Common Types of Appliances Used in Orthodontic Therapy

When it comes to a beautiful smile, it goes beyond achieving white teeth. Various aspects of the oral features tie together to improve appearance. Therefore, consider different treatment options that your cosmetic dentist in Ancaster Family Dentistry recommends, especially regarding improving teeth and jaw alignment in orthodontic therapy.

What Is Orthodontic Therapy?

It is a branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments correct a range of dental problems and prevent certain dental problems.

How Does Orthodontic Therapy Improve Your Smile?

Orthodontic therapy typically involves an initial consultation with an Orthodontist to evaluate your dental health and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. The orthodontist near you will employ various dental appliances to gradually move your teeth into their correct positions over several months or years. This type of therapy can help improve your smile in several ways:

Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth

Fixing overcrowding –

occurs when the jaw has insufficient room for all the teeth to fit comfortably. Therefore, some teeth are pushed out of alignment, resulting in a crowded mouth.

Addressing bite problems, such as overbites, underbites, or crossbites, usually when you have an improper jaw alignment.

Improving oral hygiene –

misaligned teeth are more difficult to clean, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems. Orthodontic therapy can improve teeth alignment, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and reducing the risk of dental problems.

Types of Dental Appliances for Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics in Ancaster, ON, involves various dental appliances to straighten teeth, improve bite function, and enhance oral health.

Braces:

They are the most common type of orthodontic appliance. Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets connected by wires and rubber bands attached to teeth to move them into the desired position gently.

Clear Aligners:

They are a popular alternative to traditional braces. Clear aligners are custom-made, removable trays designed to be nearly invisible, as is with Invisalign® near you. These virtually invisible aligners are a good option for adults concerned about aesthetics.

Retainers:

Orthodontists use retainers to keep teeth in their new position after removing braces or clear aligners.

Space Maintainers:

They prevent teeth from shifting into the open space when a child loses a baby tooth prematurely. Therefore, space maintainers are preventive devices to avoid misalignment.

Palatal Expanders:

These devices widen the upper jaw to create more space for crowded teeth and improve bite alignment.

Headgear:

These are devices that dentists use in conjunction with braces. A headgear attaches to the braces and goes around the back of the head to introduce additional force for moving the teeth into the desired position.

Which Dental Appliance is Best for Orthodontic Treatment?

Any orthodontist near you will tell you dental appliances work uniquely to achieve the intended goal. Therefore, it can be difficult to choose the best one, especially if you do not know what you must consider. It is not just about picking the best dental appliance for your smile. Instead, consider your underlying dental needs alongside your preferences. For example, both metal braces and invisible aligners can shift your teeth. Therefore, consider your aesthetic preferences if you must choose between the two. However, you cannot undermine the complexity of your orthodontic problem.

Further, when it comes to other dental appliances like retainers, they are compulsory after every orthodontic treatment. The only flexibility in choice regards whether you get permanent or removable retainers. Alternatively, this is a decision you cannot make on your own. You need your orthodontists to help you realize the best oral appliance for your treatment while considering the following factors:

1. The severity of your dental problem
2. Your aesthetic needs
3. Cost of treatment
4. The type of misalignment

Conclusion

If you are yet to begin your orthodontic treatment, be encouraged that various oral devices can help you achieve your goals. Schedule an appointment with your dentist today to begin your journey to a perfectly aligned smile.