Orthodontists are specially trained to treat malocclusions involving the teeth and jaw. Treatment may include the use of removable devices or headgear, as well as metal, ceramics or transparent braces.
Top orthodontic specialists in Cambridge receive three years of supplementary training and are therefore more specialized than general dental practitioners.
Dental Implants
Dental implants are a high-tech solution to missing teeth. A titanium “root” is surgically placed in the jaw bone, where it can support a single crown, bridge or denture that looks, acts and feels like a natural tooth. Dental implants can last a lifetime if they are well-maintained.
Orthodontists can place dental implants in patients who are missing teeth or have dentures. Orthodontists can use implants to anchor orthodontic appliances such as temporary anchorage device (TADs) that help achieve faster tooth movement than braces alone.
The time required for implant treatment depends on how many implants are needed and the type of implants. The process involves evaluating and planning, placing implants, and creating and attaching final restorations. The entire procedure may take several months for some complex cases.
Smoking, age and general health are all factors that can influence the outcome of implant treatment. Smoking can slow down the healing process, and cause complications. It’s important for a patient to be evaluated by an oral surgeon or general dentist before considering an implant. In addition, young children and adolescents with developing jaws should also be carefully evaluated by an oral surgeon to determine whether dental implants are appropriate for them.
Invisalign
Orthodontists are more qualified to offer Invisalign than any dentist with four years of dental training. They have an additional two to three year education and training to learn how to move teeth using clear aligners. This gives them a deeper understanding of the biomechanics of tooth movement, occlusion, growth and development, and comprehensive treatment planning.
The first step involves evaluating the patient’s jaw and teeth to determine if Invisalign is right for them. This includes taking digital x-rays, photos and impressions. These can be captured using an intra-oral scan, so there is no need for goop. The orthodontist will then create a detailed treatment program and send it to Invisalign. They will then make the custom trays. During the Invisalign procedure, patients must wear their aligners daily (except when eating or drinking), until they achieve desired results. Some people will experience minor discomfort in the beginning of each new set of aligners, but this is usually only a couple days and it goes away as the teeth begin to move.
It is important to keep regular appointments with your orthodontist throughout Invisalign treatment. They can then be sure that the treatment is progressing as planned. SmartForce attachments are also available for orthodontic treatment to help accelerate the alignment of teeth.
Clear Braces
Clear braces work similarly to traditional metal braces in that a wire is placed over each tooth, applying consistent pressure which slowly moves teeth into the proper position. The only difference is that the brackets, instead of gray metallic, are made from a ceramic material that blends into the tooth’s color and can make them less noticeable.
Clear braces are often able to treat the same alignment problems as traditional braces, and with less time. They can be used to fix crooked or overcrowded teeth, gaps between teeth, and gaps.
Clear braces are also a convenient option for patients undergoing medical imaging as part of their treatment. Metal braces can cause a scattering effect, making it difficult to read images like magnetic resonance or computed Tomography. This can delay treatment or force you to remove the braces in order to take new images.
Clear braces may be more attractive than traditional braces but they are also more fragile and more likely to break or chip. This is why they are usually recommended for older kids and adults that are able maintain good oral health and are not prone breaking or destroying appliances. The use of colored food & beverages, or smoking can also cause staining. It is therefore important that patients brush their teeth and floss regularly while wearing the appliances.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are the most effective way to straighten teeth and correct bite problems. Orthodontists can customize treatment plans to suit each patient, and they can treat a variety of misalignment problems. Traditional braces are more stable and durable than other orthodontic treatments, even though they may take a little longer to straighten teeth.
Traditional metal braces consist mainly of small brackets. They are attached to each tooth. The wire is then threaded into the brackets and tightened in order to apply pressure to specific areas of the tooth, which helps to move them gradually into the correct position. There are also metal bands that encircle back teeth & tiny rubber bands called ligatures that hold the wire to the brackets. These can be adjusted each time to put more or less pressure on the teeth.
Traditional metal braces may be bulky and visible, but they are an effective and reliable way to straighten your teeth. Straighter teeth can increase self-esteem, improve social interactions and improve professional prospects. Correctly straightening crowded and misaligned tooth can improve the ability of saliva and the tongue in the mouth to reach all areas. This will reduce the risk of future dental problems like gum diseases.
