Orthodontists are fully-trained to correct the alignment of teeth and jaws. This ensures your smile looks great and that your bite functions properly.
However, orthodontic treatment can be emotionally and physically draining. A healthy work-life balance is essential for any orthodontist San Antonio to avoid burnout. Finding a well-run DSO like CDP can relieve some of the strain and allow you to focus on changing lives with your unique skills.
Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment improves the overall function of your teeth and jaw, not just your smile. Correcting bite irregularities minimizes stress on your teeth and jaw, which can help prevent future dental issues like gum disease and tooth loss. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce your risk for cavities and gingivitis.
Crowded teeth and a misaligned jaw can lead to hard-to-reach spaces that trap food particles and bacteria, resulting in an increased risk for gum disease. In addition, crooked teeth are more difficult to floss, which can contribute to plaque build-up and gum disease.
Orthodontic treatments include metal braces, clear aligners, headgear and palate expanders. These appliances apply constant pressure to your teeth and jaw, gradually shifting them into place over time. Your orthodontist will perform a medical and dental history evaluation, take digital scans, photographs and/or dental X-rays of your mouth, and design a customized treatment plan to address your unique needs.
Braces
Misaligned teeth can lead to an improper bite, causing strain on the jaw and leading to pain. Braces help to improve bite function and reduce symptoms of jaw pain.
Crooked teeth can create tight spaces where plaque and bacteria thrive, increasing the risk of gum disease. Braces can straighten teeth, allowing for better brushing and flossing, and decreasing the chance of long-term dental issues.
Braces consist of a series of components including brackets, arch wires, and elastic bands. The arch wire is used to apply gentle, consistent pressure over time to move the teeth into their correct positions. The brackets are small squares that are bonded to the front of each tooth and can be made from stainless steel, ceramic, or tooth-coloured plastic. They have a central slot that holds the arch wire. The arch wire is secured to the brackets using ligatures or elastic bands, which can be clear or metal. In some cases, your orthodontist San Antonio may recommend headgear, a horseshoe-shaped wire tool that attaches to the band on your upper back teeth and connects to a strap at the back of your neck.
Invisalign
Invisalign offers a more discreet alternative to traditional braces. The clear plastic aligners are thin, transparent and custom-made to fit your mouth. They are also removable, which makes them more convenient for eating and drinking (except water). When worn regularly, they apply a gentle pressure to the teeth that encourages remodelling of the bone around the roots to straighten the smile.
The process begins with an initial consultation and a 3D scan using state-of-the-art technology. This enables us to create an accurate model of your teeth so that we can tailor your treatment plan.
Throughout the treatment, you will receive a series of clear plastic aligners which are changed every week. They should be worn for at least 22 hours a day and removed only to eat, drink and brush your teeth. Regular check-ups are also carried out to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Invisalign can treat a wide range of misalignment problems including crowding, spacing and mild bite issues.
Retainers
Generally speaking, patients are required to wear retainers for a period of time following orthodontic treatment. This allows teeth to settle in their new positions and reduces the likelihood of relapse.
There are different types of retainers, some fixed and others removable. One of the most popular types is the Hawley retainer. This consists of a hard plastic or acrylic piece that fits in the palate behind the upper or lower teeth and has a thin metal wire across the front to keep it in place. This type of retainer is durable and can be personalized with colors or designs.
Retainers not only preserve the alignment of teeth but also the alignment of the bite, or how the upper and lower teeth fit together when the mouth is closed. This is important because a misaligned bite can cause several problems. By wearing a retainer as directed, you can help prevent these issues and maintain your healthy smile for life!
