Some people avoid going to the dentist because they are scared that they will need dental work done. You may have had a provider in the dental industry tell you that you should seek out an orthodontist for further treatment. This may lead to further fear about cost, anxiety about the treatment, and more delay.
But, did you know that orthodontic treatments could really help you with the dental concerns you’re facing? Sometimes, it is necessary to see a specialist to get the help you need.
Below, you can learn about common orthodontic treatments and tools (as well as when they would most commonly be necessary). If you’re not sure about visiting your local orthodontist, you should keep reading.
Braces
Braces are a common reason that someone might visit the orthodontist, especially since they have been used for over 1,000 years now to get straighter teeth.
There are different types of braces that you might want to consider, including metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Your local orthodontist will be able to help you figure out which type is the right choice for you based on price, the correction needed, and other factors.
Clear Aligners
The most famous clear aligner brand out there is Invisalign, although other contenders have also started to gain increased popularity as well.
The main benefit of clear aligners is that they can help straighten teeth, like braces, but they are removable for eating and drinking. In addition to that, they are also relatively unnoticeable as well, which makes them a desirable treatment option.
Headgear
Headgear is a commonly used orthodontic appliance that will help with jaw alignment and growth. In addition to this, headgear can also help with correcting bite concerns or malocclusion.
Usually, this is something that will be prescribed to children that are still growing. The jawbones will be gradually formed into the right position with the proper use of the headgear, preventing future orthodontic treatment, like surgery, from being necessary.
Mini-Implants
Dental implants are designed to replace teeth that had to be removed from the mouth. Mini-implants are the same thing, but they are smaller. Structurally, they provide the same support to the mouth, however.
Since mini-implants are smaller, orthodontists will use a one-piece screen that is less than 3mm in thickness. Placing mini-implants is also less invasive than placing regular implants because they are placed over the gum surface (rather than underneath the surface).
Retainers
These are custom-made devices made of wires or plastic that will hold the teeth in the right position following other orthodontic procedures. They help to make sure that teeth don’t get moved around after treatment for misaligned teeth is already completed, such as braces or aligners.
Because they have to fit on the patient’s teeth precisely, these are made for each patient as needed. Two people would never have the exact same retainer as a result, making these a fairly special orthodontic treatment.
Jaw Surgery
Jaw surgery is usually done to correct a problem that is causing dysfunction, pain, or excessive wear. Typically, an orthodontist would choose to do this to alleviate or prevent further problems from popping up later.
Some common issues that may result in jaw surgery include:
- Chronic jaw or joint pain
- Difficulty eating
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Difficulty swallowing
- Incorrect facial symmetry (underbite, crossbite, etc.)
- Facial trauma
It’s wise to have an orthodontist you trust for this type of procedure since it can be quite scary. You’ll want to start by hiring the right orthodontist for the job. After that, make sure that you ask any questions you might have to be as comfortable as possible before your surgery date.
Orthodontic Treatments Can Help You
There are a lot of orthodontic treatments out there to treat a variety of concerns, so it’s a good idea to make an appointment if you think one (or more) of these things may help you. There is no need to continue living in pain or discomfort; consult a professional today!
If you found this article useful, take a look at other health-related posts on our blog next for additional information.
