Did you know that poor oral health can lead to heart disease, Alzheimer’s, awkward social life, low self-esteem, and even missed school days? Poor oral health can also affect your chances of getting employed. To avoid these issues, the best thing you can do is take good care of your oral health.
Now, depending on your situation, there are many types of orthodontic treatment you can go for. The orthodontist industry is currently thriving and projected to hit $6 billion by 2028, so you can be sure that there’s a treatment out there for you.
In this guide, we’ll explore seven different orthodontic treatments.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are custom-made trays that fit on your teeth. They’re made of clear plastic containing a shape memory polymer resin material that provides a high level of comfort. They provide an invisible way to straighten your teeth and correct minor alignment issues while remaining unnoticeable.
Some aligners can be used while eating, while others need to be removed prior. It’s important to stay on top of wearing them because once you stop using them, your teeth will return to their original position within 8-12 months. This is one of the most common orthodontic treatments and has no restrictions regarding age.
Invisalign Aligners
Invisalign is a series of removable, transparent plastic aligners. They slowly and progressively move teeth from their original position to the desired outcome.
They work by applying gentle pressure over time to gradually move teeth into place. You can expect this treatment to be faster than traditional orthodontic appliances.
This orthodontic treatment doesn’t restrict what you eat or drink; plus they are removable, so it won’t impact your lifestyle either. Invisalign has been proven effective, with a high satisfaction rate of 96%, making it an investment worth looking into.
Traditional Metal Braces
If you’re looking for an affordable option that will give you smooth, straight teeth, traditional metal braces are a great way to go. This is one of the oldest orthodontic treatments. They can last from one to two years or even longer, depending on how much your teeth need to move.
Unlike aligners, metal braces are visible and may make teenagers and adults self-cautious. However, they are some of the best types of dental braces and a valid orthodontist treatment.
Teeth in a Day
There is a new type of technology available for people who cannot wear traditional metal braces due to food allergies or severe TMJ pain. It allows an orthodontist to create a customized tray that fits over your lower jaw within a day. This custom tray is designed with the same computer imaging technology that orthodontists use to create Invisalign trays.
After molding your tray, you’ll receive a custom-fitted set of clear aligners, which are worn for about 20 hours a day. There is minimal discomfort involved with this treatment.
It also tends to be more affordable than traditional metal braces due to the one-day process. You must ensure you find the best specialist, like Sparkle orthodontist, for this procedure to be perfect.
Six Month Smiles
Six Month Smiles are one of the newer orthodontic procedures. Technically, they’re not braces, but they do straighten the teeth by using thermally activated wires. These wires are bonded on the outside surfaces of each tooth.
The entire treatment lasts six months because each row of teeth is moved in different sessions. Orthodontists use clear or tooth-colored braces, trays, retainers, and even headgear if needed.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are for people who need immediate protection against further damage to their teeth. That said, you’ll need special permission from your orthodontist before getting one. They could affect your overall orthodontist treatment.
These devices may also pull away surrounding teeth. This could interfere with other orthodontic treatments.
Dentures
Dentures are a pretty common orthodontic treatment, and there are complete and partial dentures. Dentures are removable replacements for missing teeth, and you would need to be missing all teeth to complete dentures. If you have severe gum or tooth damage due to an accident or disease that prevents you from wearing full dentures, opt for the partial option.
If you still want to be able to chew and talk while eating, you could go for implant-supported dentures. These dentures don’t come off as they rest on top of implants at the base of your teeth, making them more secure than partial prostheses. If well-taken care of, implant-supported dentures can stay in place for up to 10 years before needing maintenance checkups or replacement.
Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a common orthodontic procedure and can help restore the natural beauty of your teeth. It can restore a healthy appearance to your teeth by removing stains and discoloration. There are two types of teeth whitening available today, which are in-office and over-the-counter.
Each type has its benefits and drawbacks, making it important to consult with your orthodontist first. In-office teeth whitening offers the quickest result. If you find the best orthodontist in your area, they’ll remove all the stains carefully without damaging your teeth or gums.
Root Canal Treatment
A root canal is an orthodontic procedure that can save your natural teeth when you have an infection in large pulp chambers. This type of treatment usually lasts for one hour or more, depending on how severe your case is.
The orthodontist will remove all infected tissues using special instruments. From there, they’ll shape, clean, and fill the tooth’s empty chamber with healthy filler materials like gutta-percha.
You’ll need to take some medications like antibiotics after this procedure for pain relief during recovery until new tissue grows inside the tooth. Root canals are non-restorative solutions. It’s important to visit the orthodontist twice every six months for a follow-up.
Common Orthodontic Treatments
Are you looking to improve your smile and overall oral health? These are some of the most common orthodontic treatments you need to understand. Once you visit a professional local orthodontist, they’ll advise you on the best orthodontic procedure, depending on your case.
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