Orthodontics: Get the Smile You Always Wanted
Orthodontics makes it possible for you to have straighter teeth. The importance of having straight teeth goes way beyond improving your appearance, straighter teeth also promote good oral health. Crooked teeth are harder to clean since some teeth surfaces might be covered with overlapping teeth. That makes people with teeth alignment issues more susceptible to tooth decay.
Popular treatments used in orthodontics
There have been many innovations in the field of orthodontics the past few decades, and these have led to more options for those looking to put their teeth alignment issues behind them. The more common appliances patients get to choose from include:
1. Traditional braces
These orthodontic appliances have been around for over a century, and they can be used to treat moderate to severe teeth alignment problems from crooked teeth to overbites. Braces consist of two main parts: Metal brackets that are placed on each of the patient's teeth, and metal wires that are used to link all the brackets. When the wires are tightened, the brackets push down on the wearer's teeth, slowly moving them towards a more desirable position.
Pros:
- Braces are the most versatile orthodontic device used to straighten teeth
- Braces are not removable once installed, making it a better option for young patients who might not be disciplined enough to use other orthodontic appliances
- Braces can be customized to suit the patient's personal style
Cons:
- Braces make it harder to clean teeth, making the wearer more vulnerable to tooth decay
- Braces are very conspicuous
- Braces tend to be more uncomfortable than other popular orthodontic devices like clear aligners
2. Clear aligners
Here is a more subtle way to go about dealing with teeth alignment issues. Clear aligners work using the same principles that make traditional braces work. The device applies pressure on the wearer's teeth, pushing them towards the desired position.
The way clear braces work, the patient gets a number of trays at the start of their treatment. Each is worn for a couple of weeks before being replaced with another that applies a different pressure on the wearer's teeth.
Unlike traditional braces, clear aligners can be easily removed, so they do not get in the way of meals or oral hygiene.
Pros:
- They are more comfortable than traditional braces
- They are almost impossible to notice when a person is wearing them
- They are removable, limiting their impact on the wearer's lifestyle
Cons:
- Clear aligners are not always the best option for people who lack discipline. The appliance needs to be worn for at least 22 hours each day to get the desired results
- Children can easily lose clear aligners when they take them out
- Clear aligners can be stained by foods, so they should always be taken out before meals
Get the orthodontics you need
At Casas Adobes Dentistry, we have lots of experience improving the teeth alignment of people of all ages. Stop by our Tucson clinic to learn more about how we can straighten your smile.
Get started today!
Request an appointment here: https://www.casasadobesdentistry.com or call Casas Adobes Dentistry at (520) 365-0559 for an appointment in our Tucson office.
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