Orthodontics focuses on aligning teeth and jaws. Aligning teeth can solve problems such as teeth-grinding, TMD (temporomandibular disorders), sinus issues, and airway constriction.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses primarily on aligning misaligned or crooked teeth and improving bites. It is an ancient branch of dentistry, and it has been instrumental in enhancing smiles and improving oral function for millions of people worldwide.
Crooked or twisted teeth can be more than a cosmetic problem. They may also cause speech difficulties, digestive issues, and even tooth decay. Cambridge orthodontics invisalign can fix many orthodontic issues such as overbites, underneath bites, crowded and crooked teeth.
The orthodontist will evaluate your case before beginning any orthodontic work. They will take x rays, make impressions, and evaluate your bite or occlusion. This is a vital step to ensure the most precise results and to avoid any complications in the future.
The next step is to install the fixed appliances. The brackets and tubes are cemented in place after being attached with composite resins. Sometimes delicate elastic bands are also used. The treatment usually lasts between six and eight weeks and will require regular visits so your orthodontist can check your progress.
Once the teeth have been moved into their correct position, the orthodontist begins the’retention’ phase. This involves wearing a retainer in order to keep the teeth in the new positions. This will prevent the teeth from shifting and undoing your hard work!
Braces
Braces are the most common method of aligning teeth and correcting jaw misalignment. They use gentle pressure to gradually move the teeth into desired positions. This pressure is delivered by brackets, arch wires and any additional components. Regular visits will ensure that the appropriate amount of force is applied during treatment and that your progress remains on track.
Traditional metal braces are still the most common type of fixed braces. They are made from stainless steel and consist of square-shaped brackets that are bonded to the front surface of each tooth. The brackets are attached to a thin arch wire that is flexible and runs through them. This wire applies a constant pressure on your teeth. This pressure encourages new bone to grow around your teeth and helps align them.
Other types of fixed braces are ceramic (clear), which are less visible but still work the same way as traditional metal braces. Self-ligating brackets have clips that are built into them to hold the archwire. This reduces friction, and allows for a quicker, more comfortable treatment. Lingual braces are fixed to the back of your teeth (facing your tongue) and are more discreet than other types of fixed braces. However, they are usually more expensive and may take longer to achieve your desired results.
For best results, eat a healthy diet that is low in sugary foods and avoid sticky or chewy candy. Be sure to floss and brush your teeth daily, especially right after meals.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners work in a similar way to traditional braces to correct crowded or overlapped teeth, but they do so without using metal wires or brackets. The teeth are moved into their proper position over time using a series transparent plastic trays. The most important step in treatment is wearing the trays as instructed by your orthodontist, which typically means keeping them in for 20 to 22 hours per day.
The removable nature allows for greater flexibility in eating and oral hygiene during treatment. This reduces the risks of damage to a patient’s teeth or gums as well as food restrictions caused by the risk of breaking wires, dislodging brackets and so on. Moreover, clear braces are less painful than traditional metal braces.
Clear aligners can be easily maintained, but they must be properly cared for to achieve the desired results. For example, the trays should be removed before eating or drinking anything other than water to prevent food from staining them and they should be cleaned regularly with a toothbrush and lukewarm water to reduce the buildup of bacteria and odors. In some cases, clear aligners may require the use of small attachments to assist with the movement of the teeth; these are usually only placed on one or two teeth in each series and are removed once treatment has been completed.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an array of clear aligners which straightens teeth without the use metal wires and brackets. The first step is a consultation with an Invisalign-trained dentist or orthodontist. The doctor will examine the patients, take x-rays, and take photographs. They will then discuss if Invisalign would be the best option for them.
The doctor will then create a treatment plan based on the patient’s needs using computer software. This will show the patient how their teeth will move with Invisalign, and how long each stage of treatment will last. The doctor will also explain the cost of Invisalign, which is typically comparable to the cost of traditional braces.
During treatment, the patient wears their aligners every day (except when eating or drinking!) until they get the results they want (typically in about three to six months). Each set is worn for 2 weeks, then replaced by the next. During the two-week period, the teeth slowly shift to the desired position. The doctor will check in with the patient every 6 weeks to make sure that treatment is progressing as planned.
The biggest obstacle to Invisalign treatment success is compliance. Patients must wear their trays between 20 and 22 hours per day and only remove them to eat or drink, brush their teeth, and clean their trays. If they do not follow these guidelines, Invisalign may take longer to work than expected, and additional treatments (such as traditional braces) may be required.
