You might need orthodontics if you have poorly aligned teeth or a poorly positioned jaw. The standard way dentists correct most teeth alignment issues is by using devices like braces or clear aligners to slowly push the patient’s jaw to a better alignment.
Poor teeth alignment ruins the way a person’s teeth look, and it increases their risk of tooth decay and gum disease since poorly aligned teeth are more difficult to clean than straight teeth.
Thinking about improving the alignment of your teeth with orthodontics? Here are some of the options your dentist might recommend:
These have been the go-to way to improve teeth alignment for centuries and they are still one of the most effective appliances used to move teeth to a better alignment. These devices have two main components: metal brackets that are cemented to each of the patient’s teeth and wires that are used to connect all of the brackets on each dental arch. The tighter these wires are, the more force they exert on the wearer’s teeth.
One of the biggest drawbacks associated with braces is the poor aesthetics they lead to. It is impossible to not notice braces when a person with them opens their mouth. Some would say metal braces look like TV antennas cemented to the patient’s teeth.
Braces are permanently fixed devices that stay in place once a dentist installs them. That can be a good or bad thing depending on the patient’s needs. For younger patients who might not be disciplined enough to keep up with other alternatives like clear aligners, braces being fixed in place is a good thing. For those who dislike having to restrict their diet, removable devices like clear aligners offer a more convenient option.
Clear aligners were developed a few decades ago to provide an alternative to metal braces that did not share their drawbacks. Clear aligners have been a success, quickly emerging as the most popular way to straighten teeth.
Treatment consists of pushing teeth to a better alignment using transparent mouth trays. These rigid trays fit snuggly over teeth and they deliver more precise forces on them than traditional braces. Clear aligners can be removed as needed, making them a more convenient option since they do not get in the way of oral hygiene or meals. They do need to be worn for at least 20 hours per day for the patient’s treatment to be effective.
Patients get a series of customized mouth trays at the start of their treatment with instructions to wear each set for two weeks. That is how long it takes for each set of aligners to push the patient’s teeth as far as they can. Another set takes over from there taking the patient’s teeth closer to the desired position.
A straighter smile makes it easier to keep your teeth healthy, and a straight smile looks a lot better than a crooked one. Call or visit our Fort Lauderdale clinic to learn more about your teeth straightening options.
Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbyjulia.com or call Smiles By Julia at (954) 493-6556 for an appointment in our Fort Lauderdale office.
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