Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It includes straightening crooked teeth, correcting bad bites, and aligning jaws correctly to improve facial balance and harmony.
The treatment plan for your smile will depend on the extent of your problem and your personal preferences. Your Kristo orthodontist will be able to discuss the various treatment options that are available to you.
Braces – These are the most common form of orthodontic treatment and consist of metal, ceramic or clear (“invisible”) brackets that are affixed to the teeth. Wires connect each bracket and are used to guide the teeth into a more desirable position. They can also be attached to headgear and facemasks, which are designed to encourage the teeth into alignment more rapidly than would be possible with just braces alone.
They are less noticeable than traditional metal braces, and many orthodontists recommend them for adults who want to have their teeth straightened but don’t want to be self-conscious about wearing traditional metal braces.
Ceramic braces (also called tooth-colored brackets) are one popular alternative to metal braces, and they can mimic the color of your natural teeth for a more discreet treatment option. However, like metal braces, these require proper cleaning to ensure that they last as long as possible.
Lingual braces are also an increasingly popular choice for adult patients, and they can be placed on the inside of the mouth instead of the front. This makes them more comfortable to wear, but they may not be as effective as traditional braces in certain cases.
Other appliances – Your orthodontist will often prescribe a series of fixed and removable appliances to further improve the appearance of your smile. These can include retainers, which hold the teeth in place after treatment has ended, and expansion plates, which help to expand the jaws and make room for permanent teeth to grow into place more quickly.
Elastic bands – Sometimes tiny elastic bands are used to gently move the teeth, especially when they need to be moved into very close positions or rotated. These are usually attached to a fixed brace, but some orthodontists prefer to use them with removable appliances.
Retainers – After treatment has finished, you will need to wear your retainer regularly to maintain the results of your work with your orthodontist. This is because the teeth will need to stay in the new, corrected position for some time.
You can expect to need to wear your retainer for about a year after your treatment is complete. This is because the teeth will need to be held in their new, corrected position for some time before they are fully able to move into their new positions on their own.
It’s important to follow the recommendations of your orthodontist about how much and what kind of brushing, flossing and other care is required during treatment. Otherwise, you’re likely to damage your teeth or the appliance itself.