Popular Types of Orthodontic Treatments by Grinz Orthodontics

Are your teeth crowded or misaligned? Do you experience discomfort when chewing? Orthodontic issues affect millions of individuals worldwide in the form of crowding, spacing, crossbite, overbite, underbite, improper eruption, etc. These problems manifest with excessive pressure on the jaw joints, gums, and the rest of the teeth.

Orthodontic issues have a tremendous impact not only on the health of people but also on their self-confidence. Hence, most individuals decide to undergo orthodontic treatment. There is a myriad of orthodontic practices, such as Grinz Orthodontics, providing high-quality orthodontic care to patients.

These are the most popular types of treatments in the field of orthodontics.

Braces

Braces are unquestionably one of the most commonly used orthodontic treatments, available in various types. The role of these dental tools is to improve the appearance and function of teeth by gradually straightening them and moving them to the right position. Braces are considered the best alternative for orthodontic issues like crooked and misaligned teeth, as well as crowding.

Moreover, patients are recommended to wear either fixed or removable braces, depending on the severity of their issue. Such dental tools can be worn for a minimum of several months to a maximum of thirty-six months. Besides traditional metal braces, nowadays, ceramic, and lingual models have become incredibly modern.

Metal braces are largely preferred for their affordability and effective results following a short period of wearing them. Nevertheless, both children and adults don’t find them appealing because of being apparent and fixed. These devices, however, can be customized to the preferences of patients since metal brackets and rubber bands are available in different colors.

On the negative side, metal braces make most of the patients self-conscious about their smiles because of the way they look. Since these dental devices cannot be removed, individuals should make certain diet changes in the course of the treatment, such as avoiding sticky and hard foods like corn and sweets. Click here to see what foods you can and should not eat when wearing braces.

Ceramic braces are almost identical to the metal variants; only the former is made with clear materials. These devices also consist of brackets and wires, which have to be adjusted on a monthly basis for the tension to be focused on the right places. In terms of treatment duration, there’s no difference in the length of the treatment with metal devices.

Furthermore, lingual braces are another popular type of braces; only these are installed behind the teeth of patients. One has to open his/her mouth in order for them to be visible. Nevertheless, orthodontists are supposed to take an impression of the teeth of patients for lingual braces to be created. The process lasts for as long as six weeks, following which the brackets are cemented to the backside of patents’ teeth.

In addition, lingual braces are much more subtle in comparison with the other variants, which makes them perfect for self-conscious teenagers. In contrast, given the placement of these devices in the mouth, it is possible for individuals to experience tongue irritation or tenderness. Some people even have trouble speaking until they adjust to their presence in the oral cavity.

Invisalign

Invisalign has become a sought-after orthodontic treatment by patients of all ages due to its user-friendly design. It refers to the use of invisible, removable aligners, which are custom-made to match the shape and dimensions of patients’ teeth. By applying pressure to the teeth, they are gradually moved and rotated to the correct position.

Considering the continuous advancement of the Invisalign technology, it is no wonder this orthodontic treatment is effective in all sorts of orthodontic issues, such as spacing, overbite, underbite, open bite, crossbite, etc. As long the aligners are worn between twenty and twenty-two hours a day, the treatment will prove effective. The following link, https://www.wikihow.com/Fix-an-Overbite, includes some tips for fixing an overbite.

Instead of taking an impression of the teeth of individuals, orthodontists take 3D images with the assistance of a special scanner. The aligners are made by relying on these images, and patients are provided with new aligners every two weeks. After the initial consultation, individuals are required to attend check-ups in the course of the treatment, once every six weeks.

Invisalign has appealed to a large number of people due to being invisible but as effective as traditional braces. Nevertheless, patients are not required to make alterations to their diet owing to the removable nature of these aligners. Individuals can easily remove them whenever they eat, drink, floss, or brush their teeth. Additionally, wearers experience no discomfort throughout the treatment, as the aligners are made of plastic, not metal.

In contrast, Invisalign is undoubtedly one of the priciest orthodontic treatments, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000. Also, this treatment might not be the best alternative for small children due to the high risk of them misplacing or breaking their aligners.

Retainers

Another common type of orthodontic treatment is the use of retainers, which can be fixed or removable. These devices are usually recommended following treatment with braces in order to prevent a relapse, referring to the process of teeth shifting back to their old position.

Removable retainers are available in two types, Hawley and clear plastic retainers. The former is made of metal wire and plastic, allowing users to make an adjustment and repair them if necessary. The latter is known as molded retainers, as a mold is necessary for these devices to be created. They are almost invisible but impossible to repair.

Permanent retainers, on the other hand, are made with a thicker wire and bonded to the lower set of teeth. These are usually recommended to people who are likely to experience a relapse, mainly children. Fixed retainers are more resistant to damage and impossible to lose or misplace. Oral hygiene, however, is more demanding to maintain.