The Role of an Orthodontist

Orthodontic treatment is a great option for anyone with crooked teeth or problems chewing and speaking. An orthodontist is a specialist in correcting these misalignments with dental braces and other appliances.

During treatment, orthodontists monitor your progress with x-rays and study models (bite impressions). They will make adjustments as needed to achieve the best results.

Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is important for all adults and children, but it’s even more crucial during orthodontic treatment. The brackets and archwire of braces can trap food particles and lead to plaque buildup that may cause tooth decay if not properly cleaned. A dental hygienist’s role in maintaining good oral health is critical to the success of orthodontic treatment.

Hygienists in orthodontics often work with patients who are undergoing braces or other types of dental hardware. This can be challenging for some patients, especially those who have difficulty brushing or flossing their teeth. Hygienists can help these patients by providing education, demonstrations, and encouragement. In addition, a dental hygienist can also teach patients how to use mouthwash correctly to kill bacteria and remove plaque and food debris.

In addition to dental hygiene, orthodontic hygienists must also be aware of the foods and drinks that can damage a patient’s teeth and appliances. A hygienist can advise patients on the best dietary choices for orthodontic treatment, including soft foods and healthy snacks.

The use of dental braces is a great way to correct misaligned teeth and improve the appearance of a patient’s smile, but it can be difficult for patients to keep their teeth clean. In addition to brushing and flossing, patients should also avoid sticky, sugary foods, hard foods, and drinks that can damage or stain their teeth.

Hygiene in orthodontics is an exciting and rewarding career choice for qualified dental hygienists. Dental hygienists can use their knowledge of general dentistry, including restorative procedures, to perform in an orthodontic practice. In addition, their experience working with orthodontic hardware can enhance their job satisfaction and make them more valuable to the practice.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a clear alternative to braces that straightens your teeth without metal wires and brackets. It is typically more comfortable and has a lower risk of complications.

The orthodontist will take a 3D scan and impression of your teeth and create a treatment plan that outlines the gradual movements of your teeth to straighten them. Then, a series of custom aligners will be fabricated for you. Each clear aligner is in a different position, moving your teeth a quarter of a millimeter each time you change to the next one. You wear each aligner for a week at a time, only taking them out to eat, brush, and floss your teeth. You will visit your orthodontist about every six weeks to ensure that the treatment is progressing as planned.

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of Invisalign. Some will even cover the entire cost of treatment. If you don’t have dental insurance, you can also use your flexible spending account or health savings account to pay for Invisalign.

The orthodontist can advise you on the best payment method for your situation. In addition, many orthodontic practices offer monthly payment plans. This way you don’t have to pay the full amount upfront, which can be a significant burden for some people. You can also ask your orthodontist about dental schools in your area that may provide Invisalign treatment at a lower cost because they allow dental students to perform the work under supervision of a board-certified dentist. This option can save you money on your orthodontic care and help you get the smile of your dreams.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to braces for treating crooked teeth and misaligned bites. They are made of clear plastic and are easily removable, but they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day to achieve the best results. In addition, clear aligners require fewer in-office appointments than traditional braces.

The process of getting clear aligners involves a consultation and examination with your orthodontist to determine if they are right for you. During this visit, your orthodontist will take detailed impressions of your teeth (by biting down on trays filled with a clay-like material) or digital scans of your mouth to create a 3D model of your teeth. This model will then be used to develop a customized treatment plan for your specific needs.

During the treatment process, your orthodontist will provide you with a series of clear aligners that are customized to fit your mouth. Each set of trays will move your teeth a small amount, gradually shifting them into alignment. You will change to a new tray every few weeks, and each aligner will have a slightly different configuration than the last one. Your orthodontist will check up on your progress periodically to make sure that you are on schedule for achieving your desired results.

While you’re in treatment, it’s important to avoid eating chewy or sticky foods that could damage your aligners. Brushing and flossing your teeth daily is also very important to help keep your teeth clean and free of plaque. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking or drinking red wine, coffee or tea while you’re wearing clear aligners. These beverages can stain your teeth, making them look yellower during treatment.

Metal Braces

Metal braces use a combination of metal brackets, a connecting metal wire and small bands (known as ligatures) to apply constant pressure on the teeth. This pressure helps move and realign the teeth into a more appropriate position. They are typically the quickest and most cost effective option, but can also be the most uncomfortable. During treatment, patients must be careful not to bite hard or chewy foods that can damage the brackets. They should brush and floss regularly, taking special care around the brackets to avoid food getting stuck in them, which can lead to tooth decay or permanent damage to the enamel.

Patients with metal braces should also schedule regular appointments with an orthodontist to ensure that their treatment is progressing as planned. They may also require additional treatments, such as headgear or rubber bands, in addition to their braces.

Depending on a patient’s needs, an orthodontist may recommend the use of traditional metal braces, ceramic braces or a hybrid treatment that combines both. Ceramic braces are clear, which make them less visible on a patient’s teeth than metal braces. However, they do not offer the same level of durability as traditional metal braces and can become chipped or stained easier. They also require more frequent visits to an orthodontist for adjustments and cleaning, as they are more prone to accumulating plaque.

With these limitations in mind, ceramic braces are a good option for patients who want a more aesthetic treatment option than traditional metal braces. They can be more comfortable than metal braces, as they are lighter and do not irritate the lips or tongue as much. They are more fragile, though, and can stain easily if they come into contact with certain foods or drinks, such as red wine or coffee.

Retainers

After braces or other orthodontic appliances have finished straightening your teeth, retainers are used to prevent them from shifting back to their original positions. This is because teeth have a natural tendency to drift, especially when there is no force holding them in place. If you do not wear your retainer as directed, it could mean that all the time and money invested in your treatment will be for naught.

There are several different types of retainers, and the best one for you will depend on your particular situation and needs. Some retainers are fixed, while others are removable. Fixed retainers are made from a thin wire that is bonded to the back of your upper and lower teeth. This type of retainer is more effective than removable retainers because it is less likely to be misplaced or damaged.

If you choose a removable retainer, your orthodontist will make an impression of your mouth using dental putty (similar to play dough) and a mold that will fit your unique bite and teeth alignment. This type of retainer can be either a traditional Hawley retainer or a clear Essix retainer, and it is custom-made for your smile.

If you lose or break your retainer, let your orthodontist know right away. Most retainers are designed to be durable, but they can wear down or become loose over time. If this occurs, your orthodontist may recommend replacement of your retainer or a different type of retainer that better suits your smile and bite. Retainers are often included in the overall cost of your orthodontic treatment, but it is important to discuss if and how much it will cost to replace your retainer with your insurance provider.