Everyone wants a picture-perfect smile. And with the modern orthodontic dental treatment, it’s now possible.
Are you also considering Orthodontic Dental Treatment to align your teeth or address your bite issues? Then this blog is for you! Today, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about orthodontics, including its benefits, types and post-treatment maintenance.
So, with further ado, let’s get started!
What Is Orthodontic Dental Treatment?
Orthodontics is a branch or specialised domain of dentistry that deals with teeth straightening and fixing misalignments.
So when does an orthodontist come to your rescue? As mentioned previously, they are specifically trained to deal with misaligned and crooked teeth.
But apart from that, orthodontic dentists also deal with overcrowding (when there’s not enough room for all your teeth to fit comfortably), overbites, underbites, and even issues with your jaw alignment.
How does Orthodontic Dental Treatment differ from regular dental treatment?
Regular dental treatment deals explicitly with keeping your gum, teeth and jaw healthy and free of any disease. Regular dental treatment can include dental implantations, cleaning & whitening services and Root Canal Treatment NSW.
Although orthodontic treatment indirectly helps in maintaining your oral health, the primary goal of this specialised therapy is to ensure your teeth and jawbones are functionally and aesthetically perfect.
Orthodontic treatment typically involves using braces, aligners, or other devices to gradually shift your teeth into their proper positions.
What are the various Types of Orthodontic Treatments?
Your orthodontic dentist will first examine the extent of your dental alignment issue and suggest the best possible procedure for optimal outcomes.
Traditional Braces
The classic and the most basic type of Orthodontic Dental Treatment– traditional braces.
- Traditional braces entail metal brackets glued to your teeth and connected by wires.
- These wires are then adjusted over time, applying gentle pressure to move your teeth into the right positions.
Benefits of traditional braces
- It is ideal for treating even the most complex bite and alignment issues.
- Your orthodontist has full control over the pressure and wire adjustments. Thus, they can customise the treatment as per your latest progress.
Drawbacks
- They’re visible, which many individuals might find uncomfortable.
- Maintenance can be a bit trickier with food getting caught in the wires.
- You might experience mild discomfort, especially after adjustments. However, for significant discomfort accompanied by swelling, connect with Emergency Dental Services.
- You need to visit your dentist frequently.
- There might be food restrictions during the course of the treatment.
However, this is the simplest and the only solution for excessively misaligned teeth. And the results are typically stunning.
Invisalign
Traditional braces might not be everyone’s cup of tea, given the drawbacks. That’s where Invisalign swoops in the picture. Invisalign offers a discreet solution to treat alignment issues.
Instead of visible metal brackets and wires, Invisalign uses a series of clear/ transparent, custom-made aligners. These trays or aligners slip right over your teeth. They’re practically invisible until someone tries to observe your teeth carefully.
Benefits
- Virtually invisible, so you can smile and talk confidently during the orthodontic treatment.
- Removable- thus, you can enjoy your favourite delicacies and brush your teeth without fuss.
- Generally more comfortable, with no sharp wires or brackets poking the oral soft tissues.
Drawbacks
- Not suitable for severe orthodontic issues.
- Requires discipline to wear them consistently.
- It can be comparatively more expensive than traditional braces, but that may vary depending on your particular condition.
Fact check: In 2017, the invisible orthodontics global market share was valued at $2.15 billion, and with increased demand, the market is projected to gain $7.26 billion by 2026.
Lingual braces
As the name suggests, lingual braces are placed on the inside/back (lingual side) of your teeth. So they’re actually not visible from the outside when you talk or smile. They have the same components as traditional braces and function just like them while keeping a low profile.
Retainers
After completing your orthodontic treatment, you’ll need a supporting aligner to maintain that stunning smile. That’s what retainers do. These custom-made orthodontic devices or aligners help keep your teeth in their new positions, ensuring your hard work and precious dollars spent on the treatment don’t go to waste.
What are the signs that indicate you need Orthodontic Treatment?
Here are the common signs and symptoms that indicate intervention of an orthodontic treatment:
- Crooked Teeth: When you have dental alignment, take a zigzag path instead of a straight (or natural curve) line.
- Overcrowding: If your teeth are struggling to find space. Overcrowding can make it hard to clean between teeth, leading to other dental issues.
- Gaps and Spaces: On the flip side, having noticeable gaps between your teeth also can be a sign that things aren’t aligned properly.
- Overbites and Underbites: When your top or bottom teeth stick out too far, it can create problems with your bite.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: If you find it tough to chow down on your favourite meat pie or pronounce certain words, it could be due to misaligned teeth.
- Mouth Breathing: Constantly breathing through your mouth may be an indication of an underlying orthodontic issue, such as a problem with your bite or jaw.
Early detection of orthodontic dental issues prevents complications, shortens treatment time and boosts confidence. Apart from these signs, if you’re facing excruciating pain or sudden bleeding, connect with Emergency Dental Services.
What is the process of Orthodontic Dental Treatment?
So now that you know the definition, types and signs of orthodontic treatment, you must be wondering what actually happens during the process? Let’s find out!
Initial consultation and assessment
During this visit, your orthodontist will:
- Have a detailed conversation to understand your concerns and goals.
- Perform a thorough examination of your oral structures, including X-rays and digital scans.
- Discuss treatment options tailored to your unique needs.
- Give you an approximate idea of what to expect throughout the journey.
- Discuss the costs associated with the process.
Treatment planning
Your Orthodontic Dental Treatment plan will clearly highlight the following:
- The specific concerns that need to be addressed (crooked teeth, misalignment, etc.).
- The recommended type of orthodontic treatment (braces, clear aligners, etc.).
- The anticipated duration of the treatment.
- A general idea of what your smile will look like at the finish line.
- Payment structure.
Placement of braces or aligners
- If you’re opting for the traditional braces, your orthodontist will carefully attach brackets to your teeth and thread wires through them.
- However, if you’re going with Invisalign or clear aligners, you’ll receive your custom-fit trays.
Maintenance and adjustments
- To see the desired results of your orthodontic treatment, you’ll need regular check-ups and adjustments.
- During these visits, your orthodontist will make tweaks to your braces or provide you with new aligner trays to keep your progress on track.
Duration of treatment
- So, how long is this journey going to take? Well, that depends on a few factors. These include the complexity of your case and the type of treatment.
- On average, Orthodontic Dental Treatment can last anywhere from several months to a couple of years.
Conclusion
Ensure to visit a reputed dental clinic to get the best orthodontic treatment or Root Canal Treatment NSW. Cheers to your future radiant smile!