The Different Types of Orthodontic Treatments That Are Available Today: Are you concerned about unseemly gaps between your teeth? Maybe alignment issues are causing you to grind your teeth at night. Either way, you might want to visit your local orthodontist for treatment.
Over 4 million people across America already wear braces. In fact, 25% of those individuals are adults. You’re never too old to start dental treatment.
You’re no longer limited to treatment with braces, either. Instead, consider these five types of orthodontic treatments.
You can choose between different treatment options based on your unique needs.
Ready to discover your stunning, straight smile? Keep reading to discover the different types of orthodontic treatment available today.
1. Traditional Metal Braces
When most people hear “orthodontic treatment,” they think of traditional metal practices. Traditional braces connect your teeth using metal wires and brackets. The wire is connected to your braces using elastic ties.
You can choose different colored elastics and brackets to turn your braces into an accessory.
You’ll need to visit your local orthodontist every four to eight weeks. They’ll make adjustments to the wire to bring your teeth closer together.
Today, braces are smaller and faster than before. They’re more comfortable and effective, too.
However, it can take time to adjust to having metal wires and brackets in your mouth. You might notice a change in your speech during the first few weeks of treatment.
You’ll also need to make an adjustment to your diet. Otherwise, certain foods could get stuck within your braces. You could struggle to clean them out without help.
One of the benefits of traditional braces is you won’t need to remember to wear them.
With clear aligners, you can take your orthodontics out to eat and brush your teeth. You can’t remove your braces, though. You won’t have to worry about putting them back in as a result.
Since you won’t have to worry about putting your braces back into place, you won’t experience a delay in treatment.
However, you will need to prioritize your oral hygiene. Make sure to brush and floss twice a day. Otherwise, food particles could get trapped within your braces.
Some patients find it’s difficult to brush and floss with braces in place. Make sure to speak with your orthodontist beforehand. They can provide you with the tips you need.
2. Invisalign Aligners
Traditional metal braces are a little more obvious than other treatment options. As you explore the different types of orthodontic treatment, talk to your orthodontist about Invisalign.
With Invisalign, you’ll place clear, transparent plastic aligners over your teeth. You’ll replace the aligners every few weeks to bring your teeth closer together.
Remember, you can’t remove your braces. You can remove your Invisalign aligners, though.
In fact, you’ll need to remove your aligners before you eat. Once you’re done eating, you’ll need to brush and floss. Otherwise, you could leave food particles to get trapped between your teeth and aligners.
One of the big benefits of Invisalign treatment is discretion. People won’t even realize you’re wearing aligners.
They can treat a range of mild to moderate dental problems, too. For example, you can fix alignment issues or an overbite.
It’s important to note that Invisalign has limitations when addressing difficult problems, though. If you have a more intense alignment issue, your orthodontist might recommend braces instead.
You’ll also need to wear your aligners for about 20 to 22 hours a day. Otherwise, you could delay your treatment. Remain disciplined throughout the course of your treatment to avoid delays.
3. Self-Ligating Braces
If you’re not interested in traditional braces or Invisalign, talk to your local orthodontist about self-ligating braces.
Self-ligating braces are similar to metal braces. They’re available in either a metal or clear material. As with traditional braces, they’ll use a wire to move your teeth into place.
Self-ligating braces use clips to hold the wire into place, though. You won’t need to use elastic rubber ties.
Wearing self-ligating braces could result in shorter treatment times. These braces are easier to adjust.
Your local orthodontist might recommend this option if you’re sensitive to discomfort. It’s also ideal for patients who can’t sit in a dental chair for too long.
4. Ceramic Braces
If you’re looking for more discretion, talk to your local orthodontist about ceramic braces. These braces are created using a clear, tooth-colored material.
They’re less noticeable than traditional metal braces. They’re ideal for patients who don’t think lingual braces or Invisalign suits their needs.
While ceramic braces are more discreet, they’re slightly larger than metal braces. They can also stain easily. You might need to make changes to your diet as a result.
Make sure to maintain your oral hygiene routine to avoid staining, too.
Ceramic braces might prove more affordable than metal braces. You can find an orthodontist in my area to review your treatment options. Your local orthodontist will help you determine which treatment is ideal for your alignment issues.
5. Lingual Braces
As you review these types of orthodontic treatment, talk to your orthodontist about lingual braces, too.
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces. However, they’re placed behind your teeth. You can hide your braces from sight for added discretion.
Lingual braces are completely customized to your teeth. They could prove more expensive as a result. However, customization means more efficiency and versatility.
This form of orthodontic treatment is ideal if you have complex orthodontic needs. It’s suitable for adults who don’t want noticeable braces as well. However, you might notice a change in your speech.
You might experience some irritation to your tongue as well.
These issues should go away as you become more accustomed to your orthodontic appliances.
Straight, Stunning Smiles: 5 Types of Orthodontic Treatments to Consider
Remember, you’re never too old to start orthodontic treatment. Schedule a consultation appointment with your local orthodontist. They can help you review these types of orthodontic treatments.
With their help, you can choose a course of treatment based on your alignment issues and treatment goals.
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