How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
- Clear aligners can be used in lieu of braces, such as Invisalign. A series of clear trays are used to shift the teeth...
- Retainers are usually worn on the upper arch to keep teeth from returning back to their previous position and can be...
- Jaw repositioning appliances are worn either on the upper or lower arch to help train the jaw...
What is Phase 1 treatment in orthodontics?
- Posterior crossbites with a functional shift. ...
- Anterior crossbites due to skeletal growth issues. ...
- Severe crowding that leads to impacted teeth, severe misplacement, or compromises the periodontal (gum) structures hold the teeth stable. ...
How often do I have to go to the orthodontist?
How Often do I Need to See My Orthodontist After Orthodontics Treatment?
- The First Visit. A child needs to see the orthodontist by the time they are 7. ...
- During Treatment with Braces. If you currently have braces, you can expect to go to your orthodontist every four to eight weeks during treatment.
- During Treatment with Other Appliances. You may also be treated with expanders or headgear. ...
- After Treatment. ...
- Keep Your New Smile. ...
What to expect with orthodontics?
- Classic retainers: Most people get classic retainers (also known as Hawley retainers). ...
- Clear retainers: The orthodontist will make a clear, plastic mold of your teeth that look a lot like Invisalign. ...
- Permanent retainers: If you know you’re going to forget to put your retainers on, permanent retainers might be perfect for you! ...
What tools does an orthodontist use?
Use and features
- Used to cut the distal portion of an orthodontic archwire
- Can be used extra-orally (prior to placement)
- Can be used intra-orally (after placement)
- There is a ‘safety’ mechanism to hold the cut archwire so it does not fall into the patients mouth
How orthodontic treatment is done?
Teeth are moved by placing gentle, controlled forces on them, as the orthodontist uses “appliances” such as braces or clear aligners to guide them to their ideal positions over a period of time. Tooth movement happens because of the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue.
How do orthodontic braces work?
Braces work by exerting constant pressure on teeth and jaws to change their position and alter the smile. The brackets glued to teeth hold the archwire in place which places pressure on teeth. Over time teeth move into the desired position. The soft tissue that surrounds the teeth and bone are periodontal ligaments.
How quickly do teeth move with braces?
In general, you can expect to see some noticeable movement from around two months into the treatment. Some people notice it much sooner, and it could be as little as four weeks after you start wearing your aligners.
What are the three phases of orthodontic treatment?
Here is a general overview of the three major stages of treatment:Phase 1 – The Planning Stage. The orthodontist makes an exact diagnosis in order to realign the teeth in the most effective and expedient way. ... Phase 2 – The Active Phase. ... Phase 3: The Retention Phase.
Do braces permanently straighten teeth?
For most people, braces are the safest and most effective way to permanently straighten their teeth. If your teeth are only slightly crooked or just a bit crowded, an orthodontist-prescribed retainer may be enough to get them straight.
Can we kiss if we have braces?
It's completely fine if you're not ready for something as adventurous as kissing right away! When you feel ready, take it slow. Being gentle while kissing with braces is incredibly important for the safety of you and your partner. It's a good idea to start with closed lips.
What are the 5 stages of braces?
Five Stages of an Orthodontic TreatmentConsultation Stage. ... Bonding/Banding Stage. ... Regular Adjustments Stage. ... Debanding Stage. ... Retainer Stage. ... If you are currently suffering from any of the cases mentioned earlier, your dentist will most certainly refer you to an orthodontist.
Do braces change your face shape?
Your face shape can become distorted by any type of bite issues or even just from misalignment of the teeth. Aligning the jaw and teeth with braces or Invisalign will give you a stunning, healthy smile. Since your smile is a major feature on your face, this can change your appearance in a positive way.
Is it painful to wear braces?
Braces can cause discomfort or pain while the person is wearing them. Usually, people will only feel pain or discomfort when an orthodontist first fits the braces and after regular brace tightening. They may also feel pain if part of the brace is rubbing or poking into the inside of their mouth.
How often are braces tightened?
Frequency of Braces Tightening The average frequency is 4-6 weeks. They might call you sooner or later, depending on your case. But sometimes, you might need braces tightening before your scheduled appointment.
Are rubber bands the final stage of braces?
This can be the last phase, so if you are wondering, “are elastics the last stage of braces,” the answer is “yes” if your braces are there to also help with bite correction. Now, if your bands are there to help move your teeth, you may need to start using them during the earlier phases of this treatment.
What happens the first month of braces?
By the end of the first month, you may see your teeth have moved slightly. From there, each time you get your braces adjusted, your teeth will move just a little more. After several months, there will be significant movement, and people you know may notice your teeth moving.
What do orthodontists use to move teeth?
Orthodontists use a variety of “appliances” to move teeth and align jaws. Braces may be top-of-mind when you think about orthodontic treatment. But there are many more appliances that orthodontists use in treatment.
What are braces used for?
