Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the evaluation, management, and treatment of crooked teeth and jaws, as well as incorrect bite patterns.
Teeth and jaws that are not aligned properly are fairly prevalent. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, about half of the population of the developed world has malocclusions (misaligned teeth) severe enough to benefit from orthodontic treatment. When it comes to medically essential orthodontics, this proportion drops to less than 10%, according to the same AAO statement.
Some dentists utilize dental braces and other tools to progressively modify tooth position and jaw alignment over a period of months to years. In extreme situations of malocclusion, jaw surgery may be recommended as part of the treatment regimen. Treatment is usually started before a person reaches maturity, because pre-adult bones can be modified more easily. At My Smile Artist, we prefer to use Invisalign to treat crooked teeth and correct bite patterns.
How Braces Work For Crooked Teeth
Braces are adjusted every four to ten weeks by specialists called orthodontists, university-trained dental specialists versed in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities.
Braces are adjusted every four to ten weeks by our dental specialists called orthodontists. University-trained dental specialists are well versed in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists provide a variety of treatment techniques to straighten crooked teeth, correct uneven bites, and properly align the jaws. Misaligned teeth can be corrected in a variety of methods.
In developing patients, there are more alternatives for treating skeletal discrepancies, such as utilizing functional devices, orthodontic headgear, or a reverse pull facemask to promote or restrict growth. Before bone growth is completed, most dental work begins in the early permanent dentition period. Jaw surgery may be an option if skeletal growth is complete. Teeth are sometimes extracted to help with orthodontic therapy.
Fixed or detachable appliances may be used in orthodontic treatment. The majority of orthodontic treatment is done with appliances that are set in place, such as braces that are adhesively adhered to the teeth. Permanent appliances may provide stronger mechanical control of the teeth, and utilizing fixed appliances improves the treatment outcome.
Fixed appliances can be used to rotate teeth that do not fit the arch form of the other teeth in the mouth, adjust numerous teeth to different positions, change tooth angle, or change the position of a tooth’s root, among other things. If a patient has poor dental hygiene, this treatment course is not recommended since decalcification, tooth decay, and other issues may occur.
Braces For Misaligned Teeth
Braces are typically placed on the front side of the teeth, but they can also be placed on the side of the teeth that faces the tongue (called lingual braces). Stainless steel or porcelain brackets are glued to the center of the teeth with an adhesive. Wires are inserted into a slot in the brackets, allowing for three-dimensional movement control.
Apart from wires, elastic bands and springs can be employed to push teeth apart or close gaps. Several teeth can be connected using ligatures, and several types of hooks can be used to attach an elastic band.
Treatment Time-frame
Braces take different amounts of time depending on the severity of the condition, the amount of space available, the distance the teeth must travel, the quality of the teeth, gums, supporting bone, and how closely our patient follows instructions. The braces normally stay in place for one to three years after they are placed. Most patients will need to wear a retainer all the time for the first six months after their braces are removed, then only at night for many years.
The Best Option: Invisalign
We prefer to use Invisalign. Most of our patients prefer transparent detachable aligners to traditional metal braces because they are less noticeable. There was some debate regarding Invisalign’s usefulness, but thanks to years of developments, Invisalign’s outcomes are now comparable to traditional braces, but with a lot more freedom and faster results. Contact us to request more information about invisible braces for your teeth.
The Orthodontic Process For Invisalign in San Antonio, Texas
During the consultation, our dentist or dental assistant will use special equipment to scan the patient’s teeth. We have state of the art tools that digitally analyzes the tooth and gum structure. On the screen, our dentist can see a 3D representation of the patient’s teeth. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign allows you to watch the entire procedure from beginning to end during your initial visit.
Traditional braces require metal brackets; but with Invisalign, a patient’s teeth will have “attachments” depending on the case. They’re small, transparent buttons that help you move your teeth. An individual may also require interproximal reduction, commonly known as IPR, depending on the circumstances. To help with overcrowding, our cosmetic dentist will use a small instrument to “shave” away in-between the teeth. The reduction is quite small, only 0.3mm at most.
After receiving their aligners, our patients must wear them for 20–22 hours every day. When eating or drinking, they should be removed. When the aligners are removed, unlike traditional metal braces, our patients can eat whatever they want; there are no restrictions.
In a matter of months, depending on the severity of the case, one will have a new smile. Invisalign can be removed in less than a year, as opposed to traditional braces, so this is the better option. After the treatment, the patient will be required to wear clear removable retainers. Contact us now for more information about our orthodontic and Invisalign services.