This field of dentistry helps in bringing perfect and confident smile by arranging the irregularly placed teeth with the help of wires and brackets. The teeth are moved accordingly to the pressure and bone remodeling occurs. The perfect age to start a orthodontic treatment will be from 12-13 years and in some cases it is recommended after the completion of face growth. Maintaining the oral hygiene is more important in orthodontic treatment, as it may lead to food depositions and caries around the brackets if not cleaned and maintained properly. The materials involved in the treatment include brackets, arch wires, orthodontic bands.
Braces are of two different types:
Metal braces are the common, most noticeable and least expensive braces comparatively.
Ceramic braces are tooth colored braces that are less noticeable and expensive. It is more susceptible to breakage, hence care should be taken in ceramic braces to avoid hard foods and injury due to sports. Maintaining the diet is more important in ceramic braces as it is more prone to stains.
Orthodontic treatment with both metal and ceramic braces will need a time period of one to one and a half years.
Clear aligners are set of custom made mouth guards that are removable and invisible. It is completely covers the teeth and are made up of polyurethane plastic and there are no food restrictions. Clear aligners are commonly advised for adults and teenagers those who are conscious of their looks. Clear aligners should be worn for 20 to 22 hours a day. The complete treatment might take 6 to 24 months.
After the completion of orthodontic treatment, retainers are must to hold the teeth in their positions and a periodic check up with the dentist helps in maintaining the smile and oral hygiene.