INVISIBLE BRACES
Are you unhappy with the alignment of your teeth?
Is there a space between your teeth?
Do you have teeth crowding in one spot
If the answer is yes to any of the above questions, you have probably already thought about receiving orthodontic treatment (Braces or Invisalign)
Misaligned teeth can cause a number of health issues, discomfort, and can lower your confidence.Few people are lucky enough to be born with perfectly aligned teeth. But for the rest of us we at Ur’s Toothfully provides consultations to assess individual case and provide all orthodontic treatment options possible so that you can have a gorgeous smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you experience any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:
♦ Overbite – where the upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth.
♦ Underbite – where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back.
♦ Crossbite – when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally.
♦ Open bite – space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
♦ Spacing – gaps between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not ‘fill up’ the mouth.
♦ Crowding – when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.
♦ Misplaced midline – when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth.
♦ Pain and tenderness in Temporomandibular Joint or the Jaw joint.
The Orthodontic corrections are made through the use of appliances such as
1.Metallic Braces-
Metal braces are the most popular and traditional orthodontic treatment using fixed metal brackets and arch-wires to align the teeth.
2.Ceramic /Tooth Colored Braces-
The newer types of braces that are being preferred by teenagers and adults are the Ceramic braces/ Tooth coloured which reduce the unsightly appearance of metallic brackets since the ceramic closely matches the color of the teeth. They are just as strong as metallic braces and don’t stain. These brackets are complimented by white metal or clear plastic ties to further create the impression of clear or less visible braces.
3.Lingual Braces-
It is also possible to completely hide the braces by fitting the brackets on the inside surfaces of teeth and these are called lingual braces. Apart from the obvious appeal that these braces are not seen, they also do not rub against the lips. However they can cause considerable discomfort to the tongue and make speech and cleaning difficult.
4.Invisalign or Clear Aligners-
Invisalign or Clear aligners is a very popular treatment option to achieve straighter teeth and a healthier mouth. Invisalign is the invisible way to straighten your teeth without braces. It uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually straighten teeth without metal or wires hence providing a discreet and convenient option for teens and adults with mild to moderate orthodontic concerns. An easy way to describe them is that “Invisalign are like contact lenses for teeth”.
How does Invisalign works?
These aligners are so clear so that no one can tell that you that you are straightening your teeth. One needs to wear each set of aligners for about two weeks and 22 hours per day, removing them only to eat, drink, brush and floss. You can brush and floss your teeth like normal and there are no dietary restrictions not to mention there is reduced risk of tooth decay and staining. As we replace each aligner with the next in series, your teeth will move-little by little, week by week- until they have straightened into the final desired position. You will have to visit out specialist every 6 weeks to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned. The total treatment time averages between 9-15 months , but this varies from case to case.
Orthodontic treatment may begin as early as four or five years old, or can even begin well into adulthood. Generally early intervention is ideal as a young patient is still growing, which makes it easier to correct minor issues and may prevent more extensive orthodontic procedures later in life. On average, treatment begins between nine and 12 years of age.
On average most people wear braces for 1-3 years depending on growth and severity of mal-alignment . It also is affected by your cooperation including maintaining good oral hygiene, the right diet and regular follow-up appointments.
The braces specialist (orthodontist) will first asses your bite, alignment and obtain photos and X-rays to determine which treatment option is the best for you. Once the treatment plan is discussed, the orthodontist will take an impression of your teeth so that a custom orthodontic appliance can be made. At the next appointment, the appliance will be fitted and you will be provided with proper care instructions. Initially you may experience some minor pain, discomfort and speech difficulty. However this will subside and disappear after two weeks. You will then need to come for regular follow-up appointments till the desired result is achieved