Here’s how it works:
- The device produces electricity pulses that gently shake your teeth. The small connections between your gums and teeth loosen, reducing stress and tension.
- The electricity also helps the bones break down and rebuild easier. ...
- Lastly, the pulses help sit the aligner trays over your teeth, potentially providing a more comfortable fit.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment. What is orthodontic treatment? 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.
How can orthodontic treatment help people with crowded teeth?
Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean. Some people have upper front teeth that stick out and look unsightly.
How should I take care of my teeth during orthodontic treatment?
It is important to keep having your teeth checked by your dental team while you are having orthodontic treatment. You also need to take extra care of your teeth and mouth: Clean your teeth carefully every day, including between your teeth where you can.
What can I do to straighten my front teeth?
Orthognathic Surgery If your teeth and/or jaw are misaligned, it’s important to get orthodontic treatment in order to straighten your bite. Whether by traditional braces, Invisalign, or a mouthguard, all orthodontic appliances help straighten teeth or keep them straight.
How do braces work step by step?
Braces move your teeth by exerting constant pressure on them for extended periods of time. The shape of your jaw gradually adapts to conform to this pressure. We tend to think of our teeth as being connected directly to our jawbone, making it hard to imagine how they can be moved.
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.
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.
Is orthodontic treatment harmful for teeth?
Orthodontics has the potential to cause significant damage to hard and soft tissues. The most important aspect of orthodontic care is to have an extremely high standard of oral hygiene before and during orthodontic treatment.
How quickly do braces start working?
Although you may not notice any visible change for the first two to three months of treatment, braces begin working immediately. If your discomfort is painful, you can use an over-the-counter pain reliever after adjustments.
How soon will I see results from braces?
As a general rule, your total time in braces will be between 18 and 24 months. In that time, you can start to actually notice the changes in your teeth's appearance as early as four weeks from being fitted. But two or three months is the average expectation.
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.
Do braces hurt?
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.
Do teeth become weak after braces?
Braces and Invisalign do not cause teeth to become weaker, looser, or fall out in healthy people. Braces can be a good option for those with poor periodontal health. Excessive force in orthodontic treatment with Invisalign or braces can cause severe damage to the root and pulp of teeth as well as the supporting bones.
Do teeth go back after braces?
Yes, your teeth can shift back after braces and yes teeth moving after braces are quite normal. Even though we see it with some of our patients, it's important that you work on eliminating the possibility of teeth moves once your braces are off.
What are disadvantages of braces?
Complications With BracesTooth decay or gum disease. ... Allergic reactions. ... Soft tissue injuries and canker sores. ... Root Resorption. ... Decalcification and Cavities. ... Ankylosis. ... Relapse. ... They're still worth it!
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.
How to contact Fredericksburg Orthodontics?
If you have questions or comments about orthodontic treatment or any of our other services, please do not hesitate to contact us at 540-898-7211. Fredericksburg Orthodontics and Invisalign Centerlooks forward to helping you achieve your best smile.
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.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Your orthodontist will determine if you would be a candidate for fixed or removable ortho therapy. The amount of movement your doctor is looking to achieve will determine which option will be most effective for your individual case.
What is a metal bracket?
Braces are the most common and widely known fixed appliance. Metal brackets are placed on the front of the teeth using a composite cement and an archwire is threaded through the brackets and is the part that is tightened periodically to place tension on the teeth, shifting them into the desired position. Brackets come in a variety of colors, including clear.
Can you use clear aligners with Invisalign?
Clear aligners can be used in lieu of braces, such as Invisalign. A series of clear trays are used to shift the teeth just like braces and are removed for eating and oral hygiene.
Orthodontics vs dentistry
We all have a family dentist who we see regularly for check-ups (and if you don’t, you should!). Your dentist plays an important role in your oral health and wellbeing. At every check-up, your dentist will be monitoring your teeth, looking out for any cavities, signs of gum disease or general wear and tear.
Orthodontic appliances
If your dentist has referred you to us for orthodontic treatment, or you are researching orthodontics yourself, you may be wondering what exactly treatment entails. We all know braces are used to straighten teeth, but how do they do it?
Duration of treatment
We get asked all the time by our patients: “how long will it take to straighten my teeth?”
What is orthodontic treatment?
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.
Who carries out orthodontics?
Your dentist may carry out orthodontic treatment. Or they may send you to a specialist who has extra qualifications. The specialist may be in a practice or in a hospital department, and is called an orthodontist.
Will I need to have teeth taken out to make room?
You may not have enough room for all your permanent teeth. If so, you may need to have some permanent teeth taken out to make space. Your dental team will tell you whether this is the case. Sometimes space can be made using other forms of treatment.
How is treatment carried out?
Orthodontic treatment can be done by many sorts of appliances, which most people call a 'brace'.
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.
What is a functional brace?
It is sometimes possible to change the way the jaws grow, using a functional brace. This works by using the power of your jaw muscles and can help with certain types of problem.
What are the brackets made of?
Fixed braces are not always made of metal. Plastic and ceramic can be used, especially for adults.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
Treatments range in the time they need to be effective, but most orthodontic treatments take somewhere between 1-5 years to complete. Factors that affect this are levels of treatment required, patient’s age, and preferred method.
What is orthodontic care?
Orthodontic care is a complex specialty branch of dentistry that requires additional education beyond general dentistry. If you’re a candidate for orthodontics, you may find that a successful treatment plan improves your self-confidence by improving your beautiful smile.
How can I prevent my child’s need for orthodontics?
I teach my patients prevention whenever possible, because it’s always less expensive and less painful to prevent problems before they happen. Orthodontics is no different.
When is the right time to first see an orthodontist?
Ideally, all children should get an orthodontic assessment between ages 2 and 5 to determine the need for any growth corrections. Treatment at that point will focus mostly on jaw and palate growth to ensure proper space for all teeth in the mouth.
When are you too old to get braces?
However, one out of every five patients undergoing orthodontics is over the age of 18.
Why do so many people need braces?
In short, the foods that were easier to produce and lasted longer on shelves were also foods that are devoid of vital nutrients like vitamin K2 (which he dubbed “Activator X”).
What do people think of when they hear orthodontics?
Most often, people think of one thing when they hear “orthodontics”: braces. However, both metal braces and clear aligners like Invisalign are just two of the many appliances an orthodontist may create for you.
