What Type of Orthodontic Treatment Can I Get?
Orthodontic treatments can help with a range of oral health issues and concerns, from the visual appearance of your teeth - such as teeth that are crooked or stick out - through to problems with everyday activities such as speaking and breathing.
Thanks to modern dental technology, today’s orthodontic treatments are much more discrete, comfortable and fast-acting, helping you achieve a beautiful healthy smile that improves your oral health.
Read on to discover more about the different types of orthodontic treatments available.
What are orthodontic treatments?
Orthodontic treatments are a type of dental procedure designed to straighten your teeth and correct problems with the bite (the way in which the upper and lower jaws meet when your mouth closes).
When might you need an orthodontic treatment?
You may benefit from orthodontic treatment if you have one or more of the following issues:
● Crooked teeth
● Teeth that stick out
● An improper bite
● Problems with speaking, breathing or chewing
An orthodontist can also assess teeth and jaw development in young children and manage habits such as thumb-sucking.
What types of orthodontic treatments are available?
You’ll find a wide range of orthodontic treatments available at your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice.
The type of orthodontic treatment you receive will depend on the nature of your teeth and jaws, and what you’re aiming to achieve from treatment.
Here are some of the orthodontic treatments we offer:
Fixed Dental Braces
Also known as orthodontic braces, fixed braces are made of high-quality metal or ceramic brackets that are connected by a special type of wire and attached to each tooth. Adjustments are made over the course of your treatment until your teeth are in the desired position.
Fixed braces can address issues such as crowded or crooked teeth, underbites, overbites and crossbites, limited breathing, and unevenly spaced teeth.
Treatment time for fixed braces can range from as little as six months up to 24 months, depending on the complexity of your treatment (in most cases, fixed braces are worn for 12-18 months).
Types of fixed braces include:
● Metal Braces: These are traditional style braces with metal brackets and wires. Modern metal braces are much more streamlined, comfortable and discrete than their old-school ‘train track’ counterparts.
● Ceramic Braces: Like metal braces, ceramic braces also use wires and brackets. In the case of ceramic braces, however, the brackets are a clear or off-white colour for a more natural, less visible appearance.
● Lingual Braces: Lingual braces use metal brackets and wires, but are attached to the inner surface of your teeth so they can’t be seen.
Clear Aligners
One of the most popular types of orthodontic treatments for adults, clear aligners such as Invisalign® are virtually invisible. They work by applying targeted pressure to your teeth in order to gradually move them into alignment.
The benefits of clear aligners include their practically invisible appearance, their comfortable, custom-made fit, and the fact they’re removable for added convenience. What’s more, clear aligners can usually straighten your teeth in a shorter amount of time.
Is Invisalign bad for your teeth?
No - Invisalign offers the same great benefits as traditional dental braces, but without the more visible apparatus for treatment. Using Invisalign to straighten your teeth and add confidence to your smile won’t result in any damage or problems for your teeth.
Speak to your Invisalign dentist if you have any questions or concerns.
Orthodontic Plates and Retainers
Orthodontic plates are a good option for young children who have particular problems with tooth or jaw alignment, as this treatment will carefully adjust the growth of the jawbone and arrange the teeth correctly.
An orthodontic plate or retainer is made of plastic or wire that is shaped to fit around the top or bottom teeth, in order to hold them in place or gently guide them into the desired position.
Using orthodontic plates at a young age can greatly reduce or even eliminate the need for braces later in life.
What is the best age for braces?
Many orthodontists will recommend that braces are applied between the ages of 10 and 14. This is the time when teeth are most receptive to changes, although you will need to wait until you have all of your adult teeth before getting braces.
However, anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment, and can enjoy straighter, healthier teeth and a more confident smile thanks to dental braces or Invisalign.
Make an orthodontist appointment today.
Need to make an appointment to see an orthodontist?
You can find your nearest orthodontist and book online with your local National Dental Care or DB Dental practice now. online.