Orthodontists are specialists in diagnosing, treating, and preventing tooth and jaw irregularities. Orthodontist Boston can correct problems such as poor bites and speech defects.
They are also trained in spotting problems that could develop into larger issues in the future. Orthodontists can help to prevent a gap (called a “diastema”) from growing larger over time.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment deals with facial and skeletal irregularities. These issues can include overcrowding, twisting, and complete displacements of teeth or negative underjets (a lower jaw protrudes further than the upper).
Straighter teeth and healthier gums are the main benefits of orthodontic treatments. Crooked teeth can be difficult to clean and trap food particles and plaque between them. This can lead to more serious dental issues in the future, such as gum disease and tooth decay. In addition, misaligned teeth can put undue stress on the chewing and biting muscles of the jaw, leading to temporomandibular disorder or TMJ.
TMJ can cause tense or sore muscles in the neck and shoulders. By shifting a child’s bite into the ideal position, orthodontic treatment can relieve these symptoms and make them feel more relaxed.
Children should start orthodontic treatment in early childhood, as this is the best time for teeth to grow and move naturally. The jawbones of a child are still developing at this time, so it is easier to correct problems, such as an underbite or overbite.
If your child has braces on, it is important to follow the orthodontist’s instructions regarding how to wear and care for them. This will ensure that the treatment goes smoothly and that the results last for as long as possible. After orthodontic treatment, it’s a good idea for you to wear a retainer as teeth tend towards their original positions.
A good orthodontist puts a lot of emphasis on patient education to ensure that patients and their family members know what they can expect from treatment. This includes information regarding the benefits of having a healthy smile and tips for maintaining good oral hygiene during treatment.
It is also important to visit your general dentist while undergoing orthodontic treatment. They will need to examine the health of your teeth and mouth. This will allow them to identify potential problems before they become serious. You can also ask any questions to your orthodontist.
Braces
Braces are often used to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. They work by applying constant, controlled pressure to the teeth in order to change their positions. Modern braces consist of small brackets bonded to the front of each tooth, an archwire that runs through them, and elastic ties or “ligature bands” that hold the archwire in place. These bands can be colored, clear, or metal depending on what the patient prefers.
Over time, the archwire moves the teeth to new positions. This results in a more aligned bite. The constant pressure stimulates the bone surrounding the teeth to grow stronger.
Orthodontic treatment can also be beneficial for patients with crowded or overlapping teeth. If the teeth overlap then a toothbrush will not be able to reach all areas of your mouth. This can lead to an increased buildup of plaque and tartar. The overlapping teeth can also cause gum recession & increase the risk of oral health problems down the road. In these cases, the orthodontist can use brackets & elastic ties to close the spaces between the teeth & allow for better cleaning.
Orthodontists can also be called in to correct speech problems caused by a misaligned mouth or teeth. Braces can be used to shift teeth that are blocking the tongue’s movement, allowing a more natural and effortless way of speaking. They can also reduce the whistling of teeth by closing gaps between them.
For more complex cases, the orthodontist may recommend headgear. This device consists of two bands on the upper teeth that connect to tubes on the lower teeth. It is designed to move back the top molars to create more space for lower molars. This makes it easier for patients to speak and to chew. The appliance is typically worn at night or only at home. The orthodontist can provide instructions on how to maintain and care for the appliance.
Retainers
After months or even years of wearing braces and aligners, many patients feel relief and excitement as their orthodontic treatment nears its end. Patients should remember that their orthodontic treatment is not over when they finish wearing their braces or aligners.
Retainers are essential for maintaining the benefits of your orthodontic treatment once your braces come off. Retainers, which are custom-made devices, help your jawbone and teeth settle into the new positions. They work by applying a pressure against your teeth, which keeps them in their new position. This prevents them from shifting to their old alignment before your jawbone can fully adjust.
Your orthodontist’s retainer will be prescribed based on your treatment and the results that you are hoping to achieve. Retainers can be removable or fixed, and they are made from a variety of materials. Your orthodontist will also explain the benefits of each retainer and how to care for it.
If you have a removable splint, you should continue to wear it for several weeks after the treatment is completed. Then, you can transition to night-time wear only. Your orthodontist provides you with a schedule for wearing the retainer. They will also recommend when to remove it while eating, flossing, and brushing.
Adults often forget to wear their retainer. This is a problem that can affect the health of your teeth. In addition to causing the teeth to shift, missing retainers over time can cause permanent teeth to become crooked or misaligned.
Invisalign
Invisalign, a popular alternative for braces, can correct a variety of dental issues such as crooked or crowded teeth. It uses clear thermoplastic aligners made of BPA-free plastic that are virtually indiscernible. During your initial consultation, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums as well as take digital scans and X-rays. This information is then imported into a software program to create a 3D model of your teeth at different stages. This allows your orthodontist plan the most effective treatments for you.
You’ll need to attend regular appointments with an orthodontist after your aligners have been made. This will allow you to monitor your progress and make any necessary adjustments. You’ll receive new trays about every two weeks. These trays are designed to fit your teeth, and they apply pressure to the area that needs to be moved. Over time, pressure will remodel the bone, allowing the tooth to move into its proper position.
Invisalign has many advantages over traditional braces. You can remove the trays to eat or brush your teeth. This allows you to eat the foods you love without restrictions and maintain excellent dental hygiene. You can also smile with confidence without hiding your smile. Invisalign treatment offers convenience and comfort, as there are no wires. Invisalign treatment is highly effective. Most patients see results within 12 to 18 months. This can vary from one patient to another. Patient commitment to wearing their trays for the recommended number of hours each day and changing to the next set of trays as scheduled is critical for successful outcomes.
Some people suffer from a crooked or crowded set of teeth, which can cause speech impediments and even lead to sleep disorders like snoring or sleep apnea. Straightening your teeth with Invisalign can help you speak more clearly and prevent these health problems. Straight teeth can also improve your self-esteem.
Invisalign offers a great alternative for adults and teens who wish to straighten their smiles without wearing traditional metal braces. Before beginning treatment, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from a licensed orthodontic specialist. Invisalign may be expensive, however there are options for payment that can make it more affordable. You can use a HSA or Flex Spending account to pay for your Invisalign treatment.
