Did you know that over four million people in the United States wear braces of some sort? Orthodontic treatment has become more and more popular over the years and is now a standard rite of passage for many people in their childhood and teens. Even so, up to a quarter of orthodontic patients are adults.
Have you ever wondered about the different types of orthodontic treatments that you can use to fix your teeth? Here are some of the most well-known options for bite issues and teeth straightening, from fixed braces to clear aligners.
Interceptive Treatment
Although the most popular age bracket for braces is teenagers, interception treatment is becoming a more popular option for parents who want to get ahead of the game. This involves orthodontic solutions while your child is still growing to prevent further issues with their smile.
The idea is that you can find and correct dental problems early in your child’s life. This will prevent major problems like bite issues and major crookedness in teeth later down the road.
Since any orthodontic treatment requires time, commitment, and money, it is important that you know more about interceptive orthodontic treatment before you make any decisions. You should also consult with your dentist or an orthodontist you can trust.
When your child enters their teenage years, they will thank you for saving them the pain of wearing braces, rubber bands, or headgear similar to their peers.
Having orthodontic intervention from an early age may also teach your children how to care for their teeth and set them up for a lifetime of good oral hygiene. You can rest assured that your investment will not go to waste.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are by far still the most common method of teeth straightening for orthodontic patients. These involve metal brackets that the doctor glues on top of your teeth.
The brackets are connected by wires and usually supported by metal bands placed around your back molars to keep the braces in place. In addition, the orthodontist places rubber brands on top of the brackets to hold everything together.
Generally, you will need to visit the orthodontist once every few weeks to get your braces tightened. This means that they will shift even further into their straightened formation and bite.
In addition to the braces, you may need other interventions to correct bite issues, such as rubber bands. Your orthodontist will instruct you to place the bands on your back teeth to create tension and pull your front teeth in a different direction. This can correct an overbite, an underbite, or a crossbite.
One way to make the braces process fun is that you can usually choose the type of rubber bands that you want. Some doctors will give you color palettes for holidays, such as red and green for Christmas or orange and black for Halloween.
In terms of cost, traditional braces are definitely the most budget-friendly option. They are also covered by most dental insurance plans, so you can save a significant amount on the final bill if the orthodontist is within your insurance network.
Clear Aligners
If you have orthodontic problems, it may be difficult to wear braces that are visible to the world. Clear aligners are a great solution if you want the ease of teeth straightening, but with a more aesthetic effect.
Similar to when you get traditional braces, your orthodontist will get an impression of your bite to create your first trays for your clear aligners. Rather than getting the braces tightened every month, you will have to switch out aligners throughout your treatment.
You need to remove your aligners when you eat or drink anything besides water. This means that you must have the discipline to keep the aligners in your mouth for around 22 hours every day, even when you are sleeping.
Depending on your orthodontic problems, clear aligners such as Invisalign can have a similar timeline to braces. You also need to consistently wash and sanitize your clear aligners so you do not have issues with bacteria buildup that could cause cavities.
Make sure to check with your insurance provider before you commit to clear aligners. Coverage may differ depending on what you need and how long your treatment plan has to be to fix your teeth.
Lingual Braces
One option that you may not hear a lot about is lingual braces. These braces are placed behind the teeth, meaning that you cannot see them when you smile.
Like clear aligners, there is a massive aesthetic benefit of lingual braces, especially if you are self-conscious about your smile already. You can receive orthodontic treatment and no one will know about it.
When it comes to treatment time, however, lingual braces tend to take a bit longer because they shift your teeth more slowly. Therefore, you will have to deal with fixed braces for months or even years more than you would with traditional braces.
In addition, lingual braces can be more uncomfortable. This is because they are on the back of your teeth, so they may scrape against your tongue when you talk and eat.
Because of the longer treatment time and the type of materials used, they are also more expensive. Be prepared to make more of an investment if you choose lingual braces. You should definitely consider if the benefits outweigh the drawbacks as well.
Choose From The Best Orthodontic Treatments
If you are trying to figure out the right way to solve your orthodontic problems, you should not have to worry too much about making the best choice. With these options for orthodontic treatments, you can ensure that you have the best teeth straightening method.
Want to learn more about oral hygiene and how you can improve your smile? Check out our site for more tips and tricks to have the best oral health possible.
