Different Types of Teeth Alignment Procedures

 

Having perfectly aligned teeth is the dream of many. Fortunately, the many advancements in orthodontics make it possible to achieve a confident smile, with minimal discomfort. Orthodontic treatment is usually recommended while the patient is still young. And for a parent contemplating the available options, the following are types of braces many orthodontic practitioners today recommend.

Traditional metal braces

Orthodontic supplies used in creating conventional metal braces have gone through significant advancements over the years. Metal braces today are much lighter, and less conspicuous than earlier predecessors. Typically made using surgical stainless-steel, metal braces are attached to the teeth using some cement adhesive. Each bracket is connected to the other with a wire, which is responsible for creating the pressure that moves the teeth into position.

The wires connecting each bracket has elastics or ligatures which the orthodontist replaces every time the braces get tightened. There are other types of metal braces which do not use O-rings, making the appliance more attractive. These braces are also called self-ligating braces.

Ceramic dental braces

Ceramic braces work the same way as traditional metal braces. The main difference is that brackets are made using a transparent material. Ceramic braces are less visible, thus making this type of braces more attractive. Adults who wish to undergo teeth alignment treatment usually choose ceramic braces.

Damon Braces

Damon braces are a recent innovation in teeth straightening treatment popular with both patients and orthodontics because there is less discomfort and patients will not have to visit the dentist as often. Instead of traditional elastics used to connect the wires, Damon braces have a sliding mechanism that adjusts along with the teeth’s movement.

Other advantages of Damon braces include less friction and pressure exerted on the teeth, which makes the treatment process less painful. These braces are also easier to maintain and keep clean. Since the patient makes fewer visits to the dentist, you save money and time as well.

Removable clear aligners

Invisalign is a specific brand of clear aligners used as an alternative to conventional or Damon braces. These aligners look like mouth guards worn by the patient. The orthodontist will prepare a new set of aligners every two weeks depending on the teeth’s movement. However, clear aligners are not suitable for correcting serious bite issues. Nonetheless, orthodontists often recommend using clear aligners for maintenance after completing conventional teeth alignment using braces.

Forsus appliance for correcting serious bite issues

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children get screened for orthodontic treatment as early as seven years old. Forsus appliances replaced headgear for correcting severe overbites. A Forsus instrument or spring is attached inside the cheeks and connected to the braces subsequently adjusting the lower or upper jaw and putting it into position.

Palatal expander

Overcrowding of teeth is another problem which makes teeth straightening more challenging. In the past, orthodontists would extract some of the teeth to create space for teeth to move in. These days, another method used by orthodontists is making patients wear palatal expanders for a period. This device puts pressure on upper molars to slowly move teeth apart.