An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in dealing with teeth alignment issues. General dentists are also trained on how to install various orthodontic devices like braces, aligners, retainers and jaw expanders.
These tools make it possible for dentists to turn the most serious orthodontic issues into amazing smiles.
Here are orthodontist treatments commonly performed by dentists:
Braces are the first thing many people think of when it comes to orthodontic treatments. These devices are used to straighten a person's teeth by gradually pushing them into place over time. Traditional braces consist of two main parts: metal brackets that are placed on each tooth and metal wires that connect all the brackets. The more the wires are tightened, the more force it applies to the wearer's teeth.
Braces remain the most effective way to straighten teeth, and patients with severely misaligned teeth are typically advised to use them. However, many people are wary about braces, given how visible they are when a person has them.
The average duration of treatment with braces is about two to four years.
Clear aligners are the more popular way to straighten teeth nowadays. Each aligner is a clear mouth tray that works the same way braces do: by gradually pushing the wearer's teeth into the desired position. The patient gets a dozen or more trays, and each is worn for about two weeks. Each tray further into the treatment pushes the person's teeth closer to the proper alignment.
Clear braces can be used to deal with moderate and minor alignment issues, and they can be easily taken out when it is time to clean the mouth or eat. They are more comfortable than traditional braces, and they are virtually impossible to detect when a person is wearing one.
Ceramic braces are a lot like traditional braces. The main difference is that instead of metal brackets and wires, tooth-colored ceramics and transparent wires are used. This makes them much less visible than traditional metal braces.
Like metal braces, ceramic braces cannot be removed by the patient once they have been installed. Only a dentist can take them out. That means the wearer has to get used to living with the device in their mouth 24/7. Food particles will be stuck in the device from time to time, so the wearer has to be disciplined about what they eat. Still, ceramic braces are a great way to straighten teeth without broadcasting it to those around.
These devices are used by dentists to widen a patient's upper jaw. This is done to ensure the upper and lower set of teeth meet as they should when the patient's mouth is closed. The plastic expander plate fits over the top of the patient's mouth, and it applies pressure on the jaw, widening it.
Dealing with alignment issues? Talk to one of our dentists and explore your options.
Go to https://www.orthoisfun.com for more information about orthodontic treatments or call Henry Orthodontics at (910) 685-7395.
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