Orthodontic treatments are useful for improving the appearance of your teeth and smile. The experts either straighten or move the teeth to enhance the look of your bite. The different approaches of Orthodontics can offer you some oral health benefits in the long term. In this guide, we will discuss the types of orthodontic treatments.
What are the Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Here is some insight into the various types of orthodontic treatments:
Aligners
Orthodontists use aligners to straighten teeth without using brackets or wires. Aligners come in a transparent plastic material that fits over teeth to move them into the desired position. To handle the misalignment, aligners go over teeth for a specific amount of time before you can switch to another tray.
Invisalign is the most popular aligner type. They are made of thin, plastic-like tubs that go directly over the patient’s teeth. Invisalign is clear and looks natural throughout treatment. You must remove them when eating or brushing your teeth to avoid damaging your Invisalign.
Retainers
Retainers are a form of orthodontic treatment made of clear, flexible plastic material. Orthodontists recommend retainers as the final treatment phase for teeth alignment, which precedes active methods like braces and aligners.
Retainers are made unique to the patient’s jaw and teeth structure. Your expert might recommend wearing them to hold the changes in your mouth together and make sure the results are permanent.
Headgear
Orthodontists recommend headgear to rectify the placement of your back teeth. They can tailor the headgear to treat your front teeth to make sure you get the proper dental formula shape.
Since the headgear can limit your ability to handle other tasks, orthodontists recommend wearing them at night. Only wear the headgear per your orthodontist’s instructions. It can cause your front teeth to protrude if worn improperly.
Braces
Braces are a popular treatment for most orthodontists globally. They come in different materials like ceramic and wire to fix the alignment of your teeth. Orthodontists install them to apply a gentle but constant force to move your teeth.
There are different types of braces, including:
Metal Braces
Traditional braces, known as metal braces, are popular for their affordability. Orthodontists make them from metal alloys and place them on the exterior of your teeth, after which they thread them. Patients may find traditional braces effective in moving teeth. But they can be painful before getting used to them.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to the metal options and often applied on the inner side of your teeth. Most people prefer them as they won’t be visible in your smile. Your orthodontic may recommend other treatments, depending on your issue.
Self-ligating Braces
Unlike other brace types, self-ligating options are less painful and more functional. They are a built-in system and use elastic bands to hold the metal wires in place. You can get faster results with self-ligating braces, which are easier to clean.
Self-ligating braces can be made of either metal or ceramic material. Metal self-ligating braces have brackets affixed to your teeth and built-in chips to hold wires together. Ceramic self-ligating braces are made like teeth. Make them close to invisible when you have them on.
Orthognathic Treatment
Orthognathic treatment is surgery to help reposition the patient’s jaws to influence proper teeth alignment. Orthodontists can do the surgery for either one or both jaws to fix your dental appearance. Jaw repositioning allows for other treatment methods to affect a straight dental.
Orthodontic Mini-implants
This orthodontic treatment type uses Temporary Anchorage Devices, which control teeth movement during orthognathic surgery. Orthodontic mini-implants go between teeth pedigrees to effect the change. Your orthodontist can mount them on the gable area of your mouth. In these cases, they will be connected to static braces to help move your teeth into position.
Find the Best Expert for Quality Orthodontics
Your orthodontist can use a range of treatment options to help improve the appearance of your teeth and smile. A better smile and teeth alignment can improve your self-confidence. Find the best expert for top-quality orthodontics results. The specialists use a suitable treatment plan that will meet your specific needs.