Understanding Orthodontists

Posted on: 20 November 2020

Orthodontists are specialists who treat dental conditions related to tooth misalignment and crookedness. If you have an overbite, underbite or crossbite, you should visit an orthodontist for treatment. Here are the dental treatment options offered by orthodontists to correct or treat misaligned and crooked teeth:

Braces

There are four common types of braces:

Traditional metal braces

These braces consist of metal brackets that are attached to the front side of your teeth. A wire is then threaded through them to help in tightening the braces when they get loose. Braces become loose because your teeth get aligned gradually. 

Ceramic/porcelain braces

These braces also follow the same concept as traditional metal braces, but the brackets are made of porcelain or ceramic instead of metal; this is so that they can blend in better in your mouth. They are for those individuals who want less noticeable braces or those who don't like the taste of metal. The wire threaded through the ceramic/porcelain brackets is metal, but it can be coated white.

Lingual braces

Lingual braces are traditional metal braces that are attached behind your teeth instead of to the front side. Your unique dental condition may, however, make these braces not suitable for treatment (it might be difficult to apply them or other types of braces might do a better job). This means you need the orthodontist to examine your teeth to identify which braces will be the most effective.

Invisible braces

These are colourless braces that look like mouthguards. This means you can take them out and put them back in your mouth when you want. They are, however, not for everyone because they might not be effective for all teeth misalignment and crookedness cases; your dentist should let you know after an examination.

Dental Headgear

Some teeth misalignment problems may only be treated effectively using dental headgear, especially where your jaw alignment needs support and when it is developing and growing.

Dental headgear also treats teeth overcrowding and overlapping. It achieves this by exerting pressure on the lower or upper jaw, which creates spaces between the teeth.

If you are worried about how you may look when wearing dental headgear in public, don't worry; you can take it off and wear it at night only. However, note that the longer you wear it, the quicker and more effective it does its job. You and your orthodontist can discuss your daily routine and make a schedule of when you will be wearing the dental headgear.

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