Orthodontics is the treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. This includes overbites and underbites, crooked or crowded teeth, or teeth with too much space between them. An orthodontist specializes in performing these treatments and will use special devices, such as braces and retainers, to fix these problems. The first step for dental appliances is to refer the patient to an orthodontist because of concern about the position of the teeth in the jaw.
At the first appointment with the orthodontist, the teeth should be examined manually and with X-ray images. It's also important to discuss the dental history with the patient, which will help guide treatment decisions. Braces are available for people of all ages, although children between 10 and 14 years old are the most common age group undergoing treatment. Traditional metal braces are the most effective and affordable orthodontic treatment option.
Transparent braces, also called ceramic or invisible orthodontics, are the same size and shape as traditional orthodontic appliances and serve the same purpose. The main difference between the two types is that ceramic braces have tooth-colored brackets, meaning that they blend in with natural teeth and are less noticeable. The elastic bands and elastic components of transparent orthodontic appliances are also transparent or white. Invisible braces are ideal for teens and adults.
Lingual braces are a lesser-known alternative to traditional metal braces. The main difference is that the brackets and wires are placed on the back of the teeth, which allows them to be invisible to others. In addition to being placed behind the teeth and not in front of them, lingual braces use the same hardware and methods as traditional “external” appliances. Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are another popular “invisible” orthodontic treatment option.
They are minimally invasive and removable. They can cost the same as traditional metal braces, but sometimes they cost much less, especially in the case of homemade aligners. Patients must wear each custom aligner for up to three weeks. With clear aligners, teeth move a fraction of a millimeter at a time and require fewer office visits.
Aligners are a popular choice for teens and adults, especially if their dental alignment issues are less severe. Dental insurance that includes orthodontic benefits can reduce the average cost of braces by up to 50%. In some states, dental insurance is required for orthodontic appliances for children. However, for adults, insurance may not cover much of the cost.
This is why ceramic and lingual appliances cost more than traditional metal appliances and can also make self-ligating appliances a little more expensive as well. Clear aligners also vary significantly in price because many brands offer different levels of quality and care. However, some policies don't cover any orthodontic work. Even those that do may not cover more discreet and convenient (in other words, expensive) options, such as lingual braces or transparent aligners.
Keep in mind that self-ligating orthodontic appliances do not require ligatures, as self-ligating braces keep the wire arch secure on their own. Braces are dental tools that help correct problems with teeth, such as crowding, crooked teeth, or misaligned teeth. Many people wear braces as teens, but adults also wear braces. As you wear them, braces slowly straighten and align your teeth so that you have a normal bite.
Some people put on braces to adjust their smile. Fixed orthodontic appliances are one of the names given to fixed orthodontic appliances. Orthodontics is the dental specialty that deals with the treatment of malocclusions, that is, the deviation in the position of the teeth or upper and lower jaws. These malocclusions can be treated with fixed appliances (dental appliances) or removable appliances.
The dental adhesive stays on the teeth so that the teeth and enamel are not damaged in the extraction process. Leon Aronson, DDS, MS, adjunct professor of orthodontics at the Georgia School of Medicine; Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education; vice president of the International College of Dentists. Invisalign is ideal for patients who put on braces when they were younger and only need a “touch-up”, as well as for patients who have mild to moderate dental problems, such as misaligned teeth, large overbites, no jaw alignment problems and who have gaps in their front teeth (open bite). During each adjustment appointment, the movement of the teeth and the progress made so far with the dental appliances should be evaluated, helping to make ongoing decisions.
Therefore, the remaining cement can be removed with a manual dental piece, similar to the one used to repair a dental cavity. At the end of the treatment with dental appliances, when the teeth have been repositioned as desired, it is time to remove the appliances. Any excess dental cement can then be removed and the attachment of the braces to the teeth is reinforced with high-intensity light. The frequency of appointments will depend on the expected movement of the teeth and the type of dental wire being used.
Your orthodontist will discuss the different types of orthodontic appliances with you and determine which is the best option. Dental appliances are used for aesthetic and functional reasons, not only to correct the patient's smile but also to realign their jaw. Supervised dental school students can provide many of the same services as a private practice, and they generally offer them at a significantly lower price. Many patients notice some swelling of the gums after the dental appliance removal procedure, but this usually goes away within a few days with proper oral care.
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