An orthodontist can offer various services to help improve your smile and correct misaligned teeth. This dental specialist is trained to diagnose and treat crooked teeth and other orthodontic problems. When you visit a Durham orthodontist, the specialist can provide a variety of treatments, such as braces, retainers, and Invisalign.
An orthodontist can help you straighten your teeth with braces or other treatments, reduce pain and discomfort caused by misalignment, and improve the bite of your teeth. They may also suggest methods to prevent orthodontic problems in the future.
What happens when visiting an orthodontist?
During the first visit, the doctor will take a full set of x-rays of your mouth and make an assessment. They will then explain the various treatments that are available and discuss what would be the best option for you.
These are some of the common services an orthodontist can provide:
Braces
Braces are the most popular way to correct misaligned teeth. Metal brackets are attached to the front of each tooth, connected with a wire, and tightened periodically to move the teeth into their desired position. The procedure entails two to three visits for the placement of the braces, followed by regular visits for adjustments and tightening.
Retainers
A retainer is a thin, custom-made dental appliance that holds teeth in new positions after orthodontic treatment. It helps prevent your teeth from reverting to their original alignment over time. Retainers can be removable or fixed in place.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to straighten your teeth without using traditional braces. The aligners are virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
The Invisalign treatment plan typically lasts anywhere from 9-18 months, depending on the severity of the misalignment.
Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances are devices used to help realign teeth and jaws. Commonly used orthodontic appliances include headgear, palatal expanders, tongue cribs, and lip or cheek bumpers. These appliances can be removable or fixed in place and must be worn for several hours each day to be effective.
Orthodontic Surgery
Orthognathic surgery is a type of procedure that can be used to correct severe jaw misalignment and bite problems. During this treatment, the jawbone is cut to realign the teeth and jaws into their proper positions. This type of surgery has become less common with the emergence of more advanced orthodontic treatments.
You should properly care for your teeth and gums when your doctor performs these treatments. You can do the following:
- Brush and floss your teeth twice a day: Regularly brushing and flossing them will help keep them healthy and free from plaque and tartar.
- Visit the dentist regularly: Visiting the dentist for regular checkups can help you stay on top of any potential oral health issues.
- Wear a retainer if needed: If your orthodontist recommends a retainer, wear it as instructed. This will help your teeth stay in their new position after braces or other orthodontic treatments.
Contact your orthodontist at MyOrthodontist to discuss treatments that can help you improve your smile and maintain good oral health.
