Virily Editor
As well as the dentist, many people across the world visit the orthodontist for a number of reasons. People usually get orthodontic treatment to correct the alignment of their teeth. This is usually the case for those who have misshapen teeth, dental crowding, an overbite or an underbite, protruding teeth and so much more. Individuals can sometimes struggle when choosing which treatment plan to go for as they can be expensive at times. However, this largely depends on what you need and want to gain from the experience.
Getting orthodontic treatment can be a timely process so it is useful to only consider it if it has been advised by your dentist or healthcare professional. This makes going to the dentist so much more worth it as you can trust them to refer you to an orthodontic specialist. Keep reading to find out some of the options that the orthodontist can offer you.
Metal braces
One of the most popular options that all orthodontists generally offer is that of metal braces. This treatment is usually given to young adults and children as young as twelve to help correct the alignment of their teeth. This age is more common because young peoples’ faces and jaws haven’t fully settled yet, nor might they have all of their adult teeth.
Metal braces work wonderfully by straightening the teeth entirely from as little as nine months. At times, some people can actually wear them for up to five years, but this all depends on your treatment plan. Braces consist of a thin metal wire attached to metal brackets on each tooth. They work together by placing pressure on your teeth for a period of time which will, in turn, help move them in the desired direction.
It is useful to keep in mind that your orthodontist is an expert in this field, and you can trust them to make the right decision for you. They can listen to your preferences and wants, but it is important to leave the final decision for them. As previously mentioned, braces can be very expensive to get but there are finance plans available with most practices and you may even qualify for state help.
Invisible braces
Another option you can expect at your orthodontist is an invisible brace or a clear aligner in other words. Invisible braces are the perfect option for those who don’t want to experience having metal braces in their mouths for a long time. The length of the treatment plan with invisible braces also varies on your needs and requirements as a patient. The clear brace cost UK also differs depending on what treatment you need too.
The discreet nature of clear braces is what attracts adults to this type of treatment as they don’t come with the bulkiness of metal braces. They are made from BPA-free plastic trays and manufactured from a mould of your teeth and mouth. These braces go over your teeth and it is generally up to your orthodontist when you wear them. More often than not, it’s all day, every day. For others, it might only be at night. Check out Straight My Teeth for all you need to know about clear braces.
Retainers
Retainers are used primarily after a brace treatment plan or used instead of braces. They help keep your teeth straight and maintain the position that the brace left as a result of the original treatment. Experts note that the length of this orthodontic option usually varies depending on how the teeth are looking before the retainer is fixed.
The retainer comes in different versions – mainly fixed or wired. Fixed retainers are usually permanent and are stuck to the insides of your front teeth to prevent them from losing their pristine shape after brace treatment. Wired retainers on the other hand often sadly result in a relapse of treatment. For example, it is often the case that people – especially young people – lose their retainer and don’t wear it according to their orthodontist’s treatment plan. This can result in the teeth losing their new shape and going back to how they were even before treatment.
Mouthguards
Another option you can expect to see at the orthodontist is a mouthguard. These are fantastic for people who grind their teeth at night or struggle with jaw placement while they sleep. Grinding teeth at night can result in enamel wear leading to cavities and more trips to the dentist. However, mouthguards essentially act as a preventative measure to stop the top and bottom sets of teeth from grinding together. It is a viable and inexpensive option to fix such a prominent issue among many individuals.
We have discussed four of the most common options we can expect to see when we visit the orthodontist. What will you choose?
