Orthodontists from smilebar.com correct misalignments in the teeth and jaw. These deviations can cause problems such as overcrowding, speech defects and difficulty chewing.
Braces
Braces are used to correct misaligned and crooked teeth. They work by applying constant pressure while moving the teeth gradually into their proper positions. Metal brackets affixed to the teeth serve as anchor points for archwires, which apply gentle but consistent pressure. This pressure stimulates a biological reaction known as bone remodeling, causing the periodontal ligaments that hold your teeth in place to loosen and change shape. This allows the teeth to move more easily, while also allowing your orthodontist to control where and how your teeth move.

Orthodontic brackets are designed with horizontal slots to hold the archwire. They also have “wings” or hooks for tying ties and other appliances. Some orthodontic brackets have a slot to hold the end of the archwire after it has been inserted. This eliminates the need for additional tying and gives a more streamlined look.
When you have traditional braces, you will need to come into the office at regular intervals so your orthodontist can make adjustments. During these visits, the orthodontist will adjust the tension of the wires in order to ensure they are applying the right amount pressure.
These adjustments help your teeth move gradually into their new position, thus correcting any issues that may have caused them to need treatment. This could involve moving crooked or crowded teeth into a more straight position, or closing gaps in between your teeth. It could also include fixing bite-related problems such as overbites, underbites and crossbites, or alleviating jaw pain.
The type of adjustment will depend on the severity of your case. Your treatment length will also differ. While some patients need only six months of treatment, those with more complex cases will wear their braces for three years or more.
When wearing braces, it is important to be careful when you eat and clean your teeth. Food can get caught in brackets and cause decay. Brush your teeth after each meal and floss regularly to remove any food particles between your teeth. Additionally, you will need to use a special mouthwash that eliminates bacteria and helps keep your gum tissue healthy.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a system that straightens teeth using clear aligners. These aligners are virtually indiscernible and do not require wires or brackets. It can correct a wide range of alignment problems, including mild-to-moderate crowding, spacing, and some crossbites or underbites. It may not work for everyone. Invisalign can only be determined by an orthodontic consultation.
During your initial Invisalign visit, the orthodontist gathers information about your mouth and teeth in order to create a plan that will move them into the correct position. This will include photos and scans of your teeth and face, as well as impressions. With the information gathered, the orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan that is unique to your mouth and alignment needs.
The orthodontist will also do some preparatory work, such as removing some enamel to make space for the shifting of your teeth. This procedure, known as interproximal removal, is used to correct crowded or overlapping teeth by reducing the amount that touches when you bite. Another common preparation is to use a composite resin for small cavities or to repair chips in your teeth. This will stop them from affecting the movement of the teeth.
After the treatment begins, you will wear the aligners for two weeks and then move on to the next set. During treatment, you should remove the aligners only to eat, drink and brush your teeth. At regular appointments, the orthodontist checks your progress and makes adjustments to make sure you’re on track to achieving your straight smile goal.
A misaligned bite can cause many problems, including clenching and grinding of your teeth, worn down or chipped teeth, TMJ disorder, and pain in the neck and shoulders. Invisalign will help you to eliminate or reduce these problems so that you can enjoy a more healthy lifestyle with a better smile. This can result in better nutrition, a reduced risk of gum diseases and diabetes, as well as lower blood pressure. A straighter smile can even lead to a longer life, as studies have shown that people with straight teeth tend to live an average of seven years more than those with crooked teeth.
Retainers
It can be a great feeling to see your new smile after wearing braces for a long period of time. Your orthodontist may prescribe a retainer that will help you keep your teeth in the new positions they have achieved after treatment. Retainers can help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile for life. Make sure to follow your orthodontist’s instructions on how to care for and wear them.
Your orthodontist creates a retainer that is custom-made for you, based on the treatment you received. If you get a fixed retainer, they’ll glue a thin metal wire to the back of your upper and/or lower teeth to prevent them from shifting after treatment. Alternatively, you could have a removable retainer, which is usually made of plastic and can be taken in and out of your mouth.
For removable retainers your orthodontist makes an impression with a soft material that is similar to dental putty. This will be used to create a model of your teeth and your bite. The mold will then be used to design the retainer that fits in your mouth. Some may tell you to wear the retainer at night and others may require you to remove it when eating or brushing your teeth.
You can also opt for a permanent retainer that is not removable and can only by removed by your orthodontist. These are commonly used for patients who need their front teeth permanently straightened. These are generally bonded on the back of your six lower teeth, which prevents them from shifting. They can be an alternative to traditional braces.
Retainers should be worn by anyone who has had orthodontic work, such as braces and clear aligners. Without them, the teeth will naturally shift back to their original misaligned positions, which can cause pain and discomfort. While it’s easy to forget to wear your retainer, you should try to make it a habit and be patient, as relapse can be a big hassle if you lose or damage your retainer.