Orthodontic treatments are a means of straightening or relocating teeth. They improve the appearance and structure of teeth. You can reach out to a certified dentist for the treatment. Your dentist may suggest you talk to an orthodontist as they specialize in orthodontic treatments.
Before starting the treatment, a full examination is performed for exactly which procedure will be most beneficial. For better observation an X-ray may be taken, a plaster model may be created and close observation of the teeth, etc. may be performed. Improved oral health, healthy gums and jaw bone, and a bright smile are some results of orthodontic treatments. Teeth also become easier to clean and look after. Some people have upper teeth that are slightly protruded and are at risk of injury, orthodontic treatments can help reshape them into a safer position.
The best time to receive this treatment is during childhood. But for many people, the realization comes later in life. That is no cause for concern as more and more adults are opting for these treatments every day and the results are satisfactory. Age is not something to worry about as when it comes to dental treatment.
In children, it is important to wait for the correct number of teeth to grow to start the treatment. Sometimes, in adults, some permanent teeth may have to be taken out to make space for the treatment. The treatment duration depends on the seriousness of the dental problems. Some of the treatments are completed in a few months while some are completed in one to two years.
After the treatment is completed and all dental appliances are successfully implanted in the teeth, the patient may take some time to adjust to the appliances, however, after a few days, the patient will be completely comfortable and will experience no pain. Contact your dentist if you still experience discomfort and pain after a few days.
Here are a few orthodontic treatments that provide dental support.
Braces
Traditional braces are the most popular choice among patients across the world. They are made up of brackets that are fixated to teeth and wires stitched to the brackets with the help of ligatures. The brackets are made of stainless steel material and the wires of metal alloys. Traditional ceramic braces, self-ligating ceramic braces, and self-ligating metal braces are other kinds of braces available.
Traditional ceramic braces can blend in with the natural colour of the teeth and can be next to invisible. These kinds of braces are the most preferred ones and they don't stand out. They are made of porcelain material and metal alloys.
Self-ligating ceramic braces are also able to blend in with natural teeth. Built-in clips are used in these braces to hold the wire in place.
Self-ligating metal braces are fixated to teeth and have clips to hold the wire in place. The braces available today are very lightweight, easy to maintain, and can be customized.
Elastics
Elastics are little rubber or latex bands that exert additional force to teeth to relocate them to a better position. Tiny hooks present on these elastics act as attachment points. Patients can remove and attach the elastics on their own. However, elastics should be worn only when prescribed.
Archwires
Archwires are used to move the teeth by fitting them into the brackets. There are mainly two types of archives available: circular archwires and rectangular archwires. During the initial stages of orthodontic treatments, a round archwire is used. Rectangular archwires are used in advanced stages of orthodontic treatments. They can control and refine tooth movement.
Mouthguard
A mouth is used by athletes and by people participating in heavy physical activities. It is also worn by patients suffering from bruxism (teeth grinding). It protects the teeth from injury and trauma. Mouthguards form a protective barrier between the point of injury and the teeth. Custom-made mouthguards are the best kind of mouthguard available as they provide the utmost protection to the teeth. Some mouth guards are extremely flexible and some are extremely rigid. The material depends on the choice of the patient and the examination of the mouth done by the dentist.
Apnea appliance
Asleep apnea appliance is a custom manufactured equipment that covers the teeth. It helps patients who suffer from sleep apnea. They help when the patient cannot close the mouth due to snoring and hold the jaw in place.
Aligners
Aligners are a thin and transparent covering for your teeth that help the teeth align in proper series. They are an awesome alternative to traditional braces. Aligners also offer many benefits over braces. The teeth can be easily brushed and flossed as they can be easily removed. The patient can still eat regular food without it getting stuck in the aligners as they are made of durable material. The aligners require lesser visits to the dentist as compared to other orthodontic treatments. The patient is provided with multiple sets of aligners for convenience. Each set can be used for up to one to two weeks. Patients are advised to remove aligners while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. The average time for aligners to show the result, i.e., straight and aligned teeth, is shorter than that of braces. Aligners are also next to invisible.
Headgear
The headgear has a strap around the backside of the head with a metal wire attached to the front side of the jaw. It is used to limit the growth of the underside of the jaw. It holds the teeth back in place. The front teeth are also pushed back a little. There are three types of headgears: cervical pull, high pull, and reverse pull. Cervical pull headgears are used to correct overjet and overbite conditions. High pull type of headgear is also used to correct overjet and overbite. Reverse pull or facemask headgear is used to correct an undersized upper jaw that has not fully developed and an underbite.