Oral Health Link to Whole Body Health: A Blog
What Should You Know About Orthodontist Treatment Services?
Duane Kelly
If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, there are dental treatment procedures that can make them look better. These treatments are offered by specialists referred to as orthodontists. Smiling is likely an important part of your social life, meaning that seeking treatment goes a long way in building your confidence. Fortunately, orthodontists offer dental treatments like dental braces, retainers and dental headgear. Here is what you need to know about these dental treatments:
Dental Braces
Braces are used to treat crooked teeth (teeth that have rotated) and misaligned teeth (overbites, underbite and crossbites). You might come across three fixed braces and two removable options. The fixed dentures include traditional metal, lingual and ceramic/porcelain braces, while the removable options include Invisalign braces.
Let your orthodontist examine you to determine which braces will work best. Sometimes, it might only be one, meaning you won't be required to make a choice. If your orthodontist finds that several braces might be effective to treat your condition, you may be required to make a choice based on preference, aesthetics and cost. If you have problems making a choice, the orthodontist can help.
There is, however, some information worth noting. If you despise the taste of metal, traditional metal and lingual braces might not be for you. Because of their material, you might be required to get used to how they taste. Likewise, Invisalign braces are not for everyone. They are best suited for minor teeth misalignment cases in adults, not children. Discipline is also required because Invisalign braces are removable; you need to wear them for at least 22 hours every day.
Retainers
Retainers are used after your braces have done their job in aligning your teeth and are removed. They help prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original position; this is referred to as a relapse. You may come across a permanent or temporary retainer. Your dentist will recommend the best one for your particular case after examining and assessing you. How long you wear a retainer depends on your unique condition, but expect a period of up to four or six months.
Dental Headgear
Dental headgear is mostly used on children since their jaws are still developing. It is used to correct teeth overlapping and overcrowding by creating spaces in your gum. It may also be used alongside braces to ensure your teeth align correctly.
How long you wear the dental headgear depends on your condition. Therefore, follow the instructions given by your orthodontist. Likewise, contact an orthodontist for more information.
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You may have heard that cavities and oral decay are linked to things like heart disease, and, in fact, your oral health affects your entire body. Hi! My name is Brenda, and I like to look at things holistically. Because of that, I created this blog. I plan for its posts to look at the link between dental issues and other health issues. I hope that the people who visit this blog learn a few tips about oral care as well as gaining a deeper understanding of why it's so important. Healthy smiles indicate a healthy body, and I hope this blog helps you achieve both!