Instant Orthodontics

If you want to achieve a more attractive, straighter-looking smile quickly, instant orthodontics can eliminate misalignment and other cosmetic concerns in just a few weeks. Unlike traditional orthodontic treatment, which can take months or even years to complete, instant orthodontics offers comparable results in a fraction of the time by using a combination of porcelain veneers, dental crowns, and bonding. This group of procedures is especially effective for patients whose aesthetic concerns do not affect the function of their smiles. You can discuss your candidacy for instant orthodontics with your dentist to determine whether this treatment option is right for you.

Procedures incorporated into instant orthodontics treatment can conceal a range of conditions to create a brighter, more balanced, and straighter-looking smile. Patients often choose:

Porcelain veneers: Dental veneers are thin shells of medical-grade ceramic which are bonded to the front surfaces of teeth. This treatment can address a range of mild to moderate cosmetic concerns, including cracks, chips, and discoloration.
Dental crowns: Also crafted from dental ceramic, crowns cover the entire structure of the tooth. A crown can offer cosmetic benefits, similar to veneers, as well as restore the strength and integrity of a damaged tooth.
Dental bonding: During a bonding treatment, composite resin is applied to one or more teeth to correct cosmetic concerns, such as chips and cracks. This reversible procedure is often chosen as a more affordable alternative to veneers.

The length of your treatment timeline will largely depend on what type of restorations you receive and your treatment goals.

Explore Your Candidacy

Instant orthodontics is often recommended for patients who previously underwent orthodontic treatment and their teeth have shifted. However, many candidates have never received treatment for their concerns. Instant orthodontics can correct minor to moderate misalignment of the teeth, including conditions such as:

Crooked teeth
Rotated teeth
Gaps between teeth
Damaged enamel
Disproportionate or uneven teeth
Internal discoloration

The technique is an attractive alternative to braces for adults whose professions are not well suited to long-term orthodontic treatment, such as public speaking. For younger patients or those with severe overbites, underbites, or crossbites, traditional orthodontics may be the best option.

The Treatment Process

Treatment with instant orthodontics involves three main phases spread over two or more visits: planning, preparation, and placement of the restorations. Some practitioners offer same-day restoration options, which can be designed and placed during one appointment. Bonding can also be completed in a single visit.

Planning

Before recommending treatment with instant orthodontics, your dentist will perform a comprehensive dental examination. They will assess the health of your gums and teeth, often using x-rays. During this initial consultation, you can discuss your goals and cosmetic concerns with your dentist. In some cases, the doctor will order a wax-up model of your expected result. This model allows you to preview your smile before beginning treatment, making any slight modifications to ensure your satisfaction.

Preparation

In order to place both dental crowns and veneers, your dentist will need to prepare the teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. This step will ensure the restorations fit comfortably and look natural. You can discuss available sedation options with your dentist, though most patients find that local anesthesia is sufficient. Once any necessary teeth are prepared, your dentist will take impressions of your smile and send them to the dental lab for fabrication.

Before you leave the office, your dentist will also fit you with temporary restorations to protect your teeth against sensitivity. These temporaries will also allow you to try out your expected result. Fabrication of the permanent restorations typically takes about two weeks. Your dentist may ask you to return to the office in the meantime so they can confirm you are satisfied with the fit and appearance of your temporary restorations.

Finalizing Your Treatment

At the final visit, your dentist will remove the temporaries. If you are both happy with the look and feel of your crowns or veneers, your dentist will attach the restorations using a special dental cement. They will likely perform a bite check at this point and make any final alterations necessary to ensure your complete comfort.

Experience the Benefits of Instant Orthodontics

Traditional orthodontics focus mainly on correcting misalignment. While a straighter smile will improve your appearance, this type of treatment cannot address other issues, such as discoloration or damage. Depending on the unique combination of veneers, crowns, and bonding, instant orthodontics patients can improve the color of your teeth, restore the integrity of damaged enamel, and achieve a straighter-looking, more symmetrical smile. In addition, all of these benefits can be achieved in a fraction of the time required for traditional orthodontics. Speak to your dentist about whether this treatment option is right for you.