For the longest time, dentists have used orthodontic treatments to correct all sorts of dental misalignment issues. Now, recent advances in orthodontics have led to the invention of orthodontic appliances that work well and look good.
If you have been avoiding braces, even though you need them, you should know that most modern orthodontic appliances are designed to look invisible.
The most popular orthodontic treatments are:
They are the most common orthodontic treatment option. Braces are used to reposition misaligned teeth. The most widely used type of braces are traditional metal braces. Made of high-quality stainless steel, metal braces are the most effective, long-lasting and pocket-friendly orthodontic treatments out there.
Metal braces are popular with children and teens, but adults prefer less visible options like:
1. Ceramic braces: The brackets of these braces are made of see-through ceramic composite. They work just like metal braces except they do not bring attention to the person's teeth. Though they look better, ceramic braces are less durable and more expensive than their metal cousins.
2. Invisible teeth aligners: These are removable, custom-made retainers that fit tightly over the teeth. They are made of acrylic or clear plastic. Aligners can only be used to correct mild teeth misalignment issues in teens and adults.
3. Lingual braces: These are fixed braces that are placed at the back of the teeth. They correct the teeth by gently pushing them into the desired position. The treatment takes anywhere from 18 to 36 months.
Lingual braces are popular with adults because they are practically invisible. However, they also tend to be the most uncomfortable type of braces.
These are orthodontic treatments used to correct fairly severe jaw misalignment. Functional appliances are removable to allow for eating and cleaning of the mouth. Still, some of them have to be worn constantly and should only be removed for cleaning.
There are several kinds of functional appliances:
1. Headgear is worn outside the mouth. It is used to reposition the teeth and jaw when other orthodontic treatments are unable to do so. Headgear is usually combined with braces in order to correct misaligned teeth faster and more effectively. Because it is worn externally, headgear is usually worn at bedtime.
2. Twin block appliance is mainly used to correct overbites. The appliance is made up of two separate parts. One part is worn on the lower mouth to pull the lower jaw forward, and the other is worn in the upper mouth to push the upper jaw back.
Because it is designed to be comfortable, a twin block is worn permanently and is only removed for cleaning.
The dentist will perform a detailed exam of your teeth and take X-rays of your mouth. They will formulate a course of treatment to reposition your teeth in the shortest amount of time. By balancing aesthetics and effectiveness, the dentist will come up with an orthodontic appliance to fix your smile without drastically altering your appearance.
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