Crooked teeth can affect oral aesthetics while potentially causing long-term dental issues. Family orthodontics may provide treatment options such as dental braces to fix your crooked teeth, enhancing your smile and teeth functionality. Here are some treatment options to fix crooked teeth:
Dental Braces
Dental braces consist of various installations such as clear aligners, metal, and ceramic braces. Traditional metal braces consist of strong stainless steel alloy brackets and wires. They work by applying pressure to the teeth to align them into their optimal positions over time. Metallic braces are strong and durable, offering a reliable solution for long-term use. Braces made of metal can be easily adjusted and tuned, allowing you to achieve the correct adjustment for misaligned teeth. The flexibility of metal braces allows family orthodontics to make precise corrections as you continue with treatment.
Ceramic braces are less visible and blend in easily with your teeth. This might offer a more personalized treatment option for correcting your crooked teeth that are less visible than wire brackets. Ceramic braces offer versatility when addressing major and minor dental misalignments.
Clear aligners are transparent trays that gradually shift your teeth to their original positions while remaining discreet. They could be a good choice for patients who want to maintain a more natural appearance. These aligners can be easily removed when eating, drinking, or brushing your teeth, allowing you to keep up with proper oral hygiene. Orthodontists can install clear aligners in shorter and less frequent appointments, catering to patients with busy schedules. Unlike metal and ceramic braces, clear aligners do not have dietary restrictions, so you may eat your favorite meals with ease.
Retainers
Retainers are used to maintain the positions of your corrected teeth while your jaws adapt to the new changes. Orthodontists give instructions and a timeline for wearing your retainers. There are removable and non-removable retainers. Fixed retainers are cemented to your teeth with a wire after correcting major misalignments. Dietary restrictions and new flossing techniques might also be introduced when fixed retainers are installed. Removable clear retainers sit on top of your teeth and provide the comfort and flexibility of removing your retainers to eat, floss, and brush your teeth. They can be washed using cold water and soap or a denture cleaner.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are made of thermoplastic material and do not require wires and brackets for installation. They are removable and clear, giving you a minimalist appearance while correcting your misaligned teeth. Your orthodontist can provide a treatment plan, instructions on how long to wear your Invisalign, and an idea of the frequency of dental appointments.
Orthognathic Surgery
Orthognathic or jaw surgery can be performed for severe teeth misalignment that cannot be fixed with braces or aligners. Jaw surgery complements previous orthodontic treatments to correct various jaw misalignments while enhancing functionality and aesthetics. Orthognathic surgery may help create proper alignment between the upper and lower jaws. Other orthodontic treatments then straighten the teeth to achieve a well-balanced bite and enhanced appearance. Your orthodontist can perform various tests and X-rays to determine if you need jaw surgery following your orthodontic treatments.
Choosing Family Orthodontics
Orthodontists can provide personalized treatment solutions for your family’s orthodontic needs. Braces and aligners offer aesthetic solutions while fixing your misaligned teeth to enhance your smile. Contact an orthodontist to schedule a dental appointment.
