Orthodontists from smilebar.com are dentists that specialize in aligning teeth and correcting jaw irregularities. They can also detect problems that develop over a period of time, such an underbite and crowded mouth.
Preparation
Orthodontics is a field in dentistry that deals with the alignment of teeth and bites. It’s important to prepare for the treatment, which can take months or years. It’s important to be prepared by preparing a list of your questions for the orthodontist. You should also know the process and the timeframe and understand that orthodontic treatment can take a long time.
It’s normal to be nervous before your orthodontist visit, but knowing what to expect can help. Your orthodontist may begin with a consultation where they discuss your dental goals and needs. During this consultation, your orthodontist may also take photographs and x-rays of your mouth. This will allow them to get a full picture of your mouth and determine what you need.
Bring your medical records and any dental records with you to your initial appointment. This will enable the orthodontist see what is going on in your mouth and determine if you suffer from any medical conditions which may affect your treatment. Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking.
Once the orthodontist has gathered all the necessary information, they will prepare a comprehensive examination of your teeth and face. This will include x rays and photos to give them an overall view of your teeth, roots, and jawbone. These data will be used to create an accurate diagnosis of your bite and teeth.
Orthodontists, who are highly-trained professionals, have completed an extensive program of studies, which includes three years of additional specialized training in the movement and function of facial bones and soft tissues. They have extensive experience treating patients with malocclusions such as overcrowding of teeth, gaps and overlapping.
The orthodontist will then go over the results of the examination and discuss the treatment options that are available to you. During this time they will discuss the different types and durations of braces as well as what to expect throughout the process. They’ll explain the costs, and any payment options that may be available.
During this part of the appointment, you’ll be able to ask any questions you might have. You can ask your orthodontist any questions that you have.
Braces
Orthodontic braces, which apply gentle but constant pressure to shift your teeth into proper alignment, are a vital part of treatment for any crooked or crowded teeth. This helps to improve your oral health over time by making it easier for you to maintain good hygiene. This reduces the risk for gum disease and tooth decay.
There are several types of braces. Your orthodontist can recommend the right one for you based on your specific needs. Most traditional braces are made from a combination of small metal, ceramic or plastic brackets cemented to your teeth, connected by an arch wire that is regularly tightened, causing gradual movement of your teeth and jaw. The brackets used today are smaller and more comfortable. They also come in many different colors. They also use less elastic ties than their predecessors, which results in quicker and more efficient treatment.
An important feature of modern orthodontic braces is their ability to work with a wide range of teeth. A nickel-titanium wire is used to achieve this. This wire is temperature-sensitive and has the added benefit of being able to be bent easily, allowing orthodontists to close gaps between teeth and adjust the shape of a patient’s jaw.
In addition to arch wires, modern braces can be fitted with a variety of elastic ligatures and other components. Elastics are used to correct malocclusions. They are tied like shoelaces and are colored to help patients identify their brackets. Other ligatures, such as o-rings or ligature elastics, are smaller and have the same function but may be attached to either the arch wire or the brackets. These ligatures are used to adjust the arch wire’s angulation or torque.
Other appliances, such as facemasks or headgear, can be used in conjunction with braces to help move the teeth and jaw into their final positions. They are primarily used for children and adolescent patients because they are less visible than traditional braces and do not require any removal.
Retainers
The day your braces come off is a huge milestone and one to be celebrated! Just because your smile and bite are now in the right place, doesn’t mean that treatment is over. Using a retainer to maintain the new appearance and prevent your teeth moving can be very helpful. It’s important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for using your retainer – not only will this protect the investment you made in your smile, but it will also ensure that the hard work you put in during your treatment doesn’t go to waste.
The best retainer for keeping your smile in place, is a permanent one that is bonded to the backside of teeth. This type of retainer can be called a fixed wire retainer or lingual retainer.
A permanent retainer is made of acrylic and has a base that can be molded to fit your palate (for your upper arch) or sit inside your lower teeth. A thin metal band runs across the upper and the lower teeth to help them stay in their new position. A bonded retainer is more comfortable than removable retainers because it does not rely on the wearer to regularly wear it.
However, because the retainer is bonded to your teeth, it can be more difficult to clean. Patients with a permanent retainer should use a special floss threader to help remove food from between the teeth and in the gum line, as regular brushing isn’t possible with this type of retainer. The way a permanent brace covers your teeth can also cause some speech problems initially. Some patients report feeling like they’re snoring when first wearing the retainer. Some patients find that a small amount of dental wax helps to reduce the abrasion to their tongue and make speaking more comfortable.
Even though wearing a brace can be uncomfortable, your orthodontist always wants to help. If your retainer breaks or is lost, you can visit your original orthodontist. They will have your records and know your treatment history. Additionally, cleaning and storing your retainer regularly can reduce the chance of damage.
Visits
Orthodontic visits are part of a continuous journey to a healthier smile. Understanding the various components of this process can help you feel more prepared and confident as you embark on your orthodontic journey.
During the initial visit, your orthodontist will evaluate your oral health and identify any issues with alignment that need to be addressed. This is done using a series X rays and computer images of your teeth. These are used for creating a detailed image of your teeth and surrounding gum tissue. You may also take impressions of your mouth to create custom appliances as part of your treatment plan.
Following this assessment, your orthodontist will discuss the results of your exam with you. You can ask questions or voice any concerns you may have about your treatment options. In addition, the orthodontist will explain any potential treatment duration and outcomes that you can expect.
During this appointment, the orthodontist will also be able to give you a rough estimate of your total treatment costs. This will allow you to start the financial planning process prior to starting your orthodontic treatment. You can also explore other financing options or payment plans.
The orthodontist can also create a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs. This will include a detailed breakdown of the recommended treatment course. It will also detail which appliances will be used, and when you can expect results. During this period, the orthodontist provides you with any information needed to ensure your treatment runs smoothly.
Once your treatment begins, you will return to the orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustment and monitoring. These visits are usually every four to 8 weeks. During these visits, the orthodontist may adjust your braces, replace your rubber band if necessary, and take new Xrays.
Whether you are getting braces or using aligners, it is important to visit the orthodontist on a consistent basis in order to ensure that your treatment stays on track and that any issues are addressed promptly. This will help to reduce the chances that any issues will become more serious and prolong your treatment.
