Orthodontics is any branch of dentistry which improves the function and /or appearance of the teeth. Orthodontic treatment ranges from cosmetic treatment which may lead to improved self-confidence, to correcting teeth which are severely misaligned and may be causing difficulty for the patient. In the latter case a course of treatment could be concerned with ensuring that the teeth are aligned and that the bite is not placing unnecessary stress on the jaw. In more extreme cases the only way to realign the teeth is to embark on a course of facial reconstruction as opposed to focusing solely on the teeth.
What does orthodontics involve?
Arguably the most common orthodontic treatment from Findlay OH involves connecting a series of brackets with metal wires forming a dental brace. It must be remembered that the brace may be worn for several years and regular visits to the dentist are necessary to adjust them. With this in mind if a patient is not concerned with aesthetics then a brace made of a non-corroding material such as stainless steel will more than fulfill a patients requirements.
However, in many situations this may not be practical. For example, I have seen incidents in the playground where a child is picked because they are wearing a brace. This is totally unacceptable and was dealt with most severely, but within this context it may be more feasible for a child to consider a ceramic material which can be colored to match the teeth. In addition the child (or indeed adult), may have self-esteem or confidence issues, in which case this may be the best option for them. A further option is to consider clear plastic brackets which serve the same function and have the added benefit of being removable. Whatever option is choses the result is the same, the wires work with the brackets and the contours of the patient’s mouth, to move the teeth into the correct position.
Almost all patients will need to wear a device called a retainer which is typically necessary for at least a year. It holds the teeth in place and allows time for the bones to reform to their new position. After consulting with the dentist it may be possible for a patient to only wear the retainer at night. Click here to know more.
