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Confidence in your smile can make a huge difference in your life. If you’ve noticed misaligned teeth and want to take control of your smile, you are not the only one.
The branch of dentistry that deals with misaligned teeth is called orthodontics. It focuses on diagnosing and treating malocclusions such as overbites, underbites, crowding, etc. An Orthodontist is naturally a person who specializes and practices in this field.
In the old days, some cultures used materials like gold, silver, or natural fibers to tie teeth together or to nearby stable teeth to align them. Luckily, we’ve devised some clever methods to straighten teeth without much hassle.
To learn about the most commonly practiced orthodontic treatments, keep reading.
The main treatments in orthodontic services to fix teeth alignment issues are:
- Braces
- Clear Aligners
- Palate Expanders
- Retainers
Braces
Braces are one of the most well-known and effective orthodontic treatments. Using brackets, bands, and wires, they gradually shift teeth into their desired positions.
Traditional metal braces are popular, but ceramic braces are preferred by those seeking a more discreet option.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Aligner32, have gained popularity as an alternative to braces. These custom-made, clear aligner trays gradually shift teeth into their desired positions.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners are removable and virtually invisible. They offer a more discreet treatment option and are up to 3 times less expensive, too. Patients are provided with numbered sets of aligners. Each set is worn for 10 days before moving to the next set in the series, gradually aligning teeth.
Retainers
Retainers are prescribed after completion of an orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners.
These are custom-made oral appliances that help maintain the newly acquired position of teeth by preventing them from shifting back to their original positions.
To maintain the results of orthodontic treatment, wearing retainers as directed by your orthodontist is essential. Failing to wear retainers can result in teeth shifting back to their original positions.
There are three types of retainers
Hawleys
They’re made of thin metal wire and plastic (or acrylic). They are removable, with a wire that runs along the outside of teeth to keep them straight.
Fixed Wire
These are often called permanent or bonded retainers. They comprise of a wire or metal bar glued to the back of the teeth.
They are usually placed on the inside of the lower arch, rarely on the upper arch where forces from biting could potentially damage them.
Clear Retainers
Palate Expanders
These are primarily used to correct crowding at an early age. The bone structure is adjusted to provide space and accommodate the growth of new teeth.
Palate expanders are recommended in specific cases where a child’s facial bones are still developing and more easily manipulated.
Choosing The Right Orthodontic Treatment For You?
Here is a list of our opinions. Please consult with your service provider to make an informed decision.
For mild to moderate cases, we recommend that you choose clear aligners over braces. However, for severe cases such as an open bite, stick to traditional metal braces.
Always opt for retainers after completing your orthodontic treatment. The type of retainer you wish to wear depends on your lifestyle and preference.
We recommend clear retainers because they are almost invisible when worn and allow for greater precision.
Palate expanders mostly address crowding cases in children and are only recommended up to a certain age.
Choosing the right orthodontic treatment not only aids in a confidence boost but also adds to your overall dental health. It is never too late to fix your smile, and the right time to start is now.
FAQs
Q: Who is an orthodontist?
A: An orthodontist is a dental specialist who focuses on the alignment and positioning of teeth and jaws. They diagnose, prevent, and treat various dental irregularities such as crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and overcrowding.
Q: Which is the most affordable orthodontic treatment?
A: At home clear aligners are the most cost-effective method to straighten mild to moderate teeth misalignments.
Q: How long does it take to straighten your teeth?
A: The answer to this depends on the severity of your case and the orthodontic treatment you go with. Aligner32 Clear Aligners, for example, can straighten your teeth in 4 to 6 months.
Q: How often should I wear retainers?
A: Generally 22 hours a day for 6 months to a year but your orthodontist will provide better guidance on how often and for how long you should wear your retainer to preserve the results of your treatment.
