Orthodontist: The Journey To A Straighter Smile
- 104 Views
- Ginger Arnold
- September 21, 2020
- Health & Fitness
Orthodontists treat problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. They can identify problems such as gaps in teeth, misaligned jaws, and other issues which could lead to costly and painful dental treatments.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatments from Smilebar are not just about straighter teeth. They also improve the way you smile, speak and eat. It’s a personal journey that changes how you see the world and interact with it.
A thorough in-person examination is required before orthodontic treatment can begin. This includes X-rays, photos and a review of your dental records. This allows the orthodontist plan your treatment based on an accurate diagnosis. We will then address any issues that need to addressed before orthodontic treatment begins, such as tooth decay, gum diseases, and any pathology.
We will then create a list of specific problems that must be corrected to achieve the ideal result. We will determine the duration of your active treatment, and choose the appropriate appliance for your situation.
Braces are an orthodontic appliance that can be fixed or removable. Fixed braces are made from metal, ceramic, or plastic squares bonded to the teeth. They apply gentle pressure on your teeth to help them shift into their proper position. There are many types of fixed braces including metal, clear aligners, and palatal expansioners.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to remove a tooth during orthodontic treatment. This is only done if the tooth has become significantly crowded, and the other teeth are unable to accommodate it. It is important to maintain excellent oral hygiene after your treatment has been completed. Food particles can get caught in the brackets or wires of your appliances. Regular visits to your orthodontist – six, nine and twelve months post treatment as well as annual checkups – will help ensure that your retainers fit properly and that your teeth are in the correct position. This is also an opportunity to take X rays to monitor any wisdom teeth which have not yet emerged.
Preparation
Orthodontic treatment is an extensive process that corrects dental misalignments while improving oral function. Orthodontic appliances such as braces and clear aligners are designed for teeth to be guided into their optimal position. Throughout their orthodontic journey, patients will go through a series meticulously planned steps in order to achieve a straighter grin.
The Preparatory Phase
Your orthodontist will use evaluations to determine which type of braces are best suited for your smile. Traditional metal braces are made up of brackets attached to your teeth, and wires running between them. They are most effective at treating common dental problems, such as teeth that overlap with each other and a bite that is out of alignment.
Once your braces are in place, your orthodontist will adjust them during regular adjustment visits. These appointments are crucial to the success of your treatment. At each appointment, your orthodontist will change the shape, size, and color of your archwire, as well as re-tie your elastics (small rubber bands that are similar to shoelaces). These adjustments can help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing, functionally balanced smile.
During the final steps of orthodontic treatment, your orthodontist will refine your new, straighter smile. During this phase, your orthodontist will close gaps between teeth, make sure all of your teeth are the same height, and ensure that your upper and lower teeth fit together properly.
The orthodontist will also prepare you for surgery by ensuring that your bite is properly positioned before and after the procedure. This will allow your surgeon to have better access to the teeth and jaws of your mouth during surgery. This could result in shorter operation times and fewer complications. This will enhance the aesthetics and overall experience of your surgery.
Braces
Braces are small attachments that are bonded to the front of each tooth. These braces can be made of metal or clear materials and act as handles for arch wires which gradually align teeth. These wires exert pressure on the teeth to move them into a better position and change the shape of the bones under the teeth. This phase of treatment can be uncomfortable, but over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can help.
Your orthodontist will show you how to take care of your braces when they are fitted. He will also show you how to brush and floss your teeth with braces on, as well as give you a customized oral hygiene plan to ensure the best possible results from your orthodontic treatment.
Crowded teeth is a common reason to get orthodontic treatment. Crowded, crowded teeth are more difficult to clean. Food can also get stuck between them. This can make your teeth more attractive, but also prevent future dental issues such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Traditional metal braces consist of brackets attached to your teeth, bands that fit each tooth and flexible wires called arches. The arch wires exert pressure on the teeth and jawline. Elastic O-rings, or elastic ligatures, connect the arch wires to the brackets. Patients choose their own colors for the elastic ligatures, and they are replaced at each adjustment appointment.
Orthodontists sometimes bend or kink arch wires to create leverage for a particular area of teeth. This allows the teeth move into their new position faster and can reduce how long the braces need to be on.
Wearing a headgear can provide extra pressure for some patients to help move their mouths. This is especially helpful for patients with a bad bit, which can be caused by crowded or overlapping teeth.
Retainers
Retainers play a vital role in orthodontic treatment. They help preserve the time, effort and expense that went into getting a straight smile by holding the teeth in their new positions. While braces and clear aligners work to shift the top, visible parts of the teeth, the roots also have a natural tendency to want to return to their original positions. If this is not done, it can cause issues with the bite balance. It can also ruin the results from years of orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontists can customize removable retainers to meet the needs of each patient. Removable retainers should be worn consistently for a long time to ensure their effectiveness.