Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment is used to enhance the alignment and look of teeth that are crowded, protruding, or crooked, as well as to fix bite issues.
When should it start?
Typically, orthodontic treatment doesn’t start until the bulk of a child’s adult teeth has started to erupt. This often happens when a child is around 12 years old, though it also depends on how many of their adult teeth have come in and how their face and jaws are growing.
Adults won’t start treatment unless they maintain a high level of oral hygiene because orthodontic treatment can raise the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. But in general, adults can start orthodontic treatment at any age, however, there are fewer options for them.
There are various methods for performing orthodontics;
Which method is used depends on the exact problem you have. However, don’t worry; your desire for any type of orthodontic treatment also plays a part, though not always.
- Braces and retainers are the conventional methods.
- Clear aligners are a cosmetic solution.
Braces and retainers:
The braces may come with bands, wires, and other set or removable correctional devices. If you have crooked teeth and/or a misaligned bite, braces and retainers can help you straighten your teeth (an underbite or overbite).
Different types of braces exist:
- Brackets: Brackets that are affixed to the front of each tooth might be constructed of plastic, ceramic, clear, tooth-colored ceramic, or stainless steel. Ceramic or plastic brackets are typically chosen for aesthetic reasons. However, its drawbacks include the potential of being stained and dirty. Ceramic or plastic brackets also have the problem of increasing friction between the wire and brackets, which could increase the time of therapy.
- Lingual-type brackets: These are brackets that are hidden from view by attaching to the back of teeth.
- Mini-braces: These braces, which are significantly smaller than conventional braces, can be a possibility for some patients.
- Traditional bands: In this approach, each tooth is wrapped in a band of metal to which the metal brackets are welded.
Clear aligners:
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, this device is intended to make orthodontic treatment “less visible” as the name implies. Smart Track is a flexible thermoplastic polymer used to make the aligner.
Even though these aligners are clear, they fit over your teeth firmly and are considerably less obvious than the brackets and wires of conventional braces.
Which dental conditions can clear aligners treat?
Clear aligners can be used to treat bite problems that are mild to moderate, as well as crowding and spacing issues. While realigning someone’s arches may benefit from clear aligners, correcting more severe biting problems may not be as successful with them.
Stages of the procedure:
Going to an orthodontist and having a 3-D scan of your mouth and jaw is the first stage in the procedure. Move your teeth into their right position, and they will devise a plan using this image.
Next, your orthodontist will use that plan to make a set of plastic aligners specifically made for you. Under the force of these aligners, your teeth will gradually migrate and shift into the appropriate positions.
Depending on your orthodontist’s recommendations, you may switch out one set of aligners for a new one about once every two weeks. In general, you must wear the aligners for 20 to 22 hours per day.
The Cost:
Clear aligner treatment costs are comparable to those of conventional braces.
Payment options:
You can easily pay for your orthodontic treatment today. To learn more about them, you can look at our available payment alternatives.
