Learn more about the types of orthodontic treatments available for correcting oral disorders near you

Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that deals with correcting and straightening teeth’s alignment. The person who specializes in orthodontics is known as an orthodontist. They have been trained to treat a wide variety of teeth, jaw, and face-related issues.

Those who have misaligned teeth reportedly have lower self-esteem and confidence because they are afraid of opening their mouths and smiling in front of other people. A timely appointment with your orthodontist will help rectify teeth alignment issues and rebuild your confidence. Read more below about the different types of orthodontic treatments available for fixing dental issues.

Dental Braces

• Dental braces are used by orthodontists to correct the alignment and straightening of the teeth. Braces put pressure on the teeth, and move them in the desired direction. While the majority get their braces when they are younger, adults can get braces too. Braces these days are hardly noticeable and offer excellent results in a short time.

There are three main types of braces: Metal braces, lingual braces, and self-ligating braces. Among these three, the most commonly used are the metal braces. The orthodontist fixes metal braces on the teeth and uses a metal wire to put corrective pressure on the teeth.

• Lingual braces are applied on the inner side of the teeth and work similarly to metal braces. Unlike metal braces that use small elastic bands to keep the metal wire in place, self-ligating braces use a built-in system. Thus they are easier to clean and require fewer visits to the orthodontist.

Invisalign

• Although not as widely used as braces, Invisalign is a type of invisible aligner which has the same effect on teeth like braces. It is transparent, hence known as Invisalign. It is user-friendly and can be worn by a large number of people. The only downside to owning an Invisalign is that it is expensive.

Headgear

• Headgear is one of the less preferred types of orthodontic treatments. It is used for people who primarily need the realignment of their back teeth. It also affects the front teeth and makes sure all the teeth have been corrected properly. Headgear can only be worn during the evening and the night because it limits one’s ability to do other tasks. If used improperly, it will cause the front teeth to protrude outwards.

Retainers

• Orthodontists usually recommend retainers as the final step of the teeth alignment treatment. Most of the prescribed retainers are of the removable type, whereas some are fixed as well.

Retainers are made according to the patients’ teeth and jaw structure, thus each patient’s retainers are unique only to them. Retainers hold the teeth in a specific place and make sure this change is permanent. Orthodontists recommend that retainers be used regularly to ensure maximum benefit of the orthodontic treatment.

Orthognathic Treatment

• For some patients, their jaws are abnormally positioned and as a result, their teeth appear out of alignment. To fix this, an orthognathic treatment is recommended. It is a surgical process, that involves repositioning either one or both the jaws.

Teeth Extraction

• Sometimes, an orthodontist may recommend teeth extraction prior to starting the treatment. This is usually done in children who still have their milk teeth. Teeth extraction creates the necessary space for permanent teeth to grow. This method also ensures that the permanent teeth grow properly, and are in perfect alignment.

If you are worried about your dental issues, then get in touch with us today. We, at Icon Dental Center, are a team of highly qualified orthodontics specialists working in Everett and Seattle for the past several years. Our customers love our professionalism, and how quickly they are able to see the positive results. Call us today at 206-225-2882 with your queries or to book an appointment.