Orthodontic treatment focuses on correcting issues with the alignment of your teeth. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to enhance the appearance and function of the teeth, gums, and jaw. Orthodontics Brooklyn, NY, focuses on diagnosing and treating malocclusion (poor bite) and related oral health problems. It involves using braces or wire to move teeth into the desired position.
Here are the various types of orthodontic treatment.
Fixed braces: Fixed braces are the most prevalent type of orthodontic treatment. They are used to straighten crooked teeth and align the jawbone. Fixed braces are worn for three to six years, depending on your case and the results you want to achieve. During this time, they can help you achieve a straighter smile and improved bite alignment.
Removable braces: These are placed on the teeth, then removed when the patient is finished with them. Removable braces are a good option for small children and teens who don’t need to wear them for long periods of time or who have other dental needs. The removable brackets are then replaced with permanent metal braces that attach to the remaining teeth. For adults, removable braces can be used as an interim treatment until permanent metal brackets can be placed in between your teeth.
Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are custom-made, clear plastic aligners inserted into the mouth rather than metal brackets or wires used in traditional braces. There is no need for metal wires, meaning there is less tooth movement involved in treatment, making it easier for patients to eat and speak properly after treatment.
Functional appliances: Functional appliances are used to correct the alignment of teeth. They are designed to correct an abnormal bite or function of one or more teeth that interfere with chewing, speaking, or smiling. Functional appliances may be removable or fixed. A removable appliance is held in place by brackets attached to the teeth on either side of the smile line. A fixed appliance is held in place by bands that attach to the archwire and moldable material (gum-elastic) attached to the archwire.
This type of treatment is often used for children who have had a minor bite correction through braces but whose teeth still don’t fit together as well as they should when they are closed.
Headgear
The headgear serves as a protective covering for the teeth and prevents the teeth from moving out of position. The headgear also provides a shape to the teeth, which helps them look better when straightened.
There are two types of headgear used in orthodontics. These include wire-based and archwire-based. Wire-based headgear has metal wires fixed in place by brackets or bands, while archwire-based headgear uses metal wires attached to brackets or bands. The advantage of archwire-based headgear is that it can be customized to fit each patient’s teeth and mouth by changing the size and shape of the brackets.
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in correcting malocclusions (misaligned teeth). In most cases, orthodontic treatment involves aligning the teeth with each other, with the jaws, and with the face. The goal is to create an attractive smile that improves facial symmetry by making it appear as though all your teeth are present. If you would love to know more about orthodontics treatment, reach out to Brooklyn Heights Orthodontics professionals.
