What Types Of Orthodontic Treatments Are Available?
Orthodontic treatment straightens teeth and improves the way people speak, chew and live. Straight teeth are healthier and easier to clean, and they can help prevent future dental problems.
This pressure can lead gum disease, tooth decay, and abnormal wear on the tooth enamel. Expert orthodontic treatment relieves pressure.
Fixed Appliances
Braces are a common treatment for most of adult orthodontics Boston. Although the familiar silver metal braces remain popular, they are not the only option. Braces today are smaller, lighter, and show less metal than they used to. You can choose from a range colours to match your personality.
Metal braces are traditionally used to correct a wide range of skeletal and dental irregularities. This is done by using small brackets which are adhered to the front teeth. Wires are then ran between them and held in place with colored elastic bands (modules). These arch wires exert a gentle pressure on the teeth that helps them move to their correct positions.
We have developed a range of fixed appliances that are specialised to achieve more precise results for patients. These include self-ligating appliances that use an integral clip mechanism instead of traditional elastics to hold the orthodontic wire in position, which helps reduce the time it takes to change the wire between appointments and eliminates the possibility of the appliance discolouring between visits. These devices help to make treatment more comfortable for patients and faster. These systems will be discussed in further detail during your initial consultation.
Removable Appliances
In addition to improving a person’s dental health, orthodontic treatment has positive emotional effects and can boost confidence. A great smile can lead to an increase in self-esteem, better communication and academic success.
While removable appliances are effective in treating many orthodontic issues, such as overbite or gaps, they cannot correct severe malocclusions. These appliances are best suited for mild malocclusions or for interceptive orthodontic treatments to avoid the need for complex dental treatment later in life.
Removable orthodontic appliances work by realigning the crowns of teeth around a central fulcrum close to the root. They cannot however, affect the position of the roots or rotate teeth at angles. Fixed appliances can move multiple teeth and apply pressure in different directions.
Removable orthodontic appliances are generally easier to tolerate, cause less discomfort and are cheaper than fixed appliances. They are, however, more likely to be dislodged and require good compliance. This is particularly important after the removal of a removable appliance as it will take time for the crooked teeth to realign back to their original positions without intervention. This is why retainers are always recommended to be worn once a removable appliance has been removed.
Headgear
Headgears are used in orthodontics to correct overbites, underbites, and other problems that cannot be corrected any other way. It applies pressure on the upper teeth and lower mouth to help them grow in the right positions. Most headgear appliances are made from a metal and plastic frame, with a chin cup and forehead pad to ensure patient comfort. Some headgear appliances include a mouth yoke which connects to elastics which hook onto the back teeth. Some designs use J-Hooks for applying force to the molars. Others use the facebow or straps attached to the cap to attach to.
Initially, wearing headgear may cause discomfort or pain, but it will go away as the teeth and jaws adjust to their new positions. To get the most out of the headgear, it is important to wear it as instructed. This means that you should wear the headgear 12 hours a night, including sleeping. If the headgear needs to be removed, for example, during sports, meals, club activities, or oral hygiene, (brushing and flossing), the headgear should be replaced as soon as possible so that the jaw and teeth can continue moving in the desired direction.
Although some patients find wearing headgear embarrassing, they should remember that it’s only temporary and the end result will be an even more beautiful smile. Even if the orthodontist says to wear the headgear only for a few hours, patients should still follow his instructions. Skipping headgear can slow down the rate at which teeth are corrected.
Invisalign
As an alternative to traditional fixed braces, clear aligners straighten your teeth with a series of removable clear trays. Your dentist or orthodontist will provide you with a customized series of clear aligners that, when worn regularly, will gradually shift your teeth into proper alignment.
Invisalign is made of a smooth plastic, which is less likely than other materials to irritate the cheeks and lips. This means that you are less likely to feel discomfort during treatment. Additionally, because you can remove the trays when eating and drinking, you won’t have to change your diet or avoid certain foods. The trays are also less noticeable and discreet than traditional braces because they are clear.
Invisalign can treat most cases of mild to moderate crowding or misalignment. Your orthodontist might recommend combining Invisalign treatment with other orthodontic treatments, such as traditional metal braces and dental and oral surgery, for more serious problems. Your dentist or orthodontic specialist is trained to use Invisalign, and will oversee your treatment. This will ensure you get the best possible results. Healthy, straight teeth not only improve your self-esteem, but they can also reduce the risk of heart diseases and diabetes. To find out if Invisalign will work for you, schedule a consultation with a dentist or orthodontist.