Orthodontists from smilebar.com are dental professionals who are trained to diagnose, prevent and treat problems associated with the teeth and jaw. They treat children and adults.

Braces

Many people picture braces as the traditional stainless steel brackets and wires that straighten crooked or twisted teeth. The modern versions are less noticeable, and more comfortable. This is thanks to the advances in technology. Braces are designed so that they apply constant pressure to teeth over time, gradually shifting the teeth into their proper position. This is achieved by using an archwire which runs through brackets. It acts as a guiding wire to direct the movement.

The brackets are bonded with resin-based dental adhesive to the front of each tooth. They act as the anchor points for the archwire, which is a thin metal wire that helps guide each tooth into its desired location. During each appointment, the orthodontist will add small amounts to the pressure on different areas of the mouth. This is the way they correct many problems, including gaps or overcrowding.

The periodontal membranes, which hold the teeth in place, shift as the archwire applies pressure. They stretch on one side and compress on the other, causing the teeth to loosen and move into their new positions. Once the teeth are in their proper positions, the bone remodelling process takes over. The bone grows around them and holds them in place. Braces help to create a straighter, more pleasing smile over time.

Besides fixing gapped and overcrowded teeth, braces can also adjust the height of your upper and lower jaws to fit more comfortably within your mouth. This can help correct a narrow palate or a deep bite, and may be necessary for some patients who have undergone a jaw surgery.

Some patients will need additional appliances in addition to the wires or brackets. These may include spacers or power chains. Spacers are small rubber band that attach to hooks in brackets and increase pressure. Power chains are made from multiple rubber bands that are connected together and stretch over more than one tooth to add force. If a wire is irritating and protruding, your orthodontist may place an orthodontic wax covering over it to protect the gum tissue.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. It straightens your smile using clear plastic aligners. You can remove the aligners and eat or drink whatever you like. You can also brush your teeth and floss as normal to keep them healthy while you are undergoing treatment. The process takes about six to 18 months, depending on your specific needs and the severity of your crooked teeth.

A digital scanner will be used by your doctor to create a 3D-model of your mouth. This will help him determine if you’re a good candidate for Invisalign. This will help your doctor create a customized plan that meets your goals. Invisalign uses clear resin that blends into your teeth so it is almost undetectable. During treatment, you’ll swap out your aligners for new ones periodically until you achieve the results you desire.

Crowding Invisalign can reduce crowding in your mouth by creating more room for your teeth. This can help prevent food from sticking to your teeth and can make it easy to clean them, reducing gum disease and tooth decay.

Invisalign is able to correct rotations by applying gentle force to the tooth. Invisalign is unable to fix severe rotations like a tooth that has a tip that is very pointed or extremely curved.

Your orthodontist may give you a series clear, removable aligners. During your treatment, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly for them to check your smile progress and give you new aligners. You will need to wear your aligners for at least 20 to 24 hours per day. Some patients may even need to wear them more frequently.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery, or corrective jaw surgery, is used to treat severe bite issues and facial imbalances that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment (braces). It can also improve the ability of a patient to speak, eat, breathe, and chew.

The first step in determining if you are a candidate for surgical orthodontics is a comprehensive evaluation with your orthodontist and oral surgeon. They will take diagnostic photos and x rays and examine your jaws and facial structures. They can plan the procedure using these images and plaster models of your teeth.

Before any surgery, your orthodontist will treat you with braces to realign your teeth and prepare them for the procedure. You will wear these braces until the time of your surgery, which is typically scheduled after you have finished growing. This is important because it ensures that the surgical results will not change due to continued bone growth.

You will be required to stay in hospital for a period of one to three days after your orthognathic operation. During this time you will be on a fluid or soft diet so that your bones can heal. After your recovery, you will visit your orthodontist to receive post-surgical braces. In this phase, the orthodontist stabilizes the skeletal movements and finishes and details the dental occlusion.

Depending on the situation, additional procedures could be needed to achieve optimal outcomes. This may include chin and cheek augmentations, to alter the shape of your facial features, or lip augmentations, to enhance the appearance your smile. Additionally, nasal or sinister surgery may be required to treat problems like a deviated Septum, enlarged Turbinates or sleep apnea.

Surgical orthodontics is a complex process, but your orthodontist will work with you to make it as simple as possible. You can achieve a healthy, confident look by working together. To learn more about how to improve your smile and the options available to you, contact our orthodontist office. We can help you make an appointment with both an orthodontist and an oral surgeon to determine the best treatment for you.

Retainers

Retainers are clear or acrylic devices that fit snugly over or behind a person’s teeth to minimize their tendency to shift back to their original positions. They are the final step in a patient’s orthodontic treatment and help them maintain their beautiful smile. The retainers should be worn daily by the patient to maintain the results of their treatment.

Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, can correct misaligned teeth and straighten them. It takes time for the gums and bones to adjust to the changes. If a person fails to wear their retainers according to the instructions, they risk losing the straight smile they have worked so hard to achieve.

A person can choose from a variety of retainer types. Some people prefer the traditional Hawley retention, which is made of wire attached to acrylic or plastic. Some people may prefer a clear retainer, such as Essix. It has no wire and is just as durable.

To make a retention device, an orthodontist takes a dental mold of the patient’s bite and teeth. They then build the device based upon the new alignment of teeth.

Some people prefer removable retainers because they can be cleaned easily. However, it is important to floss and brush around it as food can get stuck. Patients should avoid chewing on it because this can damage or break the device. Bring it to your orthodontist at least once a yearly for an evaluation and cleaning.

A fixed retainer cannot be removed. It is bonded onto the patient’s teeth. Orthodontists use this method when they feel that the teeth have a high chance of shifting back into their original positions. The main advantage of this type of retainer is that it is not susceptible to accidental removal, which can occur with a removable retainer. Fixed retainers are also beneficial for improving oral hygiene, as they allow you to clean hard-to-reach areas of your mouth that are otherwise difficult to clean using a toothbrush.