A good orthodontist Boston can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile, as well as the way you bite and chew. They also work to help your jaw grow properly.
Orthodontists will use braces in order to correct any alignment issues you may have with your teeth. They may prescribe other devices, such as a facemask or headgear.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves straightening teeth in order to improve a smile and facial features. It can also have a positive effect on health and well-being in many ways that patients may not expect. This can include improved chewing and digestion, lessening jaw and neck pain, alleviating sleep apnea, as well as helping to manage TMJ dysfunction.
Many factors can cause teeth and bite problems, including crooked, underbites or overbites, crowded, or even protruding teeth. By reviewing diagnostic records, and taking a brief history of the patient, a good orthodontist is able to determine the correct treatment plan. The orthodontist will then be able form a list of problems. This list should include all aspects of the patient’s dental problems and not just those related to orthodontics.
During treatment, an orthodontist will use fixed appliances known as braces to apply gentle pressure to the teeth in order to move them into a better position. These are often fixed in place for months or even years and they can be used on children as well as adults. They are made of a variety of materials, some more attractive than others.
A crooked grin can lead to low self-esteem and a lack in confidence. This can have an impact on the life of an individual, especially in terms their social and professional interactions. In some cases, this can cause a person to hide their smile in photographs and to refrain from engaging in activities that could lead to them getting noticed in public. It has been found that a healthy, confident smile can increase happiness and self-esteem significantly.
A bad bite may also cause headaches and pains in the head, face, and neck. It can also cause a variety of physical problems such as tense muscles and poor posture. Correcting such problems can have a huge impact on an individual’s quality of life. This will also prevent them from needing to undergo more serious dental procedures, such as extractions of teeth or surgery for gum diseases and jaw fractures.
Braces
One of the main reasons people seek out orthodontic treatment is to improve the aesthetics of their smile. A straighter and more uniform smile can not only be beautiful, but also boost your confidence and improve your quality of life. A straighter jaw and a better-functioning bite also make it easier to chew and speak. Correcting misalignments also reduces the likelihood of teeth grinding, and other issues leading to jaw problems such as TMJ or sleep apnea.
Traditional braces consist primarily of metal brackets which are attached to the front surface your teeth. The brackets are connected by wires which apply constant pressure to different parts of the teeth in order to move them gradually into the desired position. During the initial treatment phase, the archwire may be tightened or adjusted more often as the teeth begin to move. In some cases, the archwire may be held in place by elastic bands (also called O-rings or Ligatures). These are usually changed at every adjustment appointment.
Some brackets do not require ligatures to hold the archwire in place. Some brackets are made from a special nickel titanium alloy with a shape-memory, which is designed for pushing or pulling the teeth according to your treatment plan.
Braces not only help teeth to move into the correct position, but they can also improve the health of the gums by eliminating the nooks and crevices where toothbrush bristles can hide food. This can reduce plaque, which is a major risk factor for gum diseases and other dental problems.
During your orthodontic treatment, you will be taught how to brush and shave around your braces. These skills will serve you well long after your braces are removed, resulting in better oral hygiene habits and a reduced risk of gum disease, tooth decay and other dental problems.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a way to straighten teeth without the use of traditional metal braces. This treatment uses clear plastic braces that are almost indiscernible to others. It is a convenient and discreet option for orthodontics. It can treat a range of bite issues and tooth alignment problems, from mild crowding up to large gaps between the teeth. It can also improve your smile’s functionality, which can boost your confidence.
The process begins by the orthodontist creating digital impressions of each patient’s teeth with 3D imaging. These impressions will be used to create an Invisalign custom treatment plan for each individual patient, which will indicate the steps their teeth should take in order to reach a better position. The orthodontist then sends the digital impressions to the laboratory, who will use them to make a set of Invisalign clear trays for each individual patient. These trays must be worn for a few weeks before the next one in the series is used.
Unlike traditional braces, the trays can be easily removed for brushing and flossing. This can help patients maintain good oral hygiene during treatment, which is essential for preventing gum disease and other problems. Invisalign is also more comfortable than traditional braces as there aren’t any wires or brackets that can cause discomfort.
The orthodontist gives each patient instructions on how and when to wear their Invisalign trays. They should be worn 22 hours a day, except when eating or brushing teeth. The orthodontist can provide you with cleaning solutions that will help keep your trays clean. The orthodontist provides retainers after the treatment to maintain the results.
Retainers
After undergoing orthodontic treatment to correct their alignment, many people will require retainers. These dental appliances are designed to preserve the results of the straightening process and help prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions. To maximize the benefits of treatment, it is important that the patient wears their retainers according to instructions.
Retainers help to maintain the alignment of teeth
After braces are removed, patients will need to wear a retainer until their teeth have settled into their new positions. Typically, it will take longer for the teeth to settle than the gums and bones surrounding them. By wearing a retaining device, you can speed up the process and keep your smile healthy and beautiful.
In addition to preserving the alignment of individual teeth, retainers also help stabilize bite problems, including overbites and underbites. These are common issues that can affect a patient’s oral health and may lead to a variety of problems, such as teeth grinding, jaw pain, tooth decay, and gum disease. By wearing your retainer as directed, you can avoid these complications and ensure that your teeth remain aligned for life.
Retainers promote good oral hygiene
Retainers can be a great tool to promote proper brushing and flossing habits for patients with straightened teeth. They can make it easier to reach between the gaps and brush teeth thoroughly, which will reduce plaque accumulation, the risk of cavities, and the onset of gum disease. Additionally, a retainer can help you avoid the habit of teeth grinding (bruxism), which can cause severe headaches and damage your teeth.
A retainer can also help to correct speech and breathing issues caused by misaligned teeth. A person with an overbite can have difficulty breathing or pronouncing certain words. By wearing a retainer, you will be able to address this issue and improve your overall oral health.
You can choose between removable and permanent retainers. Discuss your options with an orthodontist. Permanent retainers, on the other hand, are bonded onto your front teeth. A dental professional will create an impression of your mouth using a soft, putty-like material, and then use this impression to make a custom fit retainer for you.