What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch within dentistry, and it is responsible for the alignment of our teeth and the correction of bite problems. As well as guiding the eruption of the teeth and the development of the jaws, thus producing a balance in the oral appliance, as well as an ideal aesthetic on the face, both for the health of the persons and a purely aesthetic purpose.
Different types of orthodontics treatment
Depending on the purpose of the treatment, we could say there are the following types of orthodontics treatments:
1. Interceptive orthodontics treatment
This treatment is performed in children and begins in primary or mixed dentition. Its main objective is to improve and guide dental and skeletal development and intercept the problem when it is not established yet. It could use fixed or removable appliances to help to maintain or alter the space between the teeth, directly affecting the bone, which supports the teeth.
2. Corrective orthodontics treatment
It is the kind of orthodontic to treat malocclusion problems in permanent dentition. The aim is to correct deformations in the shape of the dental arch, correct problems of function and aesthetics.
The most used aligner systems in orthodontics
The choice about which aligners to use in your treatment is a personal decision, which you will make after your dentist has studied your case and presents you with the options available to you. These are the most used orthodontics systems:
1. Braces
The best common appliance. It consists of brackets bonded to the front of the tooth and arches of wire that pass through the brackets, attached by bands. By tightening the archwire, you put tension on the teeth, gradually moving them into their correct position. They are adjusted every 4 weeks and are worn for months or even years, depending on the severity of the problem.
These are different kinds of braces:
A. Traditional metal braces: made od stainless steel and are the most common on the market.
B. Ceramic braces: are very similar to traditional ones but these have a more natural look.
C. Lingual braces: are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front.
2. Invisalign system
Is a new dental aligner system that does not use traditional metal braces. Instead, it consists of a series of transparent splints made to measure for the patients that are changed every 7-15 days, with a new one to move the teeth to a correct position.
The advantage of Invisalign is that it is removable, which means that you can remove them to eat and clean your teeth.
Do I need orthodontic treatment?
The best way to know if orthodontics can help you is by visiting a specialist. after doing an exhaustive study of your case, it will determine if you need it or not, which systems are suitable for you, the time you will use it, cost, etc.
However, these are some of the cases that are treated with orthodontics:
1. Overbite: upper front teeth lie stick out over the lower teeth.
2. Underbite: upper teeth are too far back or lower teeth are too far forward.
3. Crossbite: it is an alteration in the alignment of the teeth, making a good bite impossible.
4. Spacing: there are spaces between the teeth due to teeth being too far apart or missing.
5. Crowing: occurs due to lack of space in the jawbone, leading some teeth to be pushed outwards o inwards.
Why orthodontics?
Aesthetics is important, but health is the main reason to wear it. the orthodontic system will help us to:
1. prevent gum disease and tooth decay
2. correct aesthetic problems, giving harmony to our face
3. a correct and effective bite
4. Eliminates the tension in the jaws and neck, generated by the malposition of our teeth
5. prevents tooth loss
Not all of us are lucky enough to be born with a perfect smile. However, orthodontic treatment can help us obtain beautiful results, in a short time, with varied options regarding aligner systems, comfort, cost, etc. Having the smile of your dreams it’s within your reach.
Do you have questions about the position of your teeth? Please contact us for an intake interview 🙂
