Types of Orthodontic Appliances: Which One is Right for You?

Orthodontic appliances are used to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, improving oral health, speech, and appearance. There are several types of orthodontic appliances available, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Here's a look at some of the most common types of orthodontic appliances and how to determine which one is right for you:

• Traditional Braces - Braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to the teeth, connected by wires and elastics. They are effective in treating complex dental problems and can be used for all ages. However, they can be uncomfortable and require diligent oral hygiene to prevent tooth decay.
  
  
• Clear Aligners - Clear aligners are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are custom-made plastic trays that fit over the teeth and gradually shift them into place. They are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating and cleaning, but they are not as effective as braces for complex dental problems.
  
  
• Lingual Braces - Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets and wires are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front. They are invisible from the outside, but can be uncomfortable and require more frequent adjustments.
  
  
• Self-Ligating Braces - These braces use clips or doors to hold the wire in place, eliminating the need for elastic bands. They are more comfortable than traditional braces and require fewer adjustments, but can be more expensive.
  
  
• Palatal Expanders - Palatal expanders are used to widen the upper jaw to correct bite problems. They are often used in children whose jaws are still developing, but can also be used in adults. They can be uncomfortable and require frequent adjustments.

Choosing the right type of orthodontic appliance depends on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the dental problem, age, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Your orthodontist can help you determine which type of appliance is best for your specific needs and can provide guidance on proper care and maintenance. With the right appliance and proper care, orthodontic treatment can provide a lifetime of benefits.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults: Is It Worth It?

Orthodontic treatment isn't just for kids and teenagers - in fact, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance and function of their teeth. If you're an adult considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if it's worth the investment of time and money. Here are a few things to consider:

• Improved aesthetics: One of the primary benefits of orthodontic treatment is improved aesthetics. Crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth can be a source of embarrassment or self-consciousness, but braces or clear aligners can help straighten teeth and improve the appearance of your smile. This can lead to greater confidence and self-esteem.
  
  
• Better oral health: Orthodontic treatment can also improve your oral health. Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues. By investing in orthodontic treatment, you may be able to prevent more serious dental problems down the line.
  
  
• Improved function: Misaligned teeth can also impact the function of your bite, leading to discomfort or even pain. By straightening your teeth, you may be able to improve your bite and reduce discomfort or pain when eating or speaking.
  
  
• More options than ever before: Thanks to advancements in orthodontic technology, adults now have more options than ever before when it comes to orthodontic treatment. Clear aligners like Invisalign or clear ceramic braces can be a more discreet option than traditional metal braces, making them a popular choice among adults.

The decision to invest in orthodontic treatment as an adult is a personal one. While it does require an investment of time and money, the benefits can be significant. If you're considering orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist to discuss your options and determine if it's the right choice for you.

The Importance of Good Oral Hygiene During Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment can greatly improve the appearance and function of your teeth, but it requires diligent and consistent oral hygiene practices. Here's why good oral hygiene is essential during orthodontic treatment:

• Preventing Tooth Decay - Braces and other orthodontic appliances can create more places for food and bacteria to accumulate, which can increase the risk of tooth decay. Proper brushing and flossing can help remove food particles and bacteria from the teeth and gums, reducing the risk of cavities.
  
  
• Preventing Gum Disease - Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum disease, which can cause redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums. Braces can make it harder to clean between the teeth and along the gum line, increasing the risk of gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings can help prevent gum disease and promote healthy gums.
  
  
• Protecting Orthodontic Appliances - Good oral hygiene can also help protect your braces or other orthodontic appliances from damage. Food particles and bacteria can accumulate around the brackets and wires, causing them to loosen or break. Regular brushing and flossing can help keep your appliances in good condition and prevent the need for repairs.
  
  
• Improving Overall Oral Health - Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining overall oral health. By brushing and flossing regularly, you can prevent tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health issues, which can impact your overall health and wellbeing.

To maintain good oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment, it's important to brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash. It's also important to avoid sugary or sticky foods and visit your dentist and orthodontist regularly for checkups and cleanings. With proper oral hygiene practices, you can achieve a healthy, beautiful smile and enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatment for years to come.

Lingual Braces: The Invisible Way to Straighten Your Teeth

Are you looking for a discreet way to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional braces? Look no further than lingual braces! Lingual braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that is placed on the inside of your teeth, making them virtually invisible to the outside world.

• What are lingual braces?

Lingual braces, also known as hidden braces, are metal or ceramic braces that are placed on the back of your teeth instead of the front. The brackets and wires of lingual braces are customized to fit the shape of your teeth, making them a highly individualized orthodontic solution.

Lingual braces work in the same way as traditional braces, gradually applying pressure to your teeth to move them into the desired position. The difference is that with lingual braces, the brackets and wires are hidden from view, giving you a more aesthetically pleasing treatment option.

• Who is a good candidate for lingual braces?

Lingual braces are a great option for anyone who wants to straighten their teeth without the noticeable appearance of traditional braces. They are especially popular among adults who may feel self-conscious about wearing braces in professional or social situations.

