ORTHODONTICS
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry which deals with the alignment of irregular or crooked teeth.
Types of braces
Adults getting braces today will find far more options than they remember — or had themselves — in their youth. For adults, aesthetics is the main consideration, Cost and lifestyle are the other key considerations. Each option offers advantages and disadvantages.
They include:
Conventional braces
Decades ago, braces consisted of a metal band around every or almost every tooth. Today, conventional braces hold wires with just a single bracket bonded on the front of the tooth. A few bands in the back anchor the wires.
A second option for conventional braces switches out metal for clear or tooth-colored ceramic.
Aligners
Aligners are clear trays that are switched out every two weeks to accommodate the movement of teeth. They remain in the mouth for 20 to 22 hours per day, removed just long enough for meals and cleaning your teeth. The most common brand of aligners is Invisalign.
Aligners are less conspicuous, but they’re still not completely invisible. They don’t affect how you brush and floss your teeth (unlike other types of braces).
However, aligners require the discipline to keep them in every possible moment and to switch out the trays on schedule. Shirking this responsibility sometimes means that treatment with aligners takes longer than with conventional options.
Self-ligating braces
In self-ligating braces, the wire passes through a small metal clip on the bracket. The system eliminates the need for elastic bands to help move the teeth.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces are similar to conventional braces, except the brackets are bonded to the back side of tooth.
Lingual braces are virtually invisible and work just as quickly as conventional braces. However, they are custom-made and typically cost more than other options.
Regardless of the type of appliance, your orthodontist may want you to wear a retainer after treatment is complete. You might wear it part or all of the day.
Thanks to recent advances, the metallic orthodontic brackets which we’re so used to seeing can now be replaced by a far less conspicuous ceramic, see through bracket, so braces don’t have to make you or your children self-conscious anymore. We also specialize in lingual orthodontics, where we place the orthodontic wire on the back surface of your teeth, completely out of sight. In certain cases, you might also be a candidate for the revolutionary new Invisalign clear orthodontic trays.
Remember, there is no age limit to start orthodontic treatment. Orthodontics for adults is very popular worldwide, and the orthodontists will work to align your teeth beautifully to give you that smile which makes you look as young as you feel!
INVISALIGN
Invisalign treatment is an alternative to traditional orthodontic braces where a set of clear trays are custom made for your mouth using computer software and work towards the alignment of your teeth. Invisalign is a great option for the student or professional with an active social life; it is the least conspicuous and probably the most convenient of all orthodontic treatment.
Will aligners/Invisalign work on my teeth?
Aligners work well for teens and adults. Like other types of braces, aligners work by gradually moving the teeth to the desired position. This is achieved by wearing a series of aligners, each for a certain period of time, the specifics of which will be advised by the specialist after a thorough clinical examination.
What is the procedure followed for aligner treatment?
Following a discussion with the orthodontist about your expectations of treatment, a detailed clinical evaluation will be done. X- rays, photographs and dental scans are used to assess your teeth and jaw position. The progress of the movement of your teeth will be shown to you on the computer screen. If you are satisfied with the final predicted appearance of your teeth, the orthodontist approves the treatment and the aligners are delivered to you in one month time period.
How visible are aligners to another person?
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are completely transparent. People generally do not notice them. You can see them if observed very carefully in well-lit conditions.
For how many hours do I need to wear aligners in a day?
The aligners must be worn for a period of 20 to 22 hours a day at a minimum. The aligners need to be removed while eating and brushing your teeth.
Do aligners cause any discomfort?
When a new set of aligners is worn, mild discomfort is felt which lasts for the first few hours. This is described by most patients as mild pressure on the teeth, which disappears as the teeth adapt to the new aligners.
What is the duration of the treatment?
The duration of the treatment varies from patient to patient. Duration of the treatment will be explained in detail by our specialist after a complete clinical examination. Aligners can be faster than braces in certain cases as multiple teeth movements can be facilitated simultaneously.