A Dental Expert’s Guide to Orthodontics
What is it all about?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that is concerned with tooth position, bite, and jaw relations. Orthodontic treatment is required for teeth that are crowded, misaligned, or crooked.
There are many issues that orthodontics can solve. These include:
– Correcting the misalignment teeth
– Making the appearance of your teeth more pleasing
– Widening a narrow upper or lower jaw
– Improving overall facial appearance
The earliest use of orthodontics was in ancient Greece. It was only during World War II that it became popular due to soldiers who needed their teeth straightened, right before being deployed for combat.
What is involved during the treatment?
The orthodontic treatment includes the use of braces to straighten teeth and move them into a better position. Braces are often used as a way to correct a minor irregularity in the alignment of teeth, but sometimes they are used for more significant changes. Similar to when using Invisalign or any type of dental implants.
Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets that are attached to teeth and wires that attach from each bracket to a rubber band mounted on the back molars. The brackets and wires move to gradually apply pressure on the teeth, which causes them to shift positions. In most cases, it takes two years for braces to do their job.
How Much Does Orthodonic Treatment Cost?
The costs of orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the type of treatment, the severity of the case, and the region where it is conducted.
Since there are many different types of braces that provide the same basic function, each one is better suited for certain specific cases. For example, patients with mild to moderate jaw misalignment are usually prescribed the clear full arch appliance. So these variables definitely play a role in the costs involved.
How Safe is Orthodontic Treatment?
Usually pretty safe but this is where a good orthodontist comes in. The dental implant pros are many. First, they are the most natural looking of all tooth replacement options. Second, they are better for your teeth because the implants are fixed in place and do not put any pressure on them. Third, they can be crowned with porcelain or metal to resemble an actual tooth.
On the other hand, there are some disadvantages to dental implants as well. First, if you have one or more missing teeth, then getting a dental implant is not always possible because it requires at least one healthy tooth on either side of the space that has been left by a missing tooth or teeth. Second, there is a higher risk of bone loss around the implants which may lead to bone grafting surgeries that can sometimes take up to two years before you see any improvement in your jawbone density.
So at the end of the day, it’s all about how good your orthodontist is.
Selecting an Orthodontist
It is important to select a qualified orthodontist since the procedure can be fairly complicated.
There are many factors that should be taken into account when considering which one to choose. These include: price, location, recommendations from friends and family, and reviews on the internet.
Usually, the first thing that people look for is price. Fair enough. However, there are some orthodontists that offer discounts for those who come in for multiple procedures.
For example, some orthodontists might charge less per tooth for patients who have braces as well as Invisaligns or an upper jaw surgery procedure done at the same time as treatment for malocclusions of the lower jaw.
So no matter what floats your boat, make sure you find an orthodontist that you are comfortable with. You gut feeling here goes along way as well.
Contact Your Dentist In North York Today
Monday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Tuesday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am - 6:00pm
Thursday: 8:00am - 5:00pm
Friday: 8:00am - 2:00pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed