Orthodontics |
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Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry specialising in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities in children and adults in order to achieve improved appearance and better function. The technical term for orthodontic problems is malocclusion , which simply means bad bite . The science of orthodontics is concerned with genetic variation, development and growth of the facial tissues, and the manner in which these factors influence the bite and alignment of the teeth, as well as the health of their associated organs.
There are a variety of orthodontic technologies currently employed at the office. Everyone has a slightly different bite, so treatment techniques vary. We can offer all kinds of braces and the most advanced orthodontic treatment INVISALIGN . Braces, the most common approach, help to move the teeth slowly by applying precise amounts of light pressure over a long period of time. A few decades ago, braces consisted of thick bands of steel wrapped around all of the teeth. With the advent of new, stronger bonding agents, smaller braces can be used, and orthodontic bands rarely have to be used on front teeth. When applying braces, the orthodontist will attach tiny brackets to your teeth with special dental bonding agents. He or she will then place wires called arch wires through the brackets. The arch wires, which usually are made of a variety of alloys, act as tracks to create the "path of movement" that guides the teeth. Metallic braces are the most familiar type. We utilize some of the smallest brackets available for your comfort (DAMON). They are held on to teeth with space-age adhesive to help protect against breakage.The Damon brackets are a great way to achieve your most beautiful and esthetic smile in less time and with greater comfort than other treatments or even conventional braces. Damon brackets are more comfortable than conventional braces because the brackets are smaller and therefore more comfortable against your lips and cheeks and also less noticeable. Damon brackets are 'self ligating.' Conventional braces hold the wire into the brackets with individual elastics. This causes tension on the wire that moves your teeth. The elastics add more 'metal' to the look of your smile. The Damon brackets do not need elastics to hold the wire in place; instead, Damon braces use a slide mechanism to hold the wire, which allows teeth to move more freely, quickly and comfortably. With the Damon System of braces, treatment time is typically 6 months shorter than with conventional braces. Compared side-by-side with conventional metal braces, the Damon difference is quite apparent:
Ceramic are very similar to metal braces in their function. These brackets are nearly as strong as the metal counterparts and so they can treat almost all of the same cases (some exceptions exist). The only difference is that they use clear or tooth colored brackets instead of metal ones. They are a great alternative for patients who want a more esthetic alternative to metal braces.
Braces work by applying continuous pressure to move teeth in a specific direction. Braces are worn for an average of one to three years. As treatment progresses, teeth change position, and the braces must be adjusted. INVISALIGN ® Introducing Invisalign www.invisalign.com with Dr. Alessandro Onesti: A whole new way to straighten teeth without calling attention to them. Very few people have naturally straight teeth. And for years, braces were the only option. Until now. A revolutionary new way to straighten teeth - without braces. So invisible, you'll be the only one who knows. You can smile during treatment as well as after. Invisalign uses a series of nearly undetectable aligners instead of brackets and wires. So it's really hard for people to tell you're wearing Invisalign even up close. Invisalign can give you the smile you've always wanted without the braces you've always avoided. Because there are no metal wires and brackets, Invisalign is comfortable. And because it's removable, eating, brushing and flossing are no problem. You can still enjoy your favourite foods and smile without holding back. With Invisalign, there's nothing to hide. Invisalign has been proven effective in clinical research. On initial examination, Dr. Onesti decides if you can proceed immediately with Invisalign or if you require initial treatment with orthopaedic appliances prior to Invisalign treatment. He will write a treatment plan and take an impression of your teeth, which are submitted to Invisalign. Using the latest advances in 3-D computer technology, Invisalign carefully translates Dr. Onesti's instructions into a series of precisely customized aligners. You then wear each set of aligners for about two weeks, moving your teeth gradually - week by week, millimetre by millimetre - until you've achieved the intended result: perfect straighter teeth. Generally you will visit the practice no more often than you would with braces (once a month). Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligners worn during treatment is between 18 and 30, but both will vary from case to case. The aligners are removable and must be worn for 22 hours a day, otherwise, they are not continually correcting the teeth. Like traditional fixed braces, they are largely dependent on a patient's habits and their consistency in wearing the aligners. Very rarely, aligners like braces may cause a slight lisp at the beginning of treatment for a couple of days. This quickly disappears as the patient becomes used to the treatment. Just like when conventional braces are tightened, the new aligner that you put on your teeth every two weeks is definitely tight and will be a bit sore for the first 2-3 days, the discomfort can be handled with minor painkillers easily if you want to. After that the aligner is very comfortable for the rest of the two weeks you wear that aligner. Most common cases, which can be corrected with Invisalign:
There are obviously many more tooth positioning problems that the system can fix, these are best discussed on a case-by-case basis with a qualified Invisalign dentist.
The practice of orthodontics requires professional skill in the diagnosis and identification of facial disharmony and dental abnormality; as well as the design, application and control of a wide range of corrective appliances or braces that can bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and achieve facial balance for a lifetime of beautiful healthy smiles. It has been shown that improvements in personal appearance contribute to greater mental and physical well-being. Creating a beautiful smile through orthodontics is a reliable way of improving the health of your teeth as well as your self-esteem. In this way, orthodontic treatment can benefit social and career success, as well as improve one's general attitude toward life. If left untreated, crooked teeth could lead to an improper bite, tooth wear, tooth injury and even tooth decay and gum disease. Crooked teeth can also lead to a decrease in one's personal self-confidence. Treatment by a specialist orthodontist to correct the original problem is often less costly than the additional dental care required to treat more serious problems that can develop in later years. Certainly: orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age.
Traditional braces and Invisalign |
Crowding: uneven, crooked and overlapped teeth
