The Braces Process
The first step in receiving braces is scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist. An orthodontic specialist will provide the best care and ensure permanent results as long as the patient complies with treatment recommendations.
Next, the doctor takes digital or physical impressions of the patient's bite. These impressions help the doctor plan the patient's tooth movements and perfectly fit the braces.
The orthodontist installs the braces at the next appointment. At each subsequent appointment, they will gradually tighten the archwire, producing tooth movement.
After approximately 18 months to three years, the braces will come off, and the patient will receive an orthodontic retainer. Compliance with retainer wear is one of the major determining factors in whether treatment will succeed.
Taking Proper Care of Your Braces
- Brush well at least three times a day, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle and brushing both the top and bottom of the appliances
- Floss using a floss threader and clean between the brackets and wires using an interproximal brush
- Avoid eating hard, sticky, or crunchy foods until the close of treatment to protect the braces
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
How old is too old for adult braces?
Even older adults can receive braces as long as they can comply with treatment requirements. There is no upper age limit for patients with healthy teeth and gums.
Are braces uncomfortable?
Getting used to braces can take a few weeks, but the oral tissues will quickly become accustomed to the wires and brackets. There may be some minor discomfort during and after adjustments, but it should respond well to over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.
Call Advanced Orthodontics
Braces are one of the most versatile orthodontic systems. They can treat alignment issues ranging from gaps and uneven teeth to jaw malformation.
In general, braces treatment takes about 18 to 24 months to complete, but depending on the extent of your orthodontic needs, you may experience shorter or longer treatment times.
How Braces Work
Traditional braces have four parts: molar bands, archwires, brackets, and elastics. Your orthodontist will cement metal bands to your molars and brackets to the forward-facing tooth surfaces. Next, they will attach an archwire that connects the brackets and molar bands. Finally, they will add tiny elastic bands that hold the archwire in the brackets.
As your orthodontist gradually tightens the archwire throughout treatment, the teeth will move along it and into planned positions. As the teeth shift, the jawbone rebuilds behind them to keep them in their new positions.
Alignment Issues Braces Treat
- Crooked teeth
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Rotated teeth
- Dental bite correction (overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite)
Factors Affecting Braces Treatment Times
The primary factor in determining your treatment time is the status of your smile before you begin. Your age is another factor to consider: younger patients spend less time with braces, though patients of all ages can receive successful treatment. The type of braces you choose also makes a difference. Classic metal braces are often the fastest choice.
Good Candidates for Braces
- Healthy teeth and gums with no untreated decay or gum disease
- Ability to practice excellent oral hygiene
- Willingness to take the treatment process seriously and comply with the orthodontist's instructions
- Ability to wear a retainer indefinitely or as the orthodontist prescribes
The Braces Treatment Process
Step 1: Consultation
During your first appointment, your orthodontist will complete an oral examination and assess your dental bite and malocclusion. They will ensure you have robust oral health before proceeding.
The orthodontist will take physical or digital impressions of your teeth to establish a baseline.
Step 2: Design
Your orthodontist will painstakingly plan your treatment tooth by tooth. They may be able to show you a digital preview of your new smile.
Step 3: Installation
At your next appointment, you will receive your new braces. The orthodontist will carefully install them and provide crucial treatment information, including how to care for your teeth.
Step 4: Adjustments
Every two to four weeks, you will see your orthodontist for an adjustment. To adjust the braces, the doctor tightens the wire to encourage the teeth to move. You may experience mild discomfort after these appointments, but it will pass quickly.
Step 5: Removal
After one to two years, on average, you will be ready to see your improved smile.
Step 6: Retainer
You will need to wear a retainer for at least the first several years after treatment, sometimes indefinitely. Retainer wear as directed is the most essential way to keep your teeth in their new positions, protecting your investment and your oral health.
How to Keep Your Teeth Healthy With Braces
Practice Excellent Oral Hygiene
Patients who do not take good care of their teeth with braces have a higher chance of developing severe tooth decay and gum disease, endangering their future oral health.
Floss Carefully
Floss with a threader and use an interproximal brush to reach food and plaque stuck under and around the brackets and wires.
Change Elastics Often
If your braces have elastics, be sure to change them as directed to maintain the correct tension.
Call Your Orthodontist Immediately With Problems
If you break a wire or lose a bracket, call your orthodontist for an emergency appointment. If the problem goes uncorrected, you may lose valuable treatment time. Use orthodontic wax to cover any broken edges while you wait to see your doctor.
