An orthodontist specializes in correcting teeth and jaw positioning. Common treatments straighten smiles and improve oral health. This article outlines major orthodontic options available. Seeing an orthodontist allows for discussing the best treatment plan. Proper treatment leads to attractive, long-lasting straight smiles.
Braces
Metal or ceramic braces remain the standard choice. Small brackets bond to teeth. Wires threaded through exerting pressure to gradually move teeth into alignment. Patients wear braces for one to three years typically. Braces work for most misalignment issues like overbites or crowded teeth. Metal brackets bonded wires align teeth and the orthodontist adjusts frequently. Inconvenient but effective, seen by the dentist routinely occasionally.
Clear Aligners
Removable clear plastic aligners offer a less noticeable option. Patients wear a series of aligners to slowly straighten teeth without wires or brackets showing. Aligners require strict compliance to change every two weeks. They work well for minor to moderate cases. Custom-made clear plastic trays gradually shift teeth into alignment. Changed biweekly Invisalign invisible more comfortable options usually.
Retainers
After braces or aligners, patients wear clear plastic retainers to maintain straight smiles. They retain lower retention for a few years. Some require nighttime wear only. Retainers hold teeth firmly until new bone forms to solidify positions naturally. Missing retainer wear risks relapse. Brackets glued behind teeth unseen. More expensive than wires front but a discreet aesthetic alternative keeps bright confident smiles usually.
Headgear
Extraoral headgear attaches to braces via Facebook. Elastic bands connect headgear to appliances to control upper jaw growth. It treats overbites by holding upper jaw development in check. Headgear ensures proper jaw development for long-term stability. Face Masks worn evenings assist other appliances retract overbites rapidly, keep the airway clear and improve jaw growth frequently.
Palatal Expanders
Devices like palatal expanders widen the upper jaw in growing children. They create room for crowded teeth to straighten. Expanders use slow pressure over months. Patients only need to wear them 14-16 hours per day to work. They help align both arches of teeth. Devices widen narrow upper jaws aligning crooked teeth properly and functionally beautifully through orthodontist regularly and occasionally.
Jaw Surgery
In rare cases, orthognathic or jaw surgery moves the entire jaw for severe misalignments. Bone cuts reposition jaws for perfect occlusion. Patients heal for several months with temporary wired jaws. Surgery treats major under or overbites for lasting function and appearance. Worn long-term after treatment maintains results attained preventing relapse. Worn as instructed by the dentist to solidify new healthy bites usually.
Invisalign for Adults
Clear plastic aligners straighten smiles without metal. Adults choose them for comfort over braces. Regular dental checkups ensure tracking. Invisalign works for minor to moderate cases only requiring 12-18 months usually. Results depend on patient compliance.
Retreatment
Occasionally relapse from past orthodontic treatment necessitates retreatment. Braces, aligners, or other devices reposition teeth again. Damage like cracked retainers may also require limited retreatment. Results depend on original treatment and patient factors. Digital scans allow transparent aligners to custom 3D models to plan treatments accurately and precisely, affording patients a variety of cosmetic solutions tailored to their needs occasionally.
Conclusion
In summary, orthodontists apply pressure gradually to realign teeth and jaws. Common treatments suit various ages and misalignment severities. Seeing an orthodontist determines the best individual plan. Proper treatment leads to improved oral health and confident smiles for life.