Visiting your orthodontist Stoke-on-Trent is important for two reasons. Firstly, orthodontic treatment significantly improves the appearance of your smile. Second and more importantly, it also helps promote better oral health for life.
In the past, there has been a strong reluctance amongst adults who had not undergone orthodontic treatment as a child to undergo orthodontic treatment as an adult. To help combat this issue, the last few decades have seen the introduction and establishment of many different types of dental braces. These braces are discreet and comfortable yet highly effective at straightening teeth and correcting the aesthetic issues that may be affecting your smile.
In doing so, orthodontic treatment helps promote overall well-being since research has shown that dental health issues affect all aspects of life, including both mental and physical health.
How does orthodontic treatment work?
Conventional orthodontic treatment consists of dental braces that are composed of metal brackets and wires. The brackets are fixed to your teeth whilst the wires are then attached to the brackets. The wires are then adjusted over time, exerting pressure on the brackets to move the teeth into a better and more suited position. Many similar types of braces have now been introduced to help encourage the adult population to address the aesthetic issues of their teeth and improve their oral health.
By speaking to your orthodontist, you can find out more about the options that are available for you. For successful orthodontic treatment, you must have clean teeth and healthy gums; therefore, you will have to undergo a thorough examination with your dentist, who will usually refer you to the orthodontist to first address any dental issues where necessary. Your orthodontist will examine your teeth and evaluate the extent of orthodontic treatment required to help correct the factors that are affecting your teeth, and this will help determine the type of braces that may be most suitable for you.
If you have very minor imperfections that are affecting your teeth, then your orthodontist may decide that an aligner will be enough to correct your issues. However, if you are not suitable for an aligner, there will still be many other options available for you.
Lingual braces and ceramic braces work in the same way as traditional braces. They are both made up of brackets and wires that can be fixed to your teeth to pull them into their correct positions. However, lingual braces are different in that they are attached behind your teeth and carry out the same function. The advantage of lingual braces is that they are almost invisible from the outside; therefore, they are quite a discreet treatment option.
On the other hand, ceramic braces are attached to the front surface of your teeth; however, the individual components, including the brackets and wires, can be coloured to match and blend in with your natural dentition. Both these types of braces are more expensive than conventional metal braces; however, they provide a highly discreet treatment option whilst addressing extensive orthodontic needs.