Braces, Retainers & Invisalign in Bakersfield, CA - Orthodontics - Southwest Family Dentistry
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the prevention and treatment of jaw and bite problems to improve your oral health and smile. Many orthodontic solutions involve correcting tooth alignment over a period of months or years. At Southwest Family Dentistry, we offer traditional metal braces and Invisalign® orthodontia in Bakersfield, CA.
Traditional Metal Braces
Braces are a long-standing and highly effective treatment to improve tooth alignment and bite problems. Using metal brackets and wires, targeted teeth will be brought into their correct position. Patients can choose their colored bands to complete the look. Treatment times will vary depending on the patient’s needs, but brace wearers will need to visit once a month for adjustments.
We offer Phase Orthodontics for children for early intervention that will minimize alignment problems when their adult teeth come in. Phase one treatments are for children between six and ten years old and are designed to correct overcrowding problems as adult teeth begin to erupt. Primary tooth removal may be necessary to make room for permanent teeth. Phase two treatment continues during their teens if their adult teeth continue to position themselves out of alignment. Some children may need pallet expanders to create the necessary space for their larger adult teeth.
Invisalign® - Clear Braces & Invisible Aligners in Bakersfield, CA
A more cosmetic approach to orthodontics, Invisalign involves the use of a series of customized clear aligners that gradually move the teeth into the desired alignment. The clear aligners can fix most of the same problems as braces, in a shorter amount of time. Most people wear Invisalign trays for a year or less when the aligners are worn for the recommended 22 hours per day.
In addition to the cosmetic appeal of clear braces, patients enjoy the benefits of no diet limitations, easy brushing and flossing routines and no damage to surrounding soft tissue.
Related Services
Sometimes, it's necessary to carry out certain procedures to prepare a patient for wearing braces. For example, it might be necessary to extract teeth from an overcrowded arch, or a spacer may be needed to keep permanent teeth from shifting into gaps. Retainers are used to help maintain tooth placement once the initial treatment is complete. Your treatment plan is developed based on your unique situation.
Contact Southwest Family Dentistry
Please don't hesitate togive us a call if you have any questions about the orthodontic services we provide, or if you'd like to schedule an appointment at our Bakersfield, CA dental practice.
