Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing irregularities in the teeth and jaw. These irregularities can cause issues such as misaligned and crooked teeth.
Orthodontists from Smilebar can correct these problems with a variety appliances and techniques. They also have experience dealing with patients of all ages, from children to adults.
Tooth Alignment
Adults are more likely than ever to seek orthodontic treatment, thanks to the wide range of options for clear braces. This is true especially for adults who wanted or needed braces when they were younger, but didn’t have the money to get them.
Orthodontic treatments can be long, but they can improve your oral health and straighten your teeth. Misaligned or crooked teeth can cause oral hygiene problems, tooth decay and bite issues. You must follow the orthodontist’s treatment plan to maintain a healthy and beautiful smile for life.
Treatment times vary depending on your initial dental condition and the severity your alignment issue. Severe cases of misalignment typically take longer than milder cases. Regular adjustments are essential to ensure your treatment is progressing according to plan and that you achieve the desired results within your estimated timeframe.
There are many other ways to straighten teeth besides the traditional metal braces. They include clear aligners and palatal extenders. Some patients are successful with a combination treatment. Clear aligners, which are discreet and can treat minor misalignments, are popular with adult patients. These devices are not as effective as traditional braces in applying pressure, so they need more patient compliance. Wear clear aligners as prescribed by your orthodontist. It is also important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day.
Invisalign
Invisalign specialists offer a more discrete treatment than metal braces. They can help you choose the right plan for your teeth and bite issues, as well as create a set of clear aligners that fit comfortably over your teeth. This process is less invasive and requires fewer dental or orthodontic visits.
A typical Invisalign appointment begins with a diagnosis. The orthodontist uses a special putty in order to create a mold of the teeth. The orthodontist can then use the digital impression to create an individual treatment plan. This will include a series of clear plastic aligners that you wear for two weeks each before moving on to the next in the series. Each aligner applies controlled pressure to your tooth, helping it shift into a better position over time.
Your orthodontist checks on your progress approximately once per month. They can see how much your teeth have moved, and will replace your current set of aligners with a new one in the series that will continue to shift your teeth. This is the best way to get the most out of your Invisalign treatment.
During the treatment, your orthodontist might use SmartForce attachments that stick to certain teeth, or rubber bands to help guide your teeth into their correct positions. The treatment typically takes about 12-18 months, but this varies from patient to patient.
Many dental insurance plans cover Invisalign treatments. Your orthodontist might also offer payment plans that will help you afford the treatment. You can save money by using your FSA and HSA accounts. These can be accessed through most banks.
Clear Braces
Clear braces are a more discreet way to straighten teeth than traditional metal braces. These braces consist of transparent ceramics brackets and clear wires, which blend in with the patient’s smile. These brackets can be customized to match the color of the patient’s smile. Clear braces also look less obvious in photos and from afar, making them a good option for adults looking to improve their appearance.
Clear braces are less visible, but they still work the same way as metal braces. Clear brackets and wires are used to exert pressure on the tooth. This is what moves the teeth into the correct position. This pressure is needed to ensure that the teeth are shifted into their proper position, eliminating gaps and crookedness. Clear brackets are also a better option than metallic ones, as they do not irritate soft tissue in the mouth.
However, patients who choose this type of orthodontic treatment should keep in mind that clear brackets are not impervious to staining. They can become discolored from a variety of foods, including ketchup and mustard, as well as dark drinks like coffee and wine. Brushing and flossing can help prevent these stains.
Another option for clear braces is iBraces, which are computer-manufactured and customized for each patient’s needs. These are more expensive than regular metal braces, but they can offer a faster and more precise way to straighten a patient’s teeth. However, they may also cause problems with comfort and speech. They are also more difficult to maintain compared to other types of braces.
Metal Braces
Traditional metal braces are a reliable, time-tested method for aligning teeth. The braces consist of key components including brackets, bands, and wires that work in harmony to gently shift teeth into place. The brackets are usually made from high-quality stainless. They are strategically bonded on each tooth. The archwire is made from a nickel-titanium alloy and passes through the brackets. It applies controlled pressure to move teeth. The use of elastics (or ties) increases the flexibility of archwires and helps orthodontists achieve the desired result.
The elasticity of the elastics allows for additional pressure to be applied to a particular area in order to close gaps, move teeth closer together, or correct specific problems such as an open bite. This can be especially helpful for adult patients with more brittle or mature teeth who might require more force than younger patients to get results.
Metal braces are the most effective treatment for crooked teeth, which is not only a cosmetic concern but can lead to bite problems and increase the risk of cavities and gum disease later in life. Untreated, crowded or twisted teeth can affect digestion and chewing.
Even though metal braces may cause some discomfort, especially when adjusted, using orthodontic wax or rinsing in warm saltwater can help ease any discomfort. The discomfort that occurs is due to the teeth and the jaws shifting and is a sign that the treatment is effective. The timeline for metal braces varies between patients and depends on the severity of dental issues, the patient’s unique body response to treatment, and how well they follow their orthodontist’s instructions for care.
Retainers
Retainers are essential after orthodontic treatment to ensure that your new smile will last for the rest of your lifetime. Your teeth will shift towards their original alignment without them, a condition called relapse. This is the primary function of a retention device. There are several types that can be used to achieve this.
A removable retainer consists of a wire attached to a plastic (or acrylic), which is placed in the roof or palate of your mouth behind your upper teeth. Hawley and Essix retainers are clear retainers that can be worn almost invisible. Removable retainers can be easy to lose or misplace, so it’s important to be diligent about wearing them as directed by your orthodontist.
Fixed retainers (also known as permanent retainers and bonded retainers) are held in place by a bonding agent that is similar to glue. Only a dentist or orthodontic specialist can remove them. They are usually used on the front teeth in order to prevent them from shifting.
The most common type is a lingual retainer. It’s a thin wire bonded to the top or bottom teeth. These are a bit more difficult to keep clean than removable retainers, but you can improve your hygiene with floss threaders or water flossers. Your orthodontist might recommend a combination between a fixed and removable retainer in some cases. This allows you to get the benefits of a straighter grin without having to remember to wear your retainer each day.