Health & Fitness

Orthodontics & Retainers Explained

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Orthodontists from smilebar.com are specialists in the alignment of teeth and bite. They can fix issues such as large gaps (called diastemas), that can lead tooth decay and other health complications.

Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of teeth that are not aligned correctly. Additionally, it addresses jaw issues that lead to misaligned chewing patterns that cause eating and chewing problems.

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Like general dentists, orthodontists are highly skilled dental practitioners who provide a wide range of oral health services to patients of all ages. They can treat gum problems, tooth pains and perform cosmetic procedures such as crowns and veneers. Orthodontists, on the other hand, have a more focused approach that focuses on correcting their patients’ crooked smiles and jaws.

The orthodontist uses retainers after orthodontic treatment to keep the newly aligned teeth in place. This helps to avoid relapse. Relapse is the natural tendency of teeth to return to the previous position. It also protects both the soft tissues and teeth of the patient.

Orthodontists may prescribe braces and other appliances in addition to correcting specific conditions, such as a narrowed upper arch or modifying jaw growth. A palate expander, for example, can increase the space available in the upper arch so that more adult teeth can be placed there, while headgear pulls back the front teeth to slow down an overactive mouth.

Orthodontists’ primary goal is to give their patients healthy, aligned smiles that will last a lifetime. Orthodontists can reduce the risk of future complications such as jaw joint discomfort and excessive wear on lower teeth by addressing crooked or misaligned teeth.

Braces

Orthodontic appliances are fixed appliances which apply pressure to teeth and help them move in alignment. They can correct crookedness, improve jawline alignment, fix overbite and underbite as well as close gaps. Braces are usually worn from 18 months to 3 years. They can be made out of metal, ceramic, clear materials, or lingual braces (which are attached to the backside of your teeth). The first step in getting braces is a consultation with an orthodontist. They will ask you questions about the condition of your mouth and teeth, perform a physical examination, take digital photos or scans of your teeth, and order X-rays.

During the actual fitting of the braces, your orthodontist will clean and dry your teeth, then bond the brackets to each tooth using a special adhesive. The UV light will then be used to set the brackets and harden the glue. After the brackets are set, they will pass the arch wire through the slots and attach ligatures that hold the arch wire in position. These elastic ligatures come in different colors and are designed to apply a constant light pressure on the teeth.

The arch wire is a flexible nickel titanium alloy which can be bent in different directions to apply varying pressures on the teeth. It’s an important component of the braces as it helps guide teeth into their new position. The orthodontist will periodically tighten and adjust the arch wire to ensure it’s working correctly.

Many people are concerned with the appearance of braces. However, there are options to make them less visible. Some braces, for example, are now made from tooth-colored ceramic which makes them less obvious. Some orthodontists also offer lingual braces that are attached to the back of your teeth facing your tongue. These braces are less noticeable and are used more often on adults and older teens. Other removable devices like palate expanders can be used to widen upper arch of teeth. This allows more space for eating.

Retainers

Retainers help ensure that teeth stay straight after braces or aligners have been removed. Without retainers teeth may shift backwards, requiring the return of braces or a new treatment plan. Wear your retainers exactly as prescribed by your orthodontist and make sure to keep them hygienic. You should schedule an appointment as soon as you can with your orthodontist to get a replacement retainer if your retainer is damaged or lost.

Your orthodontist will prescribe the right retainer for you based on what is best for you. Removable (Hawley or Essix retainers) are made with a wire that is attached to a base of plastic or acryllic that has been molded to fit your mouth. They can be worn day or night, but it is generally preferred to wear them only at bedtime. A fixed retainer is bonded to the back of your upper or lower teeth. This type is less visible than removable retainers, but may be more difficult and more likely to break.

A palate expander is another type of retainer that is prescribed most often for children. It helps to widen their upper jaw so they can accommodate permanent teeth. Invisalign retainers, which are clear and can be removed and replaced as needed, are another option for patients who may not need traditional braces to correct their misalignment issues.

Orthodontics, a specialty in dentistry, requires two to three extra years of training after dental school before orthodontists can be certified. They can treat more complex cases than general dentists. They are also able to specialize in different areas of orthodontics, such as treating problems related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Orthodontists have advanced training and certification. They are also committed to providing quality treatment for their patients, and working with them to achieve healthy smiles.

Jaw Repositioning

There are many factors that can affect the alignment and position of your teeth, including birth defects and injuries to the mouth or face. Genetic predisposition is also a factor. Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that addresses these abnormalities to ensure your smile and oral health are at their best. In some cases, malocclusions can be so severe that only corrective surgery will help to remedy the problem. The orthognathic procedure involves repositioning your jawbones in order to improve facial harmony and balance.

Early in treatment, your orthodontist may discuss with you whether jaw surgery could be an option to solve your problem. If necessary, the orthodontist will work with your oral and jaw and face (maxillofacial) surgeon to create a comprehensive treatment plan that will address all of your concerns.

A common reason for needing corrective surgery is to address an overbite, underbite or open bite that cannot be corrected with orthodontics alone. These conditions can cause tooth damage, poor chewing and an unsightly look. Jaw surgery can improve your self-esteem, facial appearance and oral health.

Corrective jaw surgeries are performed under general anesthesia. Diagnostic imaging, such as dental X rays or a CBCT scanner, will be taken initially to provide the information needed for your customized treatment plan. Before your surgery, you will be able to ask any questions and discuss the results.

After the surgery, we will provide you with detailed instructions on how to care for your mouth during recovery and what kind of diet you should follow. We will schedule follow-ups to ensure your recovery and healing is progressing according to plan.

In most cases, it can be completed within a year. In the interim, you’ll wear braces or an Invisalign aligner to help prepare your mouth for the surgery. This will speed up the process. Contact us today if you need to ask any questions or schedule a consult with an experienced orthodontist.

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