Orthodontic Correction – Why Is It Important?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on diagnosing and treating malocclusions, which are the irregularities in your teeth and jaw. To correct crooked teeth and misaligned bites, orthodontists use fixed orthodontic appliances like braces, which utilizes a series of brackets and wires to gradually train the teeth into proper alignment.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Orthodontic treatment is important because it not only improves the appearance of your teeth but also helps your bite function properly. Crowded or crooked teeth can provide hiding places for bacteria that lead to cavities and gum disease, while conditions like deep overbite and underbite can strain the jaw joints and cause temporomandibular disorder (TMD).
There are several types of orthodontic correction Rayne LA available today. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so you should consult with an orthodontist to determine the best option for your needs. There are many factors to consider, including severity of your dental issues, aesthetic preferences, lifestyle and schedule, and cost and insurance coverage.
In addition to traditional braces, other popular orthodontic treatments include dental bonding and clear aligners such as Invisalign. During dental bonding, tooth-colored resin is applied to the affected teeth and hardened with a special curing light. This treatment can close small gaps and improve the appearance of crooked teeth, but it is not as effective as orthodontics.
Braces
Braces are a unique practice of dentistry that works to correct misaligned jaw and teeth problems. These issues can include overbites, underbites, crowded teeth, and jaw discrepancies known as anteroposterior deviations. The resulting discomfort can affect eating and speech, but orthodontists are trained to fix these bite misalignments to restore healthy smiles.
Traditional metal braces have thin wires and brackets that are affixed to each tooth. These are then connected with arch wires which guide the teeth into their new positions. A small piece of elastic rubber or a stainless steel wire holds the arch wire to the brackets using tiny clips called ligatures. Some types of braces also have self ligating brackets which don’t require ligatures.
Throughout the treatment process, your orthodontist may need to adjust these wires and rubber bands in order to apply more pressure or pull on your teeth. You might feel pain from these adjustments, but over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen should help. Some cases may require more advanced orthodontic correction Rayne LA devices such as headgear to shift your jaw bone and encourage natural growth.
Invisalign
As the name suggests, Invisalign is a virtually invisible treatment option that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth. It’s an effective treatment for a wide range of malocclusions, including crowding, gaps, and overbites.
The Invisalign process starts with an initial consultation to determine if the procedure is right for you. Then, a 3D scan is taken of your teeth. This allows the doctor to create a unique, individualized treatment plan.
Your doctor may also use SmartForce attachments to help the aligners work better, and rubber bands to connect the top and bottom of your teeth. They’ll also provide you with a set of retainers to maintain your results.
Unlike mail-in aligners, Invisalign treatments are monitored by dentists throughout the process. You’ll receive new sets of trays every couple weeks and visit the dentist periodically to ensure that your treatment is progressing as expected. These visits help ensure that your oral hygiene is on track and can prevent issues like gum disease or cavities from developing during treatment.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Orthodontics addresses the misalignment of teeth and jaw structure. It is a very technologically advanced field with many sophisticated solutions to malocclusions.
A cosmetic dentist is different from a restorative dentist in that they do not focus on fixing problems with the functionality of your teeth, but rather to make your smile picture-perfect. This can include adding or removing dental materials, tooth structure and gums. Examples include composite bonding, porcelain veneers (laminates), crowns (caps), gum contouring, and teeth whitening.
Unlike traditional silver fillings, these tooth-colored restorations are made of a composite resin that can be shaded to match your teeth. It is also a safer alternative to mercury amalgams. Gum contouring removes excess gum tissue to correct a “gummy” smile without the need for braces, although it may be used in conjunction with orthodontics. This is a minimally invasive procedure and can be completed in just one office visit. It requires a good deal of skill and artistry to do well though.
