Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting misaligned jaws and straightening teeth. They diagnose and treat dental problems of all ages.
Orthodontists have a long education program, which includes dental and college school. They spend thousands hours specializing on the growth and developmental of teeth, jawbones and soft tissue.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment uses a variety dental appliances such as braces and clear aligners to align the bite and gradually straighten teeth. This can correct malocclusions which can affect the appearance and cause other health issues, such as TMJ (temporomandibular) joint pain. Comprehensive orthodontic treatment provides a healthy and beautiful smile for a lifetime.
A good orthodontist knows that patients have a variety of problems and that each case requires an individual diagnosis and treatment plan. After gathering information from the patient, clinical examination, and appropriate special investigations, the orthodontist will form a problem list and determine the best course of action for each individual situation.
Many adults and children benefit from orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists correct malocclusions as early as possible to guide tooth and jaw growth in children. This can reduce the risk of future problems.
Early orthodontic intervention also has a positive effect on speech development. It makes it easier for the child to express sounds clearly. This can reduce the frustration and social isolation associated with communication difficulties.
Crooked or overcrowded tooth are breeding grounds of harmful bacteria which can cause gum disease and cavities. Correcting misalignments by orthodontic treatment reduces the space where food particles and bacteria can hide.
Orthodontics can also improve self-esteem, by giving you a confident, attractive smile. This can make a person feel more confident, both professionally and personally, and improve their quality of living.
Braces
Braces use constant, gentle pressure to slowly move teeth into a better alignment. Braces also change the shape under the teeth which helps guide teeth into the proper place. They can be made of metal, ceramic, or clear plastic, and they can either be fixed or removable. Fixed braces are made up of small brackets attached to the fronts of each tooth. The brackets are designed with a slot through which the archwire passes. The arch wire is fitted with a wire guide to help position the teeth in the correct positions. Elastic ligatures, or tiny rubber bands, can be used to hold the wire in place and to control the movement. These elastic bands can be changed every time you visit and are available in different colors.
Straighter teeth are not only more attractive, but they can also help maintain better oral health. Regular brushing, flossing, and other oral hygiene practices can help to prevent tooth decay and gum diseases. These conditions can be harder to manage when your teeth are not properly aligned. Braces may also reduce the risk of jaw problems and other dental issues caused by misaligned bites, such as an underbite or overbite.
A well-aligned grin can boost confidence and self-esteem, which can help with social interactions and professional opportunities. It can improve speech clarity, by correcting mispronounced or slurred phrases. Misaligned or crooked teeth can also lead to uneven wear on the teeth’s surface, which can cause premature dental erosion. The pressure from braces can correct this problem, reducing the chance of tooth fractures and damage.
During orthodontic treatments, patients should refrain from eating sticky or tough foods as these can damage brackets or wires. Patients should avoid biting objects with their front teeth, and should cut hard fruits and vegetables up into small pieces. Chewing gum, which can get stuck between the brackets and cause them to break, is also not recommended.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a discreet orthodontic treatment option that can correct many of the same bite and tooth alignment problems as traditional braces. Invisalign straightens teeth using clear plastic trays, without the use of metal brackets or wires. This allows for more flexibility in the foods you can eat and your oral hygiene routine.
To start your Invisalign treatment, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth with a 3D scanner. This information is used to create your customized treatment plan, and a series clear aligners you will wear until you achieve the results that you desire. The aligners are made from a comfortable BPA-free plastic and fit snugly over your teeth. Each set will be worn for a few weeks before you move on to the next in the series.
You will still need to brush your teeth and floss as usual. However, because the trays can be removed, you can brush more thoroughly before inserting and removing them. We recommend cleaning the trays at least once a day and after each meal to avoid bacteria buildup. We also recommend rinsing trays with warm, not hot water to avoid them becoming discolored.
Invisalign is so discreet, most people won’t even notice that you have changed your smile. This can improve your self-confidence, as well as how you are perceived by others. This will have a positive influence on your career, love life and social life.
Invisalign can also correct overbites. This occurs when the upper front teeth are positioned in front of the lower teeth. This can lead premature wear and tear to the teeth as well as jaw pain in certain cases. Invisalign can correct crossbites as well, which are when upper teeth are placed behind lower teeth.
Lastly, Invisalign can fix open bites, which is when the upper and lower teeth don’t close correctly. This can cause food to get stuck in your mouth and lead to incorrect chewing. This can lead to future tooth decay and gum diseases, so it is important to learn how to bite properly when you are young.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are made to order for each patient using advanced digital scanning and 3-D imaging technology. This ensures better results and a more comfortable treatment experience. Patients will wear their clear aligners daily (except for when they’re eating or drinking) until their treatment plan is complete and then will switch to the next set in the series.
Like traditional metal braces, clear aligners apply gentle pressure to the teeth and help shift them into their desired position. However, they are much more discreet. In fact, they’re nearly invisible, so they’re a great option for adults who want to straighten their smile without feeling self-conscious about wearing noticeable metal braces.
They are also very comfortable to use. The smooth plastic material of the aligners means that they won’t irritate your soft tissues in the mouth like metal brackets and wires. This reduced irritation helps to reduce the likelihood of developing mouth sores while undergoing orthodontic treatment.
The clear aligners, unlike traditional braces are removable. Patients can eat and drink whatever they want without worrying about food getting caught in the brackets or wires. They can also brush and floss normally before re-inserting their aligners. This will make it easier to maintain good dental hygiene and reduce the risk of gum disease and plaque buildup.
They are also easy-to-clean because they’re removable. When you’re not wearing them, make sure to store your aligners in a protective case and keep them away from hot water or direct sunlight, which can warp the plastic. When you’re ready to use them again, brush them with a toothbrush and lukewarm water to remove any bacteria or debris and then rinse and dry them before inserting them into your mouth. Remove them before drinking or eating anything other than plain water. Always brush and floss your teeth before re-inserting the aligners.
