Orthodontics
Conventional Orthodontics
Teeth misalignment not only affects the overall appearance, crowding of teeth will encourage more plaque accumulation which in turn will increase the risk of periodontal disease and dental caries. Orthodontics does more than just make us look good, it can also deal with teeth alignment to correct malocclusions and also the modification of facial growth.
Orthodontic treatment can mainly be divided into two types, which are traditional metal braces and clear aligners. Traditional braces are attached to the surface of teeth and use an archwire to connect brackets to exert pressure to move teeth into proper positions.
Traditional braces are usually made of metal, enamel, or resin. The braces are attached to the outside of teeth, easy to be noticed. After completion of the treatment, regular follow-ups are required. Patients need to put on a retainer at night to help teeth stay in place.
Why should someone undergo orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance and function of the teeth, giving you a healthier and more beautiful smile.
The process of orthodontic treatment typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation: The dentist will first conduct an oral examination and evaluate the alignment of the teeth and jaw. In addition to determining the size and position of the jaw and teeth using a 3D computer scan, they may also detect any cavities and provide a comprehensive assessment of the most suitable orthodontic treatment for your situation.
- Dental impressions: The dentist will take measurements such as dental impressions, oral photographs, and X-rays to analyze your teeth alignment and bite in detail, and create a model to determine the orthodontic treatment plan.
- Tooth extraction (as needed): If there is not enough space between the existing teeth, the dentist may recommend extracting one or more teeth to provide adequate space to adjust their position.
- Wearing braces: Braces come in various types including metal braces, ceramic braces, lingual braces, clear aligners, and self-ligating braces, each with their own advantages and suitable population.
- Adjustments: The dentist will make periodic adjustments to the braces to gradually shift the teeth into the correct position.
- Retainers: After the teeth have been aligned, the braces will be removed, and retainers may be created to maintain the alignment.
There are several types of braces available for orthodontic treatment:
Traditional metal braces
This is the most common type of braces and is suitable for most people. Metal brackets and wires are used to gradually align teeth.
Ceramic braces
Similar to metal braces, but the brackets are made of clear or tooth-colored ceramic material, making them less noticeable.
Lingual braces
Placed on the inside of the teeth, these braces are invisible from the outside, but can be more difficult to clean and may affect speech and eating.
Clear aligners
These are custom-made, transparent plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gradually move them into place. They are removable and virtually invisible.
Self-ligating braces
These braces use a sliding mechanism to hold the wires in place, reducing the need for frequent adjustments.
Accelerated orthodontics
This type of braces uses micro-osteoperforations or micro-vibrations to accelerate tooth movement, reducing the treatment time.
1. Do the inverted teeth have to be corrected?
While it’s not always necessary to correct crooked teeth, it’s recommended for several reasons. Crooked teeth can affect a person’s appearance and lead to difficulty biting and chewing food properly. Additionally, crooked teeth can cause excessive wear and tear on other teeth due to overuse, leading to cracks or other dental problems.
There are different types of orthodontic treatments available to correct crooked teeth, including braces and clear aligners. These treatments can help improve the appearance and alignment of teeth, making them easier to clean and maintain good oral hygiene. Orthodontic treatment can also improve the functionality of the teeth, making it easier to bite and chew food properly.
Ultimately, the decision to undergo orthodontic treatment to correct crooked teeth should be made in consultation with a dentist or orthodontist, who can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend the best course of action based on the individual’s specific needs and goals.
2. Do you regret having orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a personal decision. Many factors need to be considered, including psychological and economical time, good communication with the dentist, understanding of the orthodontic plan, clear purpose of orthodontics, improvement of dental health, personal oral health, etc. Straightening your teeth is an excellent option in most cases.
3. Who needs orthodontics?
Orthodontics is not just about improving the appearance. Irregular teeth are related to oral health, tooth cleaning and tooth longevity. The benefit of orthodontics is to treat the impact of irregular teeth. In addition to helping teeth clean, reduce the occurrence of tooth decay, periodontal disease and gingivitis , Treat malocclusion, improve masticatory function, pronunciation and other problems.
4. What is the biggest difference between traditional and transparent braces?
Traditional braces are usually made of metal or ceramics and fixed on the teeth. By placing the position of the “pins”, replacing metal wires with different characteristics, and making fine adjustments on the wires, it is more accurate than other braces. It is also suitable for more complex cases. Clear braces, on the other hand, are made of a transparent material that better blends in with the color of the teeth, reducing the appearance of the braces. As for transparent braces, it is suitable for patients who do not need too many changes in their teeth, such as anterior bite, simple alignment, etc., which do not require extraction and relatively small tooth movements, are suitable for invisible braces.
5. How long does it take to treat braces?
The duration of the orthodontic treatment plan varies from person to person, generally it takes about 1-2 years, and complicated cases take more than two years. The length of time depends on factors such as the state of the teeth, the treatment plan, the number of adjustments required, and the patient’s cooperation.
6.Can I change dentists when I have braces?
Generally speaking, most patients are followed by the same doctor throughout the treatment plan, although it is feasible to change dentists while wearing braces. Before deciding to change the dentist, you should communicate with the current dentist to understand the current progress, precautions and possible impacts, so that the medical records, X-rays and other materials can be handed over smoothly.