Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusion. It’s been developed from the Greek words ‘orthos’ meaning straight and ‘odous’ meaning teeth. As a branch of dentistry that uses braces or other appliances to change underdeveloped dental arches into a more normal alignment, orthodontics is considered a cosmetic treatment. However, orthodontic treatment isn’t just about improving your smile it can also help correct dental problems and improve your overall oral health. So, if you’re considering orthodontic treatment, make sure to consult with Pendleton Orthodontics, an orthodontics practice in Texas, to find out if you’re a good candidate.
1. Invisalign
One of the most popular types of orthodontic treatment is Invisalign. Invisalign is a type of clear brace that uses a series of invisible, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. It’s a popular choice among adults because it’s discreet and doesn’t require any metal or wires. You can use Invisalign to address several dental issues, including misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites, and crowding.
Some expected benefits of Invisalign include:
- A more discreet treatment than traditional braces
- Quicker treatment time than conventional braces
- No need to have your teeth drilled or filled
- It can be used to treat a wide range of dental issues
2. Expanders
Another popular type of orthodontic treatment is expansion. Expansion is used to open up restricted dental arches by placing an appliance on the teeth that gradually increases in width over time, making the arches wider and allowing room for adult molars. Expanders are usually removable, but they can be bonded onto your teeth if they’re permanent expanders.
Some of the benefits of expansion include:
- It can be used to expand the upper and lower anterior teeth, allowing room for adult molars
- Easier treatment time than braces
- Since they’re removable, you can still eat whatever you want
Expanders are a great option if there is severe crowding or blocked dental arches.
3. Braces
If you’re not a good candidate for Invisalign or expansion, braces may be the best option for you. Braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses metal brackets and wires to straighten your teeth. They’re the most common type of orthodontic treatment and can be used to address a wide range of dental issues.
Some expected benefits of braces include:
- It can be used to address a wide range of dental issues, including underbites, overbites, and crossbites
- Short treatment time compared to other types of orthodontic treatment
- Easier access to your teeth for brushing and flossing
4. Retainers
Once your braces are removed, you’ll need to wear a retainer to maintain your new smile. A retainer is a custom-made appliance that snaps over your teeth and keeps them in their new position. A few different retainers include fixed retainers, removable retainers, and lingual retainers.
Most people need to wear their retainer for at least twelve hours a day for the first few months and then gradually reduce the amount of time they wear it. It’s essential to wear your retainer as prescribed by your orthodontist, or you may end up with a dental relapse.
In summary, orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry dealing with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malocclusion. It is a cosmetic procedure but also benefits your dental health. The most common types of orthodontic treatment include braces, Invisalign, expanders, and retainers.
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