Do Braces Make the Roots of Your Teeth Shorter?

When people need to straighten their teeth, braces are a common option. The length of time required for this treatment will be determined by the individual needs of a patient. In some cases, a person may only need to have braces for a few months. There are severe cases of crooked teeth that may require years of treatment with braces to achieve the desired results.

How Braces Work

Braces are designed to work by applying the pressure necessary to correct the teeth that are out of place. It is a process that produces enzymes as a result of this pressure. It may cause the bone to dissolve and form new bone. The bone in a person’s mouth hardens on one side as the other side becomes loose. This is what makes it possible for teeth to move gradually over time. This activity is completely normal. It is the basis for correcting crooked teeth.

Benefits of Braces

It has been proven that having straight teeth can provide a great smile. Studies have shown that an attractive smile will increase a person’s self-esteem. Having good self-esteem as a child can set the stage for a positive self-image. When an adult has good self-esteem, it can benefit them in many social and professional settings.

In addition to an improved appearance, straight teeth will enable people to improve their ability to bite, chew as well as speak. Straight teeth are able to improve the health of gums and teeth. Straight teeth are easier to maintain with cleaning, flossing, and brushing. Improved oral hygiene enables the prevention of future periodontal issues and cavities.

Using Braces And Making Roots Of Teeth Shorter

Some patients are concerned if using braces will make the roots of their teeth shorter. When the roots of a tooth are shortened, it is called root resorption. Root resorption can happen during any routine orthodontic treatment. Over 97 percent of root resorption is unable to be detected by the naked eye. A little more than 3 percent are obvious when observed.

There are patients who are more prone to experience root resorption because of genetics. This means the condition of root resorption runs in their family. If a patient knows their family members have a history of root resorption, they should notify their orthodontist. If this condition is known prior to being treated to correct crooked teeth, an alternate treatment plan can be developed.

Root Resorption Prevention And Treatment

There are dental professionals who believe that root resorption happens when a person’s teeth are moved too fast or too slowly. These individuals believe the movement of teeth too fast shows excessive force. Some experts will point out there is no official documentation that demonstrates why tooth resorption happens.

There is also no known method for preventing it. The only current successful method is to monitor the patient’s teeth by using x-rays. This condition only happens in 2 percent or less of cases. When root resorption escalates, the orthodontist may either stop the treatment or remove the braces. The other option is to decrease the length of the treatment time.

No Tooth Loss

When root shortening is identified, it will be discussed with the patient. The treatment could continue depending on the degree of shortening. In some cases, the treatment time can be shortened after spaces close and in other situations. It may be determined that it is best to remove the braces right away. Experts agree that a tooth’s root can lose as much as half its length and still not be a problem. Losing a tooth because of root resorption is extremely rare and almost never happens.

Invisalign

An Invisalign Orthodontic Device (IOD) are incremental aligners designed to straighten teeth as an alternative to using wire braces. They are aligner trays constructed with BPA-free clear, smooth, comfortable plastic. They are designed to be worn over a patient’s teeth to easily move them. There will be X-rays and pictures taken to create impressions and precise 3-D images of a patient’s teeth prior to use. A person’s aligner trays will be made according to their individual needs.

Aligner Use

Each device is recommended to be worn by a patient for approximately 20 hours each day for a two-week period. The treatment process is usually finished in a little over 13 months. Each individual situation will determine the exact length of time the treatment must last. The complexity of the designated teeth to move will also help determine treatment time.

During the treatment, refinements may be ordered for the patient. The aligner is able to be removed for eating as well as teeth flossing, brushing and more. Patients like the high level of comfort they experience from wearing them. At the end of the treatment period, the patient may be advised to still wear the IOD at night.

Movement

Every aligner is designed to move teeth up to .33 millimeters. They are designed with a software program that is able to show patients and their doctors the teeth movement necessary to achieve success. The aligners are made with specialized computer design and manufacture. The molds are created in layers utilizing photo-sensitive liquid resin. This substance will turn into a hard plastic when treated with a laser. This method makes it possible to design aligners to accommodate everyone’s individual dental needs.

Treatments

Aligners can be used to correct tooth crowding when it happens with front teeth. It can also assist with teeth that are positioned forward too much or backward too far. The aligners can also help teeth that have rotated in their sockets and more.

Contact Us Today for an Appointment

Nothing is going to change about your smile until you take action. Call today to learn more about what the best orthodontist in Nashville TN can offer you. Enjoy the professional and inviting atmosphere at Gluck Orthodontics as you are welcomed into the office. Dr. Gluck and his staff will strive to make you comfortable and keep you well-informed about all of your orthodontic options.

Remember that your choice to have orthodontic treatment will give you a boost of confidence and make your smile shine. You’ll also be able to have better oral hygiene and avoid problems like TMJ disorders due to a poor bite or misalignment of your teeth. Dr. Gluck is here for you to bring out the best in your smile. Make your appointment today.

• Dr. Joel Gluck
• Dr. Jonathan Gluck

Gluck Orthodontics – Nashville Orthodontist
2002 Richard Jones Road, Suite A-200 Nashville, TN 37215

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Dr. Joel Gluck has practiced orthodontics since 1983 when he opened his own office in Nashville. He earned his undergraduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis, and his dental degree at the University of Tennessee. Dr. Gluck then completed an orthodontic specialty residency at the University of Michigan, one of the top five orthodontic training residencies in the country. He also wrote an original thesis and received a Master of Science degree.