| Orthodontics |
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ORTHODONTICS treatments are basically performed for two reasons: ESTHETICS and FUNCTIONALITY, the first because the teeth are in disarray or overlap, and the second because articulation (which could bring about headaches, a loss of balance, hearing problems), chewing (abnormal bite patterns), swallowing (problems with swallowing food), speech and root (teeth loss) problems can arise.
Therefore, you should be aware of all these symptoms and visit your dentist to know if they are being caused by bite problems or alignment issued.
TYPES OF ORTHODONTICS
Removable Orthodontics: Known as “retainers”, used above all in children. They are easy to use. Children learn to put them in and take them out themselves, and they use them a certain number of hours per day, according to the dentist’s indications. Getting adapted to and using them is easy. They aren’t highly visible from outside the mouth.
Fixed Orthodontics with metal braces: This is the traditional orthodontic treatment. It is the mostly widely used and well known orthodontic treatment. Braces are placed on the outside of the teeth (on the visible side). Each silver colored brace is adhered to the surface of the tooth without encircling it completely.
Orthodontics with esthetic braces: This type of treatment uses ceramic braces. The color of these braces is similar to the natural color of the patient’s teeth, or they can be transparent. They are placed on the visible side of the tooth.
Lingual orthodontics: This is a treatment where braces are placed on the inside of the teeth. This makes them “invisible” from the outside. This treatment has become very popular in recent years because it has proven to be extremely effective, with a notorious esthetic advantage over conventional methods.
The term “lingual orthodontics” means that the braces are placed on the “lingual side” of the tooth. In conventional techniques, the brackets are placed on the outside (vestibular side) of the tooth. Other names for this technique are “invisible orthodontics” and “internal orthodontics”.
What differences exist between orthodontics with esthetic braces and orthodontics using metal braces? The treatment is identical. The functions they fulfill are the same. Choosing the type of treatment will depend on whether you wish to undergo a treatment that is “less visible” from the outside. Costs will vary. Esthetic braces have a higher cost.
How long to orthodontic treatments take? The average time for a typical case is 2 years. Time is relative. Treatments can last from one to three years for more complex cases.
How frequently should controls be performed? The first appointments are more frequent than later ones because during these the complete installation must be performed. Then patients are scheduled every 3 or 4 weeks, on a case by case basis.
Do I have to continue visiting the dentist after completing my treatment? Generally, after finishing treatment “containment” must be performed. This treatment is carried out with a removable or fixed retainer, or with both. It has the goal of maintaining the results obtained during treatment. Containment can last different lengths of time, on a case by case basis.
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