Braces & Aligners

Orthodontic treatment can focus on dental displacement only or can deal with the control and modification of facial growth. In the latter case, it is better defined as “dentofacial orthopedics”. Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons and improving the general appearance of patients’ teeth and face for cosmetic reasons.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. These include treatment of different conditions:

• OverCrowding
• Deep overbite
• Open bite
• Overjet or upper protruding teeth
• Underbite or lower protruding jaw
• Crossbite
• Spaces in between teeth

TYPES OF BRACES

Dental braces (also known as orthodontic braces) are a device used in orthodontics to align teeth and their position with regard to a person’s bite. Orthodontic braces are often used in conjunction with other orthodontic appliances to widen the palate or jaws or otherwise shape the teeth and jaws. They are mainly used on children and teenagers, however, adults can also use them.

Metal Braces

Metal brackets can be silver or golden. The golden brackets look a bit more “jewelry-like” and are often a popular choice for young women. Metal brackets are very strong and can withstand most types of treatment. At first, they may irritate your gums, but after a few weeks, when your cheeks get “toughened up” they are not a problem anymore. Conventional metal braces are now smaller, more efficient and comfortable in recent years following many advances in orthodontic materials such as metal wires and brackets.

• Clear Braces

Brackets on braces can now be clear to make treatment nearly invisible. The polymer-brace is translucent making it one of the most popular aesthetic choices in braces today. Clear braces are worn on the front of the teeth just like traditional steel braces. Unlike metal braces, they blend with the color of the teeth for a much less noticeable appearance. They may look better but also may break more easily than metal braces.

Invisible Braces

Invisible braces are a series of clear, customized, removable appliances called aligners. Not only are these braces invisible, but they also are removable so they won’t trap food and plaque between your teeth like metal braces. You’ll wear each aligner for about two weeks and only remove it for eating, brushing and flossing.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are attached to the inside or lingual side of the teeth which makes them completely non-visible. Lingual orthodontics particularly well-suited for adults whose professions keep them in the public eyes. Lingual braces can significantly enhance an individual’s appearance – without the self-confidence shakers of metal braces. Therefore, lingual braces are a great option for both adult professionals and teens who would feel more confident with invisibility—all while managing great dental health. Lingual braces can also be extremely convenient for those who play wind instruments or contact sports.

Retainers

Orthodontic retainers are custom-made devices, made usually of wires or clear plastic, that hold teeth in position after surgery or any method of closing spaces between teeth. They are most often used before or after dental braces to hold teeth in position while assisting the adjustment of the surrounding gums to the changes in bone. Most patients are required to wear their retainer(s) every night at first, with many also having to wear them during the day. They should not be worn while eating any food or while drinking staining or acidic beverages.