Orthodontic is a specialized stream of dentistry that solely deals with the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion. If you are looking to get orthodontic treatment, you may be exploring the available options. We’ll help you understand them better with this brief blog.

Conventional metal braces

When you talk about orthodontic treatment, the first option that comes to mind is dental braces. They have been used to treat teeth misalignment for many years now and are among the most effective appliances. They are made of metal brackets that are firmly bonded to the teeth using dental adhesives, and wires are made to run through them. Pressure applied on the teeth is varied by tightening or loosening the wires. With braces, patients would have to stick to a particular diet, with certain foods off the plate. This helps to keep them in good working condition and prevents uneven forces from being exerted on the teeth.

Clear braces

Replacing the metal brackets and wires with clear / tooth-colored counterparts is an ingenious idea. This keeps its functionality unaltered while staying under disguise. Clear braces are preferred more by the younger generation as they can keep their orthodontic treatment discreet, which otherwise could lead to frequent embarrassment. Though they are hard to spot, they aren’t entirely invisible.

Invisalign

Out of all the available orthodontic options, perhaps the most advanced one is Invisalign. It is backed by state-of-the-art technology, which allows the dentist to map the positions of the teeth, create a simulation of how your smile would look after the treatment, track the movement of the teeth, and custom-fabricate the aligners as required. Invisalign is nothing like dental braces. In fact, it looks more like a mouthguard that athletes wear. It is made from transparent, dental-grade plastic material that has shape memory. The walls of the aligner gently apply pressure on the teeth and help them move to their orthodontically right positions. Every two weeks, the dentist will hand you a new set of aligners so that you can advance to the next stage of treatment. Based on the severity of malocclusion, the treatment can be completed within six months to a year.

Ceramic braces

Much like clear braces, ceramic braces are an aesthetically pleasing alternative to metal braces. They are composed of ceramic brackets and tooth-colored wires, making them less noticeable. In this case, the stains from colored foods and beverages are more likely, which is why sticking to a diet devoid of hard, colored, or sticky foods is crucial.

PROPEL

PROPEL is an excellent example of the advancements in the field of dentistry. It is an oral device that makes it easier for the teeth to move during orthodontic treatment and promotes better growth of the jawbone. This allows the orthodontic treatment to be completed in a shorter period, and patients with any type of malocclusion can benefit from it.

Please reach out to us on call or schedule an online appointment with our expert dental team, and we’ll be happy to assist you further.