The Kind of Benefits Orthodontic Treatment Can Provide You
A branch of dentistry specializing in treating malocclusion which is a condition where the teeth are not positioned correctly when the mouth is closed resulting in an improper bite is known as orthodontics. Dentists offering orthodontic treatment specialize in straightening the teeth. The treatments are mainly used for cosmetic purposes but they often aim to improve oral function as well.
If you are suffering from the problem mentioned above you should be searching for an orthodontist near you who will aim to achieve the following:
- Minimize wide gaps between your teeth.
- Straightening your crooked teeth.
- Aligning the tips of your teeth.
- Boosting the long-term health of your teeth and gums.
- Improving your chewing and speaking ability.
- Inhibiting long-term excessive wear and trauma of the teeth.
- Correcting an improper bite.
The treatment provided by the orthodontist will improve the appearance of the teeth along with the speech function and chewing ability and help to protect the teeth from damage and decay in some cases.
A variety of medical dental devices will be used by the orthodontist to achieve these objectives and the devices may include plates, braces, and headgear.
Devices Commonly Used by Orthodontists
Fixed Appliances
The most common device used in orthodontics is fixed appliances. These are beneficial when accuracy is important.
You will be able to eat normally with these appliances except for some foods and beverages that should be avoided. These include carbonated drinks, gum, hard Candy and other sticky foods. If you are participating in contact sports you should be informing your orthodontist because you may need custom gum shields.
Some examples of fixed appliances include the following:
Braces
These are made from metal and consist of brackets, wires, and bands. The bands are fixed firmly around the teeth and function as anchors for the appliance and the brackets are generally fixed to the front of the teeth. The wires pass through the brackets and are fixed to the bands in the shape of an arch. Tension is applied to the teeth when the arch is tightened. Gradually this moves the teeth into a proper position. You will be required to visit the orthodontist every month to adjust or tighten the braces. The treatment may last for a few months or even a few years. Clear and colored braces will be available to you.
Removable Orthodontic Appliances
These are beneficial for treating minor problems like preventing thumb sucking in children or straightening slightly crooked teeth.
The appliance should be removed when eating, cleaning, and flossing. The orthodontist may also advise the patient to remove them during activities like playing a wind instrument or cycling.
Examples of aligners include the following:
Invisalign braces are an alternative to metal braces for adults. These are virtually invisible and can barely be noticed by other people. They offer the user the flexibility to remove them when eating or maintaining proper oral hygiene. An aligner must be used for about 2 to 3 weeks before it is changed for another one. Among the different types of treatments offered by orthodontists, Invisalign is extremely popular despite the slightly higher prices they are offered at especially among adults who consider a perfect solution for themselves.
How to Get Specialized Orthodontic Treatment?
If you haven’t found an orthodontist to offer you a proper solution we suggest you schedule an appointment with dentist Yorba Linda, CA, who is a qualified orthodontist and can offer you an entire range of services to help you straighten your teeth. It is important for you to understand that the malocclusion has occurred because your jaws and teeth are not developed properly. This is not a disease and will not affect your physical health. It is just a difference in the position of your teeth which may have impacted the shape of the face and your appearance. Meeting an orthodontist for treatment is the best way to correct the malocclusion to begin moving confidently amongst your family, friends, and colleagues.
Receiving the treatment from the orthodontist only takes an examination of your mouth by the specialist who will be attempting to understand the complexity of your situation. After the examination, the orthodontist will recommend the treatment best suited for you. Thereafter you need to decide the kind of treatment you prefer after considering several factors that will be put before you by the orthodontist.