WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMPON ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS?

If you or your child want straight teeth, your first step should be to search for “an orthodontist near me” and congratulations you’ve found us! Schedule your appointment for a consultation today. Most children should be evaluated by an orthodontist around age 7, as bite problems begin to be noticed at this age. Depending on the nature of the malocclusion, your orthodontist may recommend a specific treatment protocol to help you or your child achieve straight teeth. Most cases can be treated with braces or clear aligner.

BRACES

Traditional braces are a series of brackets and wires that gently slide the teeth into suitable positions. Most young patients will need to wear braces for a year or more, but some adults with mild misalignment issues may only need to wear them for a few months.

There are several different types of braces your orthodontist can help you choose from. Traditional metal braces are the most affordable option, but some patients do not like their distinctive appearance. Braces made of tooth-colored ceramic are an affordable option that blends in a little more with your natural teeth.

While wearing braces can cause some discomfort, such as teething, pain is easy to manage with pain relievers. The dentist will provide wax to prevent the wires from rubbing against your cheeks. Patients with braces should visit their orthodontist every 4 weeks to adjust and tighten the braces to ensure proper movement is taking place.

INVISALIGN (TRANSPARENT ALIGNERS)

It is an alternative to braces, which is gaining in popularity, especially among self-confident teenagers and adults who want to achieve a professional appearance while straightening their teeth. This orthodontic treatment consists of a series of clear, plastic trays (aligners) that sit over your teeth and gently slide them into place. No one can see the plaque on your teeth unless they look very closely.

Invisalign makes it easy to maintain your current lifestyle while straightening your teeth. You remove plaque to eat so there are no dietary restrictions and you also remove it to brush your teeth, making it easier to keep up with good hygiene habits. There’s even a special clear aligner system for teens known as Invisalign Teen. However, this system may not be suitable for all younger patients, as remembering to remove and replace plaques requires a certain level or responsibility. Plates must be worn continuously for 20 – 22 hours a day to achieve the desired results.

Depending on the nature of your misalignment, your orthodontist may recommend braces or other treatments to support your use of Invisalign. Sometimes a device called a palate expander can be used to widen the upper jaw and make more room for overcrowded teeth. When you’re finished wearing braces or Invisalign, your orthodontist will typically attach a retainer to you to hold your teeth in their new position.

THERE ARE ALSO A FEW OTHER ORTHODONTIC TREATMENTS THAT CAN BE USED IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

A fixed placeholder is a device used to hold a place open when a child loses an early primary tooth. Helps new adult teeth erupt in appropriate places. Splints are devices worn to help train the chin to sit in a better position. Lip pads are devices that create spaces between the lips and teeth and help relieve pressure that can displace the teeth.

Many children who have trouble speaking clearly may blame their problem, at least in part, on misaligned teeth. Misplaced teeth make it difficult to make sounds that require an appropriate tongue position. Often, children with speech difficulties begin to speak more clearly after appropriate orthodontic treatment. Correct speech will make it easier for them to fit in with their peers and speak with confidence, which can have a profound impact on their career goals later in life.

People with poorly aligned teeth often have trouble chewing or biting foods such as apples. Orthodontic treatment can make it easier for you to enjoy the foods you love, even if it means giving up crunchy and sticky foods while wearing braces.

If you would like to learn more about how you can start orthodontic treatment, we welcome you to contact us today to schedule an appointment with our dentists. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy and long-lasting smile!

• An abnormality that occurs when your upper teeth protrude too far in front of your lower teeth, making it difficult for you to bite into food.
• An alignment problem where the lower front teeth protrude more than the upper front teeth
• A malocclusion where the upper and lower anterior teeth do not meet.
• An abnormality in which the upper teeth fit into the lower teeth,
• A condition in which the jaw is too small for the teeth, causing the teeth to overlap and appear crowded