Understanding Orthodontic Therapy and Common Appliances

June 05, 2024, View Mobile Dental Dublin

If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, experienced discomfort while chewing, or worried about your oral health due to a misaligned bite, orthodontic therapy might be the right solution for you. It plays a crucial role in enhancing not only the aesthetics of your smile but also your overall oral health and self-confidence.
Orthodontic treatments involve various appliances, each designed to address specific alignment issues. Here, we’ll discuss the most common orthodontic appliances used today to help you understand your options.
 

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are perhaps the most recognized orthodontic appliance. They consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to each tooth, connected by a wire that gradually guides the teeth into place. Metal braces are quite visible, but ceramic options offer a less noticeable alternative because they are tooth-colored.
Braces are extremely versatile and effective for correcting a wide range of orthodontic issues, including gaps, malocclusions, overcrowding, and general misalignment. They may sometimes include ligatures or elastic bands to enhance the alignment process.
 

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, have surged in popularity thanks to their discreet nature and convenience. These are custom-made, transparent trays that fit snugly over your teeth. Made from durable, flexible plastic, clear aligners are nearly invisible, allowing you to undergo treatment without it being obvious to others.
Although aligners must be worn for 20-22 hours a day to be effective, they can be removed while eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing, which adds an element of convenience not available with traditional braces. They are typically used for milder orthodontic issues, such as small gaps and slight crowding.
 

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating dental braces represent a modern take on traditional dental braces. They are similar in appearance but utilize a built-in mechanism to hold the wire, eliminating the need for elastic bands. This design simplifies dental appointments and often reduces discomfort associated with adjustments.
Like traditional braces, self-ligating braces apply gentle pressure to move teeth into the desired position and are capable of correcting similar dental issues.
 

Retainers

Retainers help in maintaining the results achieved through orthodontic treatment. After braces or aligners have moved your teeth into the correct position, there is a natural tendency for them to shift back. Retainers help preserve the alignment and are available in removable or fixed styles.
Fixed retainers consist of a wire permanently attached behind the teeth, while removable retainers look similar to clear aligners and can be taken out for cleaning.
 

Space Maintainers

Especially important in pediatric dentistry, space maintainers are used to hold the space left by a lost baby tooth until the permanent tooth emerges. This appliance helps prevent other teeth from moving into the gap, which could lead to alignment issues later on.
 

Headgear

Headgear is used to treat more severe misalignments, including underbites and overbites. It involves a metal wire framework that is attached to a strap or pad around the neck, exerting external forces to adjust the position of the teeth and jaws. Typically, headgear is worn for several hours each day as prescribed by an orthodontist.
 

Palatal Expanders

For patients with narrow arches or crossbites, palatal expanders can widen the upper jaw to create space for teeth to move into their proper positions. This appliance is particularly effective in children, as their jaws are still developing and are more responsive to adjustments.
Palatal expanders are fixed to the upper molars with a central screw that is gradually adjusted to apply pressure, expanding the arch over time. This not only helps with teeth alignment but can also improve breathing and swallowing functions.
 

Getting Started with Orthodontic Treatment

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment in Dublin, CA, it’s important to consult with a knowledgeable dentist who can guide you to the right appliance based on your specific needs. At View Mobile Dental in Dublin, CA, we are committed to helping you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile with the most suitable orthodontic solutions. Feel free to reach out and schedule a consultation to explore how orthodontic therapy can improve your quality of life.

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