Orthodontics
Do you want to have a flawless beautiful smile? Orthodontic treatment can treat various conditions such as misaligned, crooked, or misshapen teeth, close gaps, and correct bite problems. It is a common mistaken belief that orthodontic treatments are only for teenagers. Thanks to the recent advances in dental technology, adults can also opt for orthodontic treatments. Besides enhancing your smile cosmetically, orthodontic treatments also help correct crooked or misaligned teeth that may make it difficult to perform oral functions, increasing your risk of other dental issues.
Why Choose Orthodontic Treatments?
Some patients decide on orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons to enhance their smile appearance. But having correctly aligned and straight teeth can be critical for health reasons as well.
- Overcrowded or unevenly spaced teeth can be more challenging to clean. This can trap food debris and allow cavities to develop between teeth, increasing the risk of tooth decay and other dental health problems.
- Overbites or protruding teeth are more susceptible to injuries. Addressing a bite problem can lower the risk of severe dental injuries during sports and other activities.
- Gaps between teeth can blemish your smile appearance.
Common Orthodontic Treatments
Fixed Braces
Fixed braces are standard orthodontic treatments available for straightening teeth. They are affordable and effective and allow you to achieve satisfactory results for a balanced, straight, and perfect smile. Fixed braces can be used to correct teeth crowding, misaligned bites, restricted breathing, and uneven teeth placement. They can be combined with additional orthodontic appliances for a complete alignment.
Preventive Orthodontics
Preventative orthodontics can be considered for young children. Childhood is a period when the teeth are still developing. Orthodontic appliances can correct and improve common dental developmental issues in children. Dr. Truc Le will assess the jawbone growth and identify underlying concerns such as lack of space for tooth growth, large adenoids, thumb sucking, and nasal septum deviation. Early diagnosis and treatments can go a long way to avoiding lengthy and more costly procedures in the future.
Invisalign Braces
Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment for teeth straightening. It is perfectly suitable for children as well as adults. Invisalign braces consist of a series of virtually invisible aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. These transparent aligners will give you a gentler and more comfortable experience as compared to metal braces. You can take off the aligners during mealtime and for cleaning purposes. With Invisalign braces, you can get your teeth straightened with less physical and emotional impact. The treatment duration will also be considerably reduced.
I Need Help With Teeth Alignment
Orthodontic treatment aligns teeth systematically using various appliances, primarily braces or clear aligners, to exert gentle, continuous pressure on the teeth. Here's how the process works:
Initial Assessment
The orthodontic journey begins with an initial assessment, where the orthodontist evaluates the patient's teeth, jaw, and bite alignment. X-rays, photographs, and teeth impressions may be taken to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.
Customized Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment, the orthodontist designs a customized treatment plan. This plan outlines the type of appliance to be used (traditional braces, clear aligners, etc.) and the expected duration of treatment.
Applying Forces to Teeth
Orthodontic appliances work by applying gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth.
Braces: They consist of brackets bonded to each tooth and connected by wires. As the orthodontist adjusts the wires periodically, they apply varying degrees of pressure to move the teeth gradually into the desired positions.
Clear Aligners: These are a series of custom-made, removable trays that fit over the teeth. Each aligner is designed to shift the teeth slightly, and patients typically wear each tray for about two weeks before progressing to the next one.
Bone Remodeling
The surrounding bone adapts and remodels as pressure is applied to the teeth. The bone on one side of the tooth dissolves while new bone forms on the other. This process is known as bone remodeling, and it allows the teeth to move into better alignment gradually.
Retention Phase
Once the desired alignment is achieved, the orthodontist will create a retention plan, which may involve wearing a retainer. Retainers help maintain the teeth's new position and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions.
Regular Check-ups
Throughout the treatment, patients have regular check-ups with their orthodontist to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
FAQ
1. What is orthodontics, and what does an orthodontist do?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. An orthodontist is a dentist who has completed additional training to provide treatments such as braces, clear aligners, and other devices to align teeth and improve bite function.
2. At what age should I see an orthodontist?
It's recommended that children have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. Early assessment allows the orthodontist to identify potential issues and determine the best timing for treatment. However, orthodontic treatment can be effective at any age, including adulthood.
3. How long does orthodontic treatment typically take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies based on individual needs, but it generally lasts between 12 to 36 months. Factors that influence treatment time include:
The severity of the dental issues.
The type of orthodontic appliance used.
Patient compliance with treatment instructions.
4. Are there different types of orthodontic appliances?
Yes, there are several types of orthodontic appliances, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces (placed behind the teeth), and clear aligners (like Invisalign). The appliance choice depends on the patient's specific needs, preferences, and the case's complexity.
5. Is orthodontic treatment painful?
While discomfort may be experienced during the initial placement of braces or when switching to a new set of aligners, most patients find any discomfort manageable. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate soreness, and the pressure felt from the appliances is typically mild and temporary as the teeth shift.
At TruCare Dental, we provide dental solutions to improve your oral health while transforming smiles. Please contact us to make an appointment.
