Orthodontists from Smilebar are specialists who treat misaligned jaws and teeth. He or she will use braces, aligners, and other appliances to straighten your teeth and jaws.
Most orthodontic treatments are done on children because their teeth and jaws have not fully formed and are easier to manipulate. Adults also seek orthodontic treatment quite frequently.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatments can correct jaw problems, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites. The most important thing that an orthodontist can do is to ensure your teeth and jaw are aligned properly, which will help prevent future dental issues.
A healthy bite can also help you eat and talk properly and reduce the risk of TMJ disorders, which cause pain in your joint. When your teeth have an even spacing, you will be able to brush and floss effectively in order to remove the bacteria that causes tooth decay.
Orthodontic treatment can be done by anyone, even if it is more common to see children and teens. Orthodontists recommend that children receive an initial evaluation at age 7 or earlier. By then, most children will have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth, which makes it easier to correct issues like overcrowding, overlapping, and thumb-sucking habits. By treating these problems early, an orthodontic can save you money and time in the future by preventing more severe problems from developing.
Orthodontists use a variety of appliances to correct teeth and bite problems, including braces and retainers. Orthodontists will choose the best appliance for your situation. Each appliance has its advantages. They’ll take into account factors such as age, jaw imbalances and differences in the size or shape of your teeth.
Most orthodontic treatment involves a series or appointments. During these appointments, your orthodontist will monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. Some treatments can take several months, while others may take up to one year. After treatment, most patients will be required to wear a retainer to prevent their teeth from returning to the position they were in before treatment (a process called relapse).
In addition to helping you have a healthier mouth, having an attractive smile can boost self-esteem and increase your confidence. It can improve your social life, and you will be able to enjoy better health as a result.
Braces
Orthodontists use braces to correct jaw and tooth alignment problems. They can correct crooked or crowded teeth that are difficult to clean and can make it difficult to speak clearly or chew. Overcrowding is another issue that braces can correct. Other issues that can be corrected by braces include tipped or protruded teeth and jaw pain caused by misaligned teeth.
There are several types of braces, but traditional metal ones are the most common. The braces consist of small brackets, either clear or silver, bonded on the front of every tooth. The orthodontist tightens a wire, which is usually made of steel but can also be made from a special elastic, that runs through the brackets. This puts pressure on the different parts of the tooth and moves them into place. Ligatures – either metal or rubber bands – are then used to hold the arch wire in the horizontal slots in each bracket.
The first appointment involves a consultation and the taking of X-rays, impressions of your mouth and head and setting up a treatment plan. This will include an estimated time for teeth straightening and the expected result. Your next appointments will be scheduled by the orthodontist.
During the active period (the initial phase), your orthodontist will attach brackets to your front teeth with a strong glue that is hardened using a special source of light. The wire will then be inserted through the brackets. During this phase, it’s vital that you adhere to the orthodontists’ instructions regarding how to maintain your braces. Poor hygiene could result in a longer treatment time.
During the second phase (also known as the retention phase), your orthodontist may adjust your braces at regular intervals to continue shifting your smile into place. They’ll also close any gaps between teeth by reshaping the edges of your teeth and using power chains, which are elastic ties that hook on to adjacent teeth to achieve this goal.
During the final phase of treatment, which can take months or even years, the orthodontist uses rubber bands to apply pressure to the backside of your teeth in order to create movement. They may also recommend the use of a removable appliance such as a palate expander or an appliance to help open the upper palate of your mouth, which will allow the arch wire to pass more easily through.
Retainers
Retainers maintain the new position of teeth after orthodontic treatment. The teeth have a tendency to move gradually over time. This is why it is important to wear a retainer consistently. A retainer can help prevent this shifting which could lead to the need for additional orthodontic work.
A retainer may be removable or permanent, depending on your individual needs and preferences. A removable retainer is usually a thin, clear or colored piece of plastic that fits over the teeth. It can also be made out of a wire, which runs along the back of your upper teeth or in the palate behind your lower teeth. In most cases, removable retainers are more discreet and less noticeable than traditional wire retainers.
You must follow the instructions of your orthodontist if you choose a removable retainer. For example, you may need to wear it for a few months before you can remove it when you’re eating. You should clean it daily with a non-abrasive toothbrush and toothpaste, and periodically soak it in a solution of water and dish detergent to prevent bacteria.
Whether you get a removable retainer or a fixed retainer, it’s likely that your orthodontist will recommend that you wear it at night. This will ensure that your teeth are not shifted back to their previous position, which can happen over the course of a year or more if you do not wear your retainer consistently.
A retained tooth can also be used to fix speech impediments, such as when the tongue tends to move forward when you speak and makes it difficult to articulate clearly. This can be corrected by a retainer, which will realign your teeth. It’s an excellent option for people with mostly straight teeth but one or two crooked teeth.
For adults who do not have the best teeth for orthodontic treatment, a retained tooth is a good option. It is more discrete and quicker to apply. You may have to wear your retainer longer than those who have had braces. However, it will be well worth the effort once you see the difference it makes in your smile!
Invisalign
Invisalign is the alternative to braces. It straightens teeth over time by applying consistent pressure. It uses clear plastic trays that are custom fitted to your mouth instead of metal brackets and cables. They are removable for eating, brushing, and flossing, giving you freedom over your daily routine without compromising treatment results.
A dentist will take digital impressions of the mouth before you receive your first clear aligner. This creates a 3D-model. Then, a computer program will create a step-by-step plan for shifting your teeth. This allows you to see the predicted results before starting treatment and helps to ensure consistency in movement to achieve a more straight smile.
Each aligner is designed to move teeth by a quarter millimeter each time until they reach the correct position. SmartForce attachments are small buttons in tooth-colored that can be stuck to certain teeth by a doctor to make the aligners more effective. They can also add rubber bands, which connect the top and bottom of your teeth to guide them more precisely.
Invisalign can fix a crossbite. This is when the upper teeth are positioned behind the lower teeth. This can cause wear and tear on the teeth, as well as chipping. Invisalign aligners can shift teeth into a more comfortable place, often without any additional treatment.
The clear aligners are discreet, so you can show off your smile while getting straighter teeth. They are easy to clean and your orthodontist may recommend products such as a custom-made brush that will help keep them hygienic. You should also rinse the trays with water before placing them back in your mouth, as this can remove bacteria that can cause bad breath or discoloration.
Some people may find it difficult to wear the aligners constantly, but most adjust within a few weeks. The discomfort will disappear as you wear the aligners more frequently. The removable trays are also great for eating a variety of food. They can be replaced with new ones before a special event or meal.