Wear Your Retainer Consistently
Orthodontists emphasize proper retainer wear as part of the treatment process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
What is the right age for braces?
Patients of any age can receive braces, but the ideal age is early adolescence. Every child should see an orthodontist by age seven to pinpoint the need for early treatment.
Do metal braces work faster?
Metal braces are faster than comparable treatments. They are robust and efficient, able to handle nearly any orthodontic issue.
Call Advanced Orthodontics
Traditional braces are durable, versatile, and highly effective. They are appropriate for patients of all ages and can correct mild to severe orthodontic issues.
Braces patients must watch what they eat to avoid damaging their orthodontic appliances and endangering their oral health. This blog provides an easy guide to the top 10 foods braces patients should avoid in their diets.
1. Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is one of the most treacherous foods for braces patients. If you cut the corn off the cob, you can safely consume it.
2. Whole Apples
To eat an apple with braces, cut it into bite-sized pieces and chew it in the back of your mouth.
3. Nuts
Avoid nuts entirely.
4. Crunchy Vegetables
Do not eat raw vegetables unless you cut them into small pieces like an apple and chew them at the back of your mouth.
5. Chips
Avoid eating potato and corn chips.
6. Popcorn
Popcorn is hazardous with braces because the hulls can become lodged between the gums, wires, and teeth.
7. Sticky Candy
Sticky candy can damage your braces and cause tooth decay. Caramel and taffy are two of the most dangerous types.
8. Beef Jerky
Beef jerky is challenging to chew, and the fibers can become lodged in braces and teeth.
9. Pizza Crust
You can eat the soft parts of pizza, but avoid chewing on the crust.
10. Hard Candy
Candy canes, lollipops, butterscotch, and other hard candies should be avoided.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects
If you chew on hard objects, you can easily damage your wires and brackets, leading to painful oral injuries. Do your best to break the habit of chewing on non-food objects. These objects include:
- Ice
- Pens
- Pencils
- Fingernails
- Toothpicks
- Straws
- Opening packages or unscrewing lids
Advantages of Braces
Efficient
Metal braces work efficiently to straighten teeth using time-tested methods.
Affordable
Metal braces are one of the most economical orthodontic systems. They tend to cost less than ceramic braces and clear aligners.
Customizable
These braces can adapt to various orthodontic conditions, from simple tooth misalignment to severe bite and jaw issues.
Effective
Braces produce beautiful results, aligning teeth and correcting bite problems. With regular use of an orthodontic retainer, you will experience permanent results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Braces
How long do metal braces take?
Metal braces take approximately 12 months to 3 years, though your treatment may vary depending on the complexity of your orthodontic issues.
What should I do if my metal braces break?
Cover any exposed sharp pieces with orthodontic wax and call your provider immediately to avoid injury.
Call Advanced Orthodontics
Dietary changes due to braces are temporary. While you receive treatment, you can feel good about the fact that you are protecting your future oral health.
When you adapt your diet, you can safely eat what you like while wearing braces. If you have any questions or want to know whether a particular food is safe, please call Advanced Orthodontics at .
Many adults feel uncomfortable with their smiles and want to ask about orthodontic treatment. However, they may have reached an age where they doubt adult braces would help them.
Adults with orthodontic issues are pleased to know that braces are equally effective for their age group as they are for children and teens. Adults often have different treatment requirements, meaning they should see a highly qualified orthodontist.
Reasons Why Adults Need Braces
Childhood Orthodontic Treatment Has Reversed
Many adults find that the orthodontic treatment they received in earlier years reverses if they do not wear their retainer as prescribed.
Tooth Extraction
Some patients have orthodontic issues after wisdom tooth extraction, leading to gapped or crowded teeth.
Patients Lacked the Opportunity in Childhood
Patients' families may have previously lacked dental insurance or found the out-of-pocket cost of braces prohibitive. Adults in this situation want to receive braces for the first time and finally feel confident about their smiles.
How Adult Braces Work
Adult braces work precisely like children's braces. The dentist cements metal or tooth-colored ceramic brackets to the front surfaces of each tooth. Metal bands go around the molars. An archwire connects the bands and the brackets, tied in place by tiny elastic bands. When your orthodontist tightens the archwire, the teeth move along, aligning your smile.
Options for Adult Braces
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are durable, versatile, and cost-effective. They are excellent choices for more complex orthodontic issues.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces use tooth-colored material for the brackets, making them significantly less noticeable. Otherwise, they work like traditional braces.
Self-Ligating Braces
Self-ligating or Damon braces are unique because they need no elastics. The archwire connects directly with the brackets, creating smoother tooth movements and faster treatment.
