Orthodontics The alignment of your teeth is important. The teeth perform some important roles in your mouth, including biting, chewing, speaking, and even providing you with a beautiful smile. If your teeth are crooked, not only is your smile affected but so is your oral health as well as your quality of life. Crooked teeth can lead to serious issues like tooth damage, uneven tooth wear, gum recession, loose teeth, bruxism, and TMJ disorder. If your teeth are crooked, OHIOSmiles can help with orthodontics. Orthodontics may even correct neuromuscular issues such as a misaligned jaw.BracesBraces are a common treatment for correcting the alignment of teeth and jaws that have been in use for several decades. The treatment uses metal brackets and wires to correct alignment issues. Brackets are affixed to the front surface of each tooth using a specialized bonding agent. A wire then spans the arch, attached to each bracket using an elastic O-ring, or ligature. The wire is responsible for the movement of your teeth. It places pressure on your teeth, which then places pressure on your periodontal ligaments. This pressure causes the ligaments to widen, loosening your teeth so that they can be moved to the correct positioning. Once your teeth have reached their ideal alignment, braces help to hold your teeth in place while your bone and periodontal ligaments heal around them, stabilizing your teeth in the correct alignment. Once your braces have been removed, you are provided with a retainer to help maintain your beautiful new smile. Click here to learn more about hygiene with braces. Click here to learn more about if braces are an affordable option for you. White BracesWhile traditional braces are highly effective, they are not exactly the most aesthetic treatment. A mouth filled with metal can be a source of significant self-consciousness. White braces also called ceramic or invisible braces, provide you with a more aesthetic option. White braces use brackets and wires to move your teeth, just like traditional braces. However, instead of metal brackets, the brackets are made from a tooth-colored material, typically ceramic. This material blends in with the color of your natural teeth, providing you with a more discreet treatment. In many cases, the wire is still silver, although it is possible to have tooth-colored wires as well. Invisalign®Invisalign is a completely different way to correct the alignment of your teeth. Instead of brackets and wires, this treatment uses clear, rigid plastic aligners. The aligners are made from digital impressions of your mouth, and they sit over your teeth much like a sports mouthguard. Treatment involves the use of several sets of aligners, with each new set being slightly different from the previous one. The rigid plastic works to gently and gradually realign your teeth. Unlike traditional and white braces, Invisalign aligners are not affixed to your teeth. Instead, they are removable. However, they do need to be kept in your mouth for 20 to 22 hours a day to achieve optimal results in the shortest amount of time. The aligners are meant to be removed when you eat, allowing you to enjoy all of your favorite foods during your orthodontic treatment, and when you brush and floss your teeth. Orthodontic treatment is an effective way to correct the alignment of your teeth, helping you to achieve a healthier mouth and a more beautiful smile. For more information and to find out if orthodontics is right for you, call OHIOSmiles today at (740) 781-0540 to schedule your consultation. |
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