There is nothing more visually appealing than having a complete set of straight teeth. This set makes a perfect smile that can bring sunshine into a room. Not only does teeth alignment give you a great smile and make you look even better, but it also boosts your overall confidence. That’s why a lot of individuals are looking to align their teeth. And that is where orthodontic treatments come into the picture.
Keep in mind, however, that orthodontic treatments aren’t only for aesthetics. They are meant to address oral problems such as teeth crowding, spacing, improper bites, and displaced tooth eruption. They are designed to boost your oral functions such as eating, biting, and speaking. Ultimately, their goal is to foster your overall oral health.
There are a lot of orthodontic treatments readily available in the dental market today. If you’re wondering what dental options to get, here are some of these:
1. Braces
The installation of dental braces is the most common orthodontic treatment. In the past, individuals had to deal with metal ones which could be rather complicated and painful. Today, however, modern braces come in various types. Take note of the following:
- Metal Braces: They are metal brackets installed to your teeth for alignment. The metal wires threaded on the brackets exert pressure, move your teeth, and align them over time.
- Lingual Braces: They are similar to metal braces; however, they are installed on the inner side of your teeth. Hence, they aren’t necessarily visible unless you gape your mouth wide opened.
- Self-ligating Braces: They make use of highly functional brackets and wire systems used by most orthodontists these days. As such, they are less painful than the traditional methods.
2. Archwires
Archwires are exactly what they sound like. They are applied by fitting wires into the slots in brackets. As a result, the teeth will move into a proper place over time. When it comes to these, you need to have the following:
- Round archwires: As the name suggests, they have round-shaped wires when viewed in cross-section. They are often installed in the early stage of your orthodontic treatment.
- Rectangular archwires: These have rectangular-shaped wires installed on both ends with a long segment in between. They are usually installed in the later stage of your orthodontic treatment.
3. Clear Aligners
Aligners are orthodontic devices used or worn to straighten the teeth. They are typically made of clear, thin, plastic-like trays specifically designed and formed to fit an individual’s teeth. You’ll have a series of aligners that you must wear and that you can remove. Each one is worn for about two to three weeks.
When it comes to these, one type of aligner is Invisalign. This type of orthodontic treatment is designed to address mild to moderate malocclusion (bad bite or crooked teeth). It fits into your teeth which gradually moves them until they have proper alignment.
4. Retainers
In most cases, retainers are used in the later stage of the orthodontic treatment. They can either be removable or fixed. Once your teeth have somehow aligned, these retainers now hold them in place. They help your surrounding gums and bones adjust to the new position.
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that you continue to see your orthodontist for a year after the orthodontic treatment. This is because your teeth will most likely have some movements even after treatment. Hence, you must not stop wearing your retainers until your dentist tells you to do so.
5. Elastics
The last on the list are elastics which are actually tiny rubber bands. They work by applying extra force to teeth, which braces alone cannot do. They require small hooks as attachment points on the chosen upper and lower brackets.
As far as installation is concerned, they can either be vertical or diagonal. However, it is your responsibility to wear and remove your elastics. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s strict recommendations. In fact, you must not wear them more than what is prescribed, as doing so can be harmful to your teeth.
At this point, you now have a robust idea of the different types of orthodontic treatments you can get. Whether metal braces, clear aligners, or retainers, be sure to work with a highly reliable orthodontist. Your dental practitioner must first assess the position of your teeth through x-rays and photographs. From there, your dentist will provide some options, and you decide on the dental treatment best suited for you. Ultimately, getting the appropriate orthodontic treatment will give you a perfect smile that you deserve.