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Have you ever felt self-conscious about your misaligned teeth or crooked smile? Or perhaps you have experienced discomfort due to a bite issue. If so, orthodontic treatment may be the solution for achieving a more confident and healthier smile.
But with all the different types of orthodontic braces and treatments available, it can be overwhelming to determine which option is right for you.
Let’s break down the various types of orthodontic treatments, especially traditional braces, and what you can expect when you opt for this method. Additionally, we will also talk about an orthodontist in Eugene, OR, who offers top-quality orthodontic treatments.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities.
This area of dentistry primarily deals with ‘bite’ issues or malocclusions. These can include underbites, overbites, crossbites, open bites, misplaced midlines, and other conditions that can cause problems with your oral health and appearance.
Orthodontic treatments can help correct these issues and improve your overall oral health and aesthetics.
Exploring Different Types of Orthodontic Braces
Multiple orthodontic treatments are available today, each designed to address specific dental problems. These include:
Braces
Braces are the most frequently used orthodontic treatment. Braces use brackets, bands, and wires to realign your teeth to the desired positions gradually.
Based on individual needs, there are several braces, including traditional metal braces and clear or ceramic braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, including popular brands like Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®, are an appealing alternative to traditional braces. These systems utilize a series of tailor-made, transparent aligner trays instead of brackets and wires to straighten teeth.
Generally, each set of trays is worn for one or two weeks before replacing them with the next set in the series, gradually moving your teeth to their correct positions.
Retainers
Once you complete your journey with braces or clear aligners, a retainer becomes necessary to maintain the results you achieve. A custom-made oral device, a retainer, prevents your teeth from reverting to their previous positions.
Your orthodontist will guide you on how frequently you must wear your retainer to preserve your treatment’s outcomes.
Palate Expanders
Primarily recommended for children whose facial bones are still growing and are easier to manipulate, palate expanders assist in widening a child’s upper jaw.
While not all children need this treatment, these devices can create additional space under certain circumstances, eliminating the need for tooth extractions or other procedures.
What are Traditional Braces?
Traditional braces have existed for decades and remain the most popular choice for orthodontic patients. They consist of metal brackets attached to each tooth and connected by a wire.
This wire is periodically tightened by your orthodontist, gradually helping to align your teeth and jaw to their correct positions.
What to Expect with Traditional Braces
Here is what you can expect when getting traditional braces.
Consultation and Placement
Your journey with traditional braces will begin with a consultation where your orthodontist will thoroughly examine your teeth and jaw using X-rays, photographs, and impressions. This information will be used to develop a precise treatment plan.
The process of placing the braces involves:
- Cleaning and drying your teeth
- Applying a bonding glue (which might taste unpleasant but is harmless)
- Attaching the brackets
The wire is then threaded through the brackets, and rubber bands are used to secure it.
Regular Adjustments
After the placement, you must visit your orthodontist regularly (typically every 4-6 weeks) for adjustments. These appointments involve changing the rubber bands and tightening the wire. While these appointments may cause some discomfort, they are crucial for the success of your treatment.
Duration of Treatment
The duration of treatment with traditional braces varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the issue and how quickly your body responds to treatment. Generally, patients wear braces for about 1 to 3 years.
Post-Treatment Retention
Once your braces are removed, you will have to wear a retainer. The retainer helps to maintain the new position of your teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions.
Orthodontist in Eugene, OR
Orthodontics is more than just straightening teeth. It is about improving your oral health and boosting your self-confidence with a smile you proudly show off.
Whether you are dealing with crowded teeth, an overbite, or gaps in your teeth, our highly trained and exceptionally skilled orthodontist at 360 Dental can help. At 360 Dental, we offer a wide range of orthodontic treatments designed to cater to your individual needs and preferences. Our orthodontist will guide you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to the final reveal of your new smile.
For more information or to schedule a consultation with one of our providers, contact us today at (541) 689-1645 or alternatively fill out our online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
