Dr. Mario E. Tai - Orthodontics Can Improve Your Smile
Mario E. Tai, DMD, DMSc, is a well-versed orthodontist who diagnoses and treats patients at Tai Orthodontics in East Irvine and Northridge, CA. He established Tai Orthodontics in 2008 and practices alongside Dr. Betty Chen. Tai Orthodontics renders top adult and children orthodontic services, including Invisalign. Harvard-trained... more
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. This includes teeth overcrowding or being too far apart, teeth that are hitting or sticking out of place, and misaligned jaws. Orthodontists treat current problems, but can also identify issues that are developing. That means you can try to fix problems before they fully develop. Orthodontists treat patients of all ages.
Braces straighten teeth by putting pressure on each tooth over a period of time. Most kids need regular braces to fix their smile, which consists of wire and rubber bands. It is rare for a child to need headgear or neckgear to make corrections, but even if they did, it’s usually only while sleeping. Most treatments last about 2 years.
Invisalign, like braces, move your teeth in the correct position using clear aligners. These snug aligners more gently apply pressure to just the right places to move your teeth. They need to be worn all day and night except when eating or drinking anything other than water. Once your teeth have moved, a new aligner in the series will continue moving your teeth. With a new aligner every 2 weeks, your teeth will look great before you know it. A great perk is that because of the slower movement of teeth, Invisalign has less discomfort than getting your braces tightened.
A retainer is a dental appliance that is worn over your teeth after braces or Invisalign treatments. This custom-made metal and plastic aligner keeps your teeth where you want them. Teeth will start moving back to their old position in the months following the removal of braces; A retainer can prevent the reversal.
