At Gentle Care Dentistry, patients in the community of Azusa, CA interested in orthodontic options for their smiles can visit a dentist offering a variety of solutions to choose from. Dr. Brianne Luu is committed to providing not only traditional orthodontics, but also clear aligner therapy.

Understanding the purpose of orthodontia

Dr. Brianne Luu finds that some patients are unhappy with the alignment of their smiles. They may have teeth near the front of the mouth that are misaligned, resulting in gaps, overcrowding, or other concerns. Additionally, patients who have poor bite alignment may also be dealing with discomfort. Poor alignment of the smile is not just a cosmetic issue but can also impact the function and health of the smile. Teeth that do not line up properly can cause wear and tear on the enamel of the teeth, resulting in damaged restorations or weaker, thinner enamel. To avoid this, patients are urged to consider the benefits of orthodontic treatment that can enhance the appearance of the smile while ensuring the bite is aligned properly for the best functionality.

Types of orthodontia

Patients are excited to learn that they have options to choose from when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Below are the two types of orthodontic treatment available from Dr. Brianne Luu of Gentle Care Dentistry:

• Traditional orthodontics – the most common way of addressing misalignment is with the use of traditional orthodontics. This treatment requires the use of brackets that are glued to the teeth and connected with wires. The wires help in repositioning the teeth over time, ensuring that the bite alignment is proper, and imperfections of the smile are addressed. Traditional orthodontics can be used for children, teenagers, and adults, and can help patients who have mild to severe misalignment of the smile. To achieve results, patients may need to have their braces for months or years, depending on the condition of their smile when they begin treatments.
• Clear aligner therapy – some patients are uneasy about the idea of treating their smile with brackets and wires and want to consider an alternative method to achieve their results. Dr. Brianne Luu is one of the proud providers of clear aligner therapy, another way for patients to get the smile of their dreams in a more discreet manner. Clear aligner therapy is a highly desirable option for our patients because it achieves their dream smile without having to wear obvious appliances. Using clear plastic aligner trays, the teeth are gradually moving to more attractive positions with proper patient compliance. This method of treatment is best for patients with mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth and does require patients to wear their trays for at least 20 hours a day to see the results they expect.

Which treatment is right for me?

To determine which form of orthodontia is appropriate for a specific patient, we start with an evaluation. This evaluation is included with a patient’s consultation appointment, during which they discuss the concerns they have with their smiles and the methods available for improving them.Some patients also take into consideration the cost of treatment and the time in which they will achieve their results to make an educated decision regarding the orthodontic treatment they choose.

How does clear aligner therapy work?

Most patients understand the process of traditional orthodontics but are intrigued at the idea of using a clear tray to reposition the teeth. This treatment is highly desirable due to being a discreet option. The process starts with an evaluation, to determine if patients are a candidate, and then digital impressions, which are sent to specialized computer software and transferred electronically to a laboratory. The laboratory creates a digital version of the perfect smile alignment, and then creates a series of trays for each individual. The number of trays in the series will vary depending on the severity of the misalignment. More severe misalignment will require more trays, while mild misalignment will require fewer trays. The trays are sent to the dentist and the patient comes in for their educational appointment. Patients learn how to care for the trays and how to use them. The trays are used in a specific order, with each tray being worn over the dental arch day and night. The trays can be removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, but should be worn at all other times. They are difficult to discern from the natural smile, making them discreet, yet effective. Each tray is worn for two weeks before progressing to the next one, and by the end of the treatment, patients will have the smile they’ve always dreamed of! Patients can use the final tray as a retainer to wear at night to maintain the results, or they may ask about a metal and acrylic retainer instead. Retainers are best to ensure maintenance of the new smile, and to keep teeth from shifting out of place over time. Clear aligner therapy is highly desirable and can provide patients with a simple way of achieving a new smile without conventional metal brackets and wires.

Ready to discuss your options for orthodontic care?

Contact the team of Gentle Care Dentistry today by booking an appointment with Dr. Brianne Luu. Her practice is located at 232 N Azusa Ave, Azusa, CA and can be reached by phone at +1 626-466-9596. We are here to help you feel confident with your smile by providing a wide selection of general, cosmetic, and restorative care solutions for the entire family! We serve patients in and around the areas of Glendora, West Covina, and Covina, California.

Share this Article