Same-Day Braces
Our doctor can often create digital scans of your teeth and produce braces on the same day, eliminating the average waiting period.
Invisalign®
Invisalign is an excellent braces alternative for adult patients with less complex orthodontic issues. This system uses clear plastic aligners to move teeth to ideal positions gently.
Benefits of Adult Braces
Improve Appearance
Most adults who want braces want to improve their smiles. Orthodontic treatment can make your smile symmetrical without disruptive gaps or crooked teeth.
Boost Oral Health
Adult braces are more than cosmetic. Crowded, crooked, or gapped teeth are more complicated to clean, making patients vulnerable to tooth decay and gum disease. Keeping your teeth sparkling clean is one of the best ways to avoid these serious complications that can lead to tooth loss.
Improve Dental Bite
If you have an uneven dental bite, you may experience premature tooth wear and extra strain on your dental restorations. You may be more likely to break costly crowns, bridges, and implants. Straightening your teeth and regulating your dental bite will protect your teeth and restorations.
Improve Diet
Some adults have trouble chewing due to misaligned teeth. Braces help these patients eat a healthy diet with confidence.
Feel More Confident
If you have spent your entire life hiding your smile, you may look forward to showing it off. Patients who could not receive orthodontic treatment early on may feel shy or self-conscious. Your newly aligned smile will make you feel confident and ready to take on challenges in your personal and professional life.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adult Braces
How old is too old for adult braces?
If you have healthy teeth and gums, there are no upper limits on the age at which you can receive braces. Even patients in their 70s and 80s can receive braces. However, if you have certain medical conditions like osteoporosis or diabetes, you may not be a good candidate. Tell them about your medical history when you visit your orthodontist for a consultation.
How long do adult braces take?
In uncomplicated cases, adult braces may take as little as six to 12 months. However, if you have more severe issues like underbite, overbite, and crossbite, your braces may take up to three years.
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We are glad to welcome you to our new website. Our orthodontic practice continues to offer the same expert care you have always enjoyed. We treat all family members with care, compassion, and respect.
Our All-New Website
Whether you are a new or existing patient, you will find what you need on our new website. It is well-organized, easy to use, and mobile-friendly for your convenience.
Our new website details our treatment areas, such as braces, Invisalign®, and orthodontic surgery. It explains each procedure and answers frequently asked questions.
About Dr. Ritu Singh
Dr. Singh is a Canton, MI, resident with deep ties to the community. She received her DMD from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Singh also received a Certificate in Orthodontics and an MS from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry. In the past, the doctor has taught at the Mercy School of Dentistry as an adjunct clinical professor in orthodontics.
Certified By the American Board of Orthodontics
Dr. Singh is a board-certified orthodontist and a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics. Choosing a board-certified provider can significantly affect the quality of care you receive. Board certification means Dr. Singh has demonstrated her advanced patient care accomplishments and undergone extra testing and detailed interviews. Only one in three American orthodontists is board-certified.
Specialties
Orthodontics
Orthodontics comprises the art and science of preventing, diagnosing, and treating facial and dental irregularities. Orthodontics aims to improve patients' tooth alignment, bite, function, and appearance.
Dentofacial Orthopedics
This specialty field involves using advanced methods to guide jaw growth and development. Children who receive dentofacial orthopedic treatment are less likely to require jaw surgery in later life.
Our Procedures
- Braces
- Invisalign
- Early Interceptive Treatment
- Functional Appliances
- Adult Orthodontics
- Surgical Orthodontics Treatment
- iTero Scanner
- Retainers
Finding the Care Your Family Needs in Canton, MI
If you are searching for a local orthodontist, we will enjoy meeting with you and discussing your or your child's orthodontic needs. We see patients of all ages, from the first recommended appointment at age seven through adulthood. As a comprehensive practice, we can help solve your orthodontic issues and move forward with better oral and overall health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
When should my child see an orthodontist for the first time?
Today, pediatric dentists recommend that every child see a qualified orthodontist by age seven. Early intervention can make future treatment less invasive and more successful.
Which is better: Invisalign or braces?
Both treatment protocols have excellent results. Invisalign is helpful for less complex cases of tooth misalignment and dental bite issues, while braces can adapt to most conditions. In addition, Invisalign is only recommended for teens and adults whose jaws have finished growing, while braces are available to all patients with most of their permanent teeth.
Call Advanced Orthodontics
We look forward to meeting you and discussing your needs. Please call our Canton, MI, office at 734-397-6999 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ritu Singh.