Orthodontists are experts in aligning teeth and jaws. This is achieved using dental braces, aligners and other appliances that work slowly to straighten the teeth and improve smiles.
Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that hold a flexible wire, called an archwire, that helps straighten and align teeth. The archwire exerts pressure on teeth by altering the shape of the surrounding bone. Soft tissue, also known as periodontal ligatures, can stretch or compress when teeth move. This pressure, and the changes that occur in the ligaments, help close gaps and shift the position the jaw.
The brackets are attached to the teeth using a special adhesive. The orthodontist will then insert the archwire in the brackets. The archwire and brackets are connected by small rubber bands, metal ties or metal ties. These elastic bands come in a variety of colors and can provide extra pressure in order to move a specific group of teeth one way or to hold a single tooth in place. A specialized type of band, called a power chain, has several elastic ties connected to form a long string that provides more force than the archwire alone.
During the third stage, your orthodontist will review your progress and make any necessary adjustments. It may be necessary to move your teeth up, across or down in order to correct your bite alignment and close any gaps. In addition, the orthodontist may use elastics to help move specific groups of teeth or make minor adjustments in the archwire to prepare your teeth for final straightening.
You will need to make regular appointments with your orthodontist in order to get the best possible results from your treatment. During these visits, the orthodontist will clean and polish your teeth. The orthodontist will then examine your gums, bones and ligaments. In some cases, x-rays or photos will be used.
Orthodontists might also recommend the use removable appliances to straighten and align teeth, like clear overlay templates called Invisalign or palatal expansions. These devices can be used to widen the upper or lower jaw. This will reduce the chances of future crowding. You must follow the orthodontist’s instructions to ensure your teeth are aligned properly and your bite is healthy.
Invisalign
Invisalign, a clear aligner-system that straightens your teeth, is available. It is a great alternative to traditional braces, but it’s important to know that the quality of your Invisalign treatment depends on the experience and expertise of your orthodontist. An orthodontist Boston is more qualified than general dentists to provide Invisalign treatment because they have extensive training and comprehensive knowledge of orthodontics.
During your first consultation, your orthodontist examines your teeth and discusses your goals to determine if Invisalign will work for you. They will also answer any questions and explain the process.
Invisalign involves a set of aligners that is custom-made for every patient. Your orthodontist takes an impression of your mouth using a special putty which hardens very quickly. The putty used is then used to create a model of your teeth. Your orthodontist uses this model to create a personalized treatment plan. Invisalign uses digital scanning technology, such as iTero, to create a 3D image of your teeth. This method is more comfortable than traditional impressions and allows for faster and more accurate results.
If you are looking for an orthodontist who can treat your teeth using Invisalign look for one that is certified by the Invisalign network. This network includes orthodontists and general dentists with additional training, as well as a wide range dental professionals. In addition to certification, orthodontists have a deeper understanding of how the Invisalign system works and can treat more complex cases such as severe bite issues.
Depending on the level of care you need, it may be more cost-effective to visit a general dentist for your Invisalign treatment. Orthodontists can help you if your smile needs a more complex treatment, such as Invisalign. They can also help if you need to correct a major bite issue. If you don’t have dental insurance, many orthodontic offices like Porth – Personalized Orthodontics offer payment plans so that you can receive the care you need without breaking the bank.
Retainers
Some patients may need to wear braces for months or years before they can see results. Most people are relieved to finally be able to remove their braces and smile with their new smiles. But the orthodontists’ work is not over. Patients must continue to wear retainers after orthodontic treatment to keep their teeth in the new positions.
Retainers, which are custom-made dental appliances made of acrylic, plastic or wire, fit comfortably behind or over the teeth. They are prescribed after orthodontic treatments to reduce the natural tendency for teeth to shift into their original positions with time. Patients who don’t wear their retainers can expect to spend a long period of time having to get their teeth straightened again.
There are two types of retainers, removable and permanent. Removable retainers are made of a metal wire that is attached to a piece (or acrylic) of plastic or acrylic that has been molded to the patient’s mouth. This type of retainer can be removed by the patient and is easy to clean. It is usually less expensive than a permanent retainer and some insurance companies offer partial coverage.
A permanent retainer is made up of a single metal piece that is fused onto the front of either the lower or the upper teeth. This type is more visible than removable retainers, but prevents teeth from shifting and eliminates future orthodontic treatment.
Retainers don’t straighten teeth the same way braces do. They can close gaps and move a few teeth, but not with the force needed to correct more serious alignment issues.
For patients, it is also important to take care of their retainers to ensure they last for a long time. This includes keeping them clean and storing them in a protective case when not in use. Denture repair glue and other products should not be used on retainers. This can damage the device, causing it to become misaligned or even broken.
Smile Makeovers
A smile makeover could be the answer if you are not proud of your smile because you have problems with your teeth. This treatment plan allows you to transform your smile with cosmetic treatments such as veneers, dental implants, Invisalign orthodontics, and teeth whitening. Your dentist will examine your teeth, gums and underlying support structures to determine if you are a candidate for a smile transformation. This evaluation will help you to choose the best treatment options.
A smile makeover can address more than just your teeth. It can also improve your health. Misaligned teeth, for example, can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. A smile makeover can fix this issue and restore healthy teeth, reducing your risk of these problems.
A smile makeover can also increase your self-esteem, giving you a positive outlook on life. An attractive smile can boost your career and improve the way others perceive you. A smile makeover can also alleviate anxiety or depression, which can have a positive impact on your overall health.
It is important that you communicate your desires to your cosmetic dentist during your consultation. Your dentist will use modern technology to create detailed images and take impressions of your mouth. They will then create an individual treatment plan which will outline all the procedures necessary to achieve your aesthetic goals.
Although the smile makeover procedure can be comfortable, some treatments may cause sensitivity or mild pain. For instance, dental implant placement or gum reshaping can cause discomfort. This should not stop you from getting the smile that you’ve always wanted.
If you want your smile makeover to last, it is important that you maintain a regular oral hygiene routine. Plaque can be prevented by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. Regular dental cleanings are also recommended. You can keep your smile white by avoiding coffee and tobacco. It is also important to visit your dentist regularly for tartar removal, which can extend the life of your dental work.