Our Expert Orthodontists Will Improve Your Smile
A great smile goes a long way and part of what makes that smile so great is having straight teeth. Although most of us wish we had perfectly straight teeth, the fact is that most of us do not. With the help of a great orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in the proper alignment of the teeth and jaws, that perfect smile may be right around the corner.
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of teeth and jaw abnormalities, such as crooked teeth, overbites, and underbites. Correcting these problems has benefits that extend far beyond aesthetics. Straight teeth provide for better chewing, greater clarity of speech, and a cleaner mouth free from tooth decay and periodontal disease.
Orthodontists treat both children and adults. It’s never too late for orthodontic treatment when you have healthy teeth. That’s why good oral hygiene throughout your lifetime is so important.
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances, such as braces and aligners, are used by orthodontists to gently reshape bone and move teeth to more desirable positions in the mouth. These devices can be fixed or removable, depending on the severity of the abnormality. Metal braces – fixed orthodontic devices – have withstood the test of time and are still popular today. However, the metal braces used today have smaller brackets, and the wires are not as noticeable as the ones you might remember. The bands even come in a variety of colors to showcase your personality.
Clear braces and lingual braces are other types of fixed orthodontic appliances that are more aesthetically pleasing than metal braces. Clear braces have brackets made of either ceramic or transparent material that blend in with the teeth, making the brackets less noticeable. The only metal piece is the archwire that helps move teeth to their proper position. Lingual braces are like traditional metal braces except for being attached to the back of the teeth, making lingual braces barely visible.
Removable clear aligners are used as alternatives to fixed orthodontic appliances. Using multiple sets of snugly fit clear plastic trays, teeth are moved gently and gradually until properly positioned. The trays can be removed to eat, brush, floss, and make you feel more comfortable in certain social situations.
Advantages and disadvantages exist for both fixed and removable orthodontic appliances. Factors, such as age, current lifestyle, and the type of dental problems that need correcting, are taken into consideration when choosing the best orthodontic device. The orthodontist will help determine which option will give you your best smile.
Retention & Post Orthodontic Care
To keep your newly aligned teeth from moving back to their original position after orthodontic treatment is completed, the orthodontist will prescribe a retainer to be worn, as directed. Retainers (fixed and removable) keep your teeth in the ideal position until new bone forms around the teeth and the periodontal ligaments tighten back up to give your teeth stability.
Make an appointment today at Vienna Family Dentistry & Implant Center to find out how we can help you get your best smile!