Many individuals have significant dental issues but are unaware of orthodontic treatments that may assist them. By 17, over 80% of Americans have suffered a cavity in the United States. This statistic is alarming, especially because many individuals are unaware of orthodontic treatments that could help them improve their dental health.
For instance, braces are an effective way to correct alignment issues and improve the overall appearance of teeth. According to statistics from Humana, around 4 million individuals in the United States wear braces, with 25% being adults. This indicates a high demand for orthodontic treatments among both children and adults.
And dental issues don’t stop with the need for dental braces, for there are several procedures that orthodontics can perform to improve teeth. Here are 5 orthodontic procedures that can help improve your oral health:
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are made of the same materials as traditional braces, but they’re attached to the back of your teeth, on the tongue. Because they’re not visible from the front, lingual braces can be a good option for people who want to straighten their teeth but don’t like the idea of wearing traditional braces. Lingual braces work the same way as conventional braces by applying pressure to your teeth and gradually moving them into the correct position.
Getting lingual braces usually takes a little longer than traditional braces because your orthodontist needs to custom-make them to fit your teeth. They’re much less visible than conventional braces, and it has much less impact on your speech as they don’t interfere with the movement of your lips.
Arch Expansion
This is used to widen the arch of your upper teeth. Arch expansion treatment is usually done with other orthodontic treatments, such as braces. It can be used to correct the following conditions:
• Crowded teeth
• Crossbite
• Narrow arch
An arch expansion appliance is usually made of metal and attached to your teeth with brackets (or bands) and wires. The expander gradually widens the arch of your teeth over time. This process usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks. The advantage of arch expansion in orthodontics is that it can help improve the overall appearance of your teeth and make them easier to clean. Also, it helps correct crossbites and narrow arch, reduces the overcrowding of teeth in the arch, and allows the patient to breathe better.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a crystal clear aligner system that uses a series of see-through plastic aligners to gently realign your teeth. It is nearly invisible, so people often don’t even know you’re wearing them. This works by gently pushing your teeth into the correct position over time. You’ll need to wear each aligner for about two weeks before moving on to the next one in the series.
Invisalign treatment usually takes about 9 to 18 months, depending on how much your teeth need to be moved. This is a fantastic alternative for people who want to straighten their teeth but are hesitant about wearing traditional braces.
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery also called orthognathic surgery, is a type of surgery that corrects conditions of the jaw and face that can’t be fixed with braces. It is usually done in conjunction with orthodontic treatment. This kind of surgery is usually done to correct one or more of the following conditions:
• Protruding jaw
• Receding chin
• Cleft palate
• Asymmetrical face
Jaw surgery can be a very effective way to improve the appearance of your face and jaws and correct any functional problems you may have with chewing, biting, or speaking. The procedure involves:
- Making incisions in the mouth.
- Breaking the jawbone.
- Moving it into the correct position.
After jaw surgery, you’ll need to wear braces or other dental devices to hold your teeth and jaws in their new positions while they heal.
Lip/Cheek Bumpers
Lip and cheek bumpers are made of soft plastic or rubber and placed inside your lips or cheeks to prevent them from touching your teeth. They’re usually used with other orthodontic treatments, such as braces. Lip and cheek bumpers are most often used to treat the following conditions:
• Crowded teeth
• Gaps between teeth
Lip and cheek bumpers are usually worn for 6 to 8 weeks. The advantage of lip and cheek bumpers is that they can help improve the overall appearance of your teeth and make them easier to clean.
Bonding
Bonding is a dental restoration used to improve your teeth’s appearance. It’s also used to protect your teeth from damage and decay. Bonding can be done on both front and back teeth.
The bonding process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. The tooth is roughened first. This aids the bonding material in sticking better to the tooth. Then, a spongy-like resin is applied to the teeth and molded to form the required shape. Once the wax has set, it’s polished to match the rest of your teeth.
The result is a natural-looking, tooth-colored filling that can help improve the appearance of your smile. Bonding is usually done to improve the following:
• Discolored teeth
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Worn down teeth
• Gaps between teeth
All in All
All of these procedures are important in maintaining good dental care. While all these procedures are important in maintaining good dental care, each person may have different needs based on their unique mouth and teeth. Regular dental visits are essential because they allow your dentist to identify problems early and provide excellent treatment to prevent more severe problems from developing.