Braces. Braces are the most common appliance used is orthodontic treatment . Fortunately, they have come a long way. Basically, braces have two parts: brackets and wires. Wires move the teeth; brackets serve as stationary handles to hold the wires. As needed for an individual’s treatment, other components can be added.
Why do teeth move?
Tooth movement happens because of the breakdown and rebuilding of bone tissue. At the end of “active” treatment (when teeth are being moved), ...
Where do braces go?
Most braces go on the front of the teeth. Sometimes braces can be put on the backs of teeth – these are called “lingual” braces. These are virtually invisible. Not all orthodontists offer this form of treatment, and not all kinds of orthodontic problems can be successfully treated with lingual braces.
What is a temporary anchor?
Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs) Temporary anchorage devices, or TADs, are tiny implants used as a fixed point from which to apply force to move teeth predictably. They can be placed in many different sites in the mouth, depending upon the patient’s needs. TADs are removed when no longer needed.
What are the components of braces?
As needed for an individual’s treatment, other components can be added. Contemporary braces can be: Stainless steel. Gold-colored. Tooth-colored ceramic. Brackets are affixed directly to teeth. Wires are threaded through slots in the brackets. Most braces go on the front of the teeth.
Is orthodontic treatment a product?
Orthodontic treatment is not a product. Moving teeth and aligning jaws requires a comprehensive knowledge of the biological and physiological processes at play to safely and predictably move teeth into new, healthy positions.
Why do you need orthodontics?
To prevent long-term excessive wear or trauma (of the teeth) Treating an improper bite. Clearly, there are quite a few benefits to gain through pursuing a healthy smile through orthodontics. Once your teeth are in their proper positions, you will be better able to talk, eat, smile, and maintain good oral health.
What are the appliances used in orthodontic treatment?
Additional appliances used in orthodontic treatment may include the following: -Temporary Anchorage Devices (TADs): mini-screws used temporarily to apply extra pressure to teeth. -Rubber Bands (also called Elastics): used to apply force to teeth. -Additional appliances such as HERBST and RPE may be used.
Why do braces change teeth?
When braces exert pressure on the teeth, it is not just the teeth that are affected. The teeth are able to maintain a changed position because of a process called bone remodeling. As braces put pressure on teeth, the periodontal membrane under the gums shifts as well, either stretching or contracting.
How does bone grow around teeth?
Once the teeth are in their proper position, the bone can then grow around the tooth in support of its new position. This procedure takes place many times through the orthodontic process until your teeth have reached their target locations. Additional Appliances.
What are braces made of?
Standard braces have four basic components: brackets, bands, arch wires, and ties (also called the “o-ring”). Brackets are affixed directly to the tooth via a bonding material (such as glue) or a metal band. The shape and size of the tooth determines which sort of bond is used.
Is orthodontics a discipline?
Orthodontics is a multi purpose discipline with multiple reasons for use, such as: Clearly, there are quite a few benefits to gain through pursuing a healthy smile through orthodontics. Once your teeth are in their proper positions, you will be better able to talk, eat, smile, and maintain good oral health.
Do braces help with caries?
Not only do braces improve the appearance of the smile, but they also prevent dental caries (cavities) by making regular brushings and cleanings more effective. If you have been considering orthodontic treatment but still have questions regarding how ...
Why is it important to follow instructions given by an orthodontist?
It is important to follow any instructions given by the orthodontist and to go to any appointments you have with them. The success of the treatment also depends on the commitment of the patient. For children's orthodontic treatment it is very important that the patient is as keen as the parent.
What is the treatment for teeth?
Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.
What is the term for the appliance that holds teeth in place?
This is called the ‘retention' period, and the appliances that hold the teeth in place are called retainers . The retainers hold newly straightened teeth in position while the surrounding gum and bone settles. The retainers can be removable or fixed, depending on the original problem.
How long should you wear dental aligners?
The aligners should be worn for 22 to 23 hours a day for the best results. They can be easily removed for eating, drinking, brushing, and for cleaning in between your teeth. You need to have all your adult teeth before you can have this treatment.
What is a fixed brace?
So a fixed brace is used. This has brackets and bands which are temporarily stuck to the teeth. A flexible wire joins all the brackets and allows the teeth to be moved. You can't take the appliance out yourself, so it is called a fixed appliance.
How to avoid braces?
Avoid snacks and drinks containing sugars, and fizzy drinks. Also, sticky and hard foods may damage your brace. Brush your teeth last thing at night and at least one other time during the day. Use a mouthwash if you need to.
When is the best time to get orthodontics?
The best time is generally during childhood, but adults can have orthodontic treatment too - and more and more are doing so. Age is less important than having the right number of teeth. In children it may be necessary to wait for enough teeth to come through before starting treatment.
The different type of fixed appliances
Braces are traditionally the most commonly used fixed orthodontic appliances. They consist of brackets, wires, and bands. The bands are set around the teeth and serve as the anchor. Brackets are then typically adhered to the teeth and wires are run through them.
The different types of removable appliances
Aligners are the newest alternative to traditional braces. They are ideal because they are nearly invisible and work in the same way that braces do, but can be removed for brushing and eating.
