What is Orthodontics & What are the Different Orthodontic Treatments?

The building block for a beautiful and healthy smile is appropriately aligned and straightened teeth. However, not all of us are lucky enough to have straight, lined-up teeth naturally. Crooked teeth can lead to incorrect bites, gum disease, and tooth decay. Orthodontic treatment will relieve pain, improve your bite, and prevent serious dental procedures in the future. Visit us at Smile Huntington for a consultation on orthodontics.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a dental treatment done to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. The therapy focuses on crowded, crooked, irregular bites and overly spaced teeth. In such cases, the treatment will gradually change the position of your teeth to the correct place. The treatment is done by an orthodontist who has undergone extra training for two to three years after dental school.

What are the Different Types of Orthodontic Treatments?

There are quite a several orthodontic treatment options. Our orthodontist at 11743 will lay down for you at the table. The treatments will depend on your condition and the benefits they will give you. Here are different types of orthodontic treatment.

1) Braces

Braces have been existing in different forms, including metal, self-ligating, or clear braces. They will shift your teeth into place using a combination of bands, brackets, and wires. How do they work? The brackets are attached to the front of your teeth. Bands are anchors held in place around the teeth. The arch wires are what connect the brackets to the bands. Braces can be fixed or removable. Various types of braces include:

• Lingual Braces: Lingual braces are similar to metal braces but are applied on the inner side of the bite. They are invisible from the outside unless one opens their mouth. Lingual braces are not ideal for severe orthodontic issues.
• Metal Braces: Known as traditional braces, kids commonly use metal braces because of their affordability. Their brackets are attached to the teeth and connected with a wire.
• Self-ligating Braces: These braces have a bracket and wire system that is significantly functional. They are considered less painful compared to the other options.

2) Invisalign

Invisalign are alternative to braces and is gaining popularity for its flexibility, invisibility, and short-term treatment. They can be used on adults who didn’t get to have traditional braces as a child. Invisalign is usually recommended to patients with misaligned teeth but minor bite issues. They focus on moving teeth discreetly without significantly altering their alignment and location. When you are on your Invisalign treatment, our dentist in Huntington will create a series of plastic aligners that will move your teeth slowly.

The aligners are custom-made for every patient using unique computer imaging technology. Each aligner is made to last for one or two weeks, and the whole treatment will take 12 to 18 months. Invisalign can be removed when brushing and eating. They don’t have any dietary restrictions on sticky, hard, or crunchy foods. Visit our orthodontist in Huntington, NY, for more information about Invisalign aligners.

3) Headgear

This orthodontic treatment focuses on rectifying the placement of back teeth while treating the front ones. Patients can only wear headgear at night and evening since many things cannot be done while on. The headgear should only be used under the recommendation of an orthodontist, or they may cause your front teeth to protrude. Headgear helps speed up orthodontic treatments in time-consuming and complex situations. They also provide extra pressure on back teeth. While headgears aren’t the most attractive treatment, it can be of benefit.

4) Jaw Orthognathic Surgery

This is a jaw surgery done to align your lower and upper jaw. It is recommended for patients with a large jaw divergence size. Additionally, the treatment may be done if your jaws have an abnormal connection with your skull.

5) Retainers

Retainers are used at the end of your treatment. They aim to hold the straightened teeth in place as your gum tissues and bones adjust to their new position. Retainers are either fixed or removable. You will likely have them on full-time for at least four to six months. After that, the dentist will wear them at night for the rest of your life. A significant advantage of retainers is that they help keep your teeth in position for effective results.

Visit an Orthodontist Near You

Orthodontic treatment can be done within a year. However, one has to adhere to several conditions such as oral hygiene, diet, and having these appliances on as guided by the orthodontist. To get orthodontics near Huntington Station, call us or book an appointment with our dental office near you and experience customized treatment!