If you have crooked teeth, overcrowding or bite related problems, orthodontic treatments are there to help create a more balanced and healthy smile. With properly aligned teeth, you have the advantage of cleaning your teeth and gums easily and this cuts down the chances of developing cavities and gum disease. A straight smile will make you feel good whenever you smile or speak. Bel Air MD Dentist provides orthodontic services at cost effective prices.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a subspecialty of dentistry and is concerned with the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malocclusion and other problems related to tooth positioning. Orthodontic treatment aims to establish a healthy, functional, and satisfactory bite through proper arrangement of teeth and jaws. Visit Bel Air MD Dentist and get specialized orthodontic treatment based on your needs by our experienced dentists.
- Orthodontics vs General dentistry
Whereas general dentistry addresses all aspects of oral care, such as maintenance that includes the cleaning of teeth, filling of teeth holes, and treating teeth gum disease, orthodontics focuses on the alignment of teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are further trained after dental school to learn new advanced skills that will aid in straightening of teeth, alignment of bites and jaws.
Typical Orthodontics Problems
Under orthodontic treatment, several dental issues are treated, among which there are:
Crossed or misaligned teeth:Teeth that are incorrectly aligned, may affect your smile as well as your dental health.
Bite issues: It entails over bite, under bite, cross bite, and open bite, which may lead to difficulties in chewing and pain in the joint.
Spacing noises: Problems with the spacing of the teeth may cause noise in the speech as well as food snagging.
Crowding: In situations where the mouth does not have proper space, the teeth overlap or twist and they cannot be cleaned easily hence they are prone to decay.
Understanding these common problems helps show why orthodontic treatment is important not only for appearance but also for achieving a healthier and more comfortable bite along with a lasting solution.
Common Orthodontic Treatment
There are various methods of treatments provided by orthodontics that solve various dental problems.
Types of Treatment
Here are some of the most popular ways of straightening teeth and bite conditions:
Ceramic and metal:
Orthodontic braces consist of a metal or ceramic bracket that is glued to the surface of the enamel of the teeth. An arch wire connects these brackets applying regulated pressure forces to the teeth to encourage their movement, whereas elastomeric ligatures maintain the wire to the teeth. Being strong and versatile, metal braces are applicable in the correction of a wide range of malocclusions.
They are very affordable. Ceramic braces function the same way but utilize clear or tooth-coloured brackets which makes them less visible, which is why it is popular among those who are concerned about having a noticeable appearance.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are aligners that shift teeth into position by applying little pressure as they are transparent and removable trays. The best known brand is Invisalign, although there are a lot of alternatives. Not only are these aligners virtually invisible, but they can be removed to eat, brush and floss, so they are convenient as well as an attractive alternative to braces. They are most applicable to the mild and moderate orthodontic problems.
Retainers
Retainers are mouth-fitted appliances. They are placed after the braces or aligners in order to stick the teeth in their new arrangement. They are removable or fixed and you usually wear them depending on the time period specified by your orthodontists.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Initial Assessment
- Consult with the orthodontist regarding your worries and ambitions
- Look at your dental and health background
- Initial examination examination of the teeth, gums and alignment of jaws by mouth examination
Diagnostic Tools
- To see the roots of teeth, the jawbone and development of the teeth, X-rays are taken.
- Miniature molds of your teeth in the form of dental or digital casts
- Images of your face and teeth that will be used in treatment planning and follow up
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Therapeutic Design Strategies and Schedule
- Orthodontist form an individual plan of treatment according to diagnosis
- Talk therapies expected waiting time, and amount of payment
- Establish the timeline of treatment stages (e.g. active movement, retention)
What to Expect While Being Treated
- Adjustments or changes in aligners every 4-8 weeks
- First and after change: possible discomfort or soreness
- Guide to oral care, diet and appliance care
Aftercare and maintenance
- Using retainers to continue with results
- Routine screening and cleaning up of teeth
- Observation of the changes or possible relapse of the position of the teeth
Benefits of Orthodontics
The benefits of orthodontics are given below:
- There is less chance of getting tooth decay and gum diseases as cleaning your teeth becomes easy
- It enhances the beauty of your smile
- Bite related problems are also corrected that increase the efficiency of chewing along with clarity of speech
- Straight teeth and jaws reduce cavities and gum diseases in the future which could lead to jaw pain, uneven wear of the teeth, and eventual tooth loss
Tips for Maintaining Your Braces or Aligners
- Brush your teeth after every meal to avoid accumulation of plaque
- Floss should be used on a daily basis
- Avoid soft, hard, and chewy foods such as gum, caramel, popcorn, or nuts that can hurt braces or are likely to block aligners
- In case of lost brackets, or loose or lost wires, or lost aligners, please call the orthodontist. Delay is the worst thing that can happen
- Clean your aligners and rinse off the clearers on a frequent basis, ensuring you use a soft toothbrush
FAQs
What is the right age to start orthodontic treatment?
The assessment of orthodontic problems should be conducted at the age of 7, and some problems can be revealed even before all the adult teeth appear. Treatment can start at any age, whether the patient is a child, teenager or adult, and it is based on the specific needs of their teeth.
How much time does it take to fix braces?
The treatment depends on the nature of dental problems and has a specific time period. Most patients have braces or aligners between 12 and 24 months on average. Easy cases can take shorter time, whilst complex issues might take longer.
Can clear aligners be as good as orthodontic braces?
Clear aligners can be used to treat relatively minor orthodontic problems, including crowding and spaces. For more complex bite corrections or severe misalignments, newer options may not be as effective as traditional metal or ceramic braces. The most appropriate treatment will be recommended by your orthodontist regarding your case.
Are orthodontic treatments painful?
You might feel some pain or tenderness, particularly when braces are tightened or after the change of the aligner tray. This pain will disappear within a few days with help of over-the-counter pain medications. It is an indication that your teeth are slowly getting better placement.