However, not everyone is a good candidate for lingual braces. They may not be suitable for individuals with severe bite issues or complex orthodontic needs. Additionally, because lingual braces are placed on the back of your teeth, they may take some time to get used to and may cause initial discomfort.

• What are the advantages of lingual braces?

The primary advantage of lingual braces is their aesthetic appeal. Because they are placed on the back of your teeth, they are virtually invisible to others. This can be especially appealing for adults who want to improve their smile without drawing attention to their orthodontic treatment.

Another advantage of lingual braces is that they are highly customizable. Because they are customized to fit the shape of your teeth, they provide a highly individualized treatment option that can achieve precise results.

Finally, lingual braces are a highly effective orthodontic treatment that can address a wide range of dental issues, from minor crowding to more complex bite issues.

Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile.

They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.

Here are five ways they could help you or your family:

– Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease

– Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem

– Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems

– Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ

– Correcting jaw problems

An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.

There are several options after this examination.

Sometimes – for example in younger children – it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.

As the majority of a child’s facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.

When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.

Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.

Why Straighten Your Teeth?

If you don’t have straight teeth, you might wonder if you need to do anything about it.

Straight teeth have psychological and physiological benefits.

Straight teeth can help you bite, chew and speak better. They also contribute to healthy teeth and gums.

Properly aligned teeth and jaws may also alleviate or prevent physical health problems.

Having straight teeth enhances your smile and makes you look better.

An attractive smile enhances your self-esteem, self-confidence and self-image.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your appearance by bringing teeth, lips and face into proportion.

It can therefore be a step towards greater social and career success and can help you enjoy life more.

Straight teeth therefore work better and make you look better.

People with beautiful smiles therefore have a lot to be happy about.

A Quick History of Orthodontics

While you may think braces are a modern invention, the fact is people have been using devices to move their teeth since the early days.

Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains where there were metal bands wrapped around individual teeth.

As far back as 500 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle were both talking about ways to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions.

However, despite all the evidence from early times, it was around the 1700s before the most significant developments began to happen in orthodontics.

In 1728, French Dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book called the “The Surgeon Dentist” with an entire chapter on ways to straighten teeth. He used a horseshoe-shaped metal device to help expand the arch.

While teeth straightening has been practiced since early times, orthodontics did not really begin as a science in its own right until the mid-1800s.

Norman W. Kingsley wrote the first article on orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to suggest the use of mild force at timed intervals to move teeth.

In the early 1900s, Edward H. Angle devised the first simple classification system for malocclusions, which is still used today as a way for dentists to describe how teeth fit together.

In the early 20th century, gold, platinum and silver were routinely used in braces and the bands wrapped entirely around the each tooth. They continued to wrap around the teeth until the mid 1970s, when direct bonding became possible.

In the 1070s, systems were developed to place braces on the inside surfaces of the teeth – lingual or invisible braces.

Common Questions About Braces

Here are the answers to some common questions about what it like to have braces

What is it like having braces?,
When you have braces, you will probably find your mouth sore for a few days. It can also be uncomfortable when the braces are tightened. However, most of the time you probably won’t even notice them.

Do braces hurt?
It can depend on which type you choose but usually modern braces will not hurt except for the first few days or when they are tightened.

While the manufacturers are always looking for ways to make them more comfortable, a little discomfort at the beginning is still common. You will be able to take some painkillers if necessary. The pain may be greater if you start orthodontic treatment when you are an adult.

Will it be embarrassing to wear braces?
Over 70% of teenagers wear braces and therefore most people have some experience of them so there is no need to feel embarrassed. If you start treatment when you are an adult, the proportion of people wearing braces is lower but you will still find most people supportive.

Will braces cause sores in my mouth?
Sometimes you might experience sores on your lips in the first few days. These can easily be rinsed in water or special solution and will usually heal within a week or so. You can also put wax on the braces to prevent the braces from rubbing and irritating the sore.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?
It varies a lot depending on exactly what changes need to happen in your mouth. When started young it may last a few months. From the age of 12, it can take a year or two and perhaps more for adults. However it depends very much on your personal situation and your orthodontists will be able to advise you.

What are Braces and How do They Work?

Braces are devices which are used to straighten teeth, correct bite problems and fix irregular teeth.

They are made of three basic parts:
– Brackets
– Bonding (or band)
– Arch wire

The bonding is used to fix the brackets to the teeth.

The arch wire goes through the brackets and is held in place with small rubber bands.

The brackets and arch wire work together to move the teeth into new positions to straighten the teeth.

The arch wire works by putting pressure on the brackets to help move the teeth into the desired new position.

When pressure is applied to your teeth like this, they loosen slightly from the gums. Bone grows in to support the tooth in its new position but this takes time so the process needs to be done slowly.

That’s why you may have to wear braces for about two years and adjustments are only made every few weeks.

The arch wires work because they want to keep their original shape and will exert a great deal of pressure to do this. It is the combination of this aim of the arch wire and the person’s body heat that puts pressure on the teeth.

Braces are not always enough on their own to complete the task so the orthodontist may also use rubber bands or other devices to help pull the teeth in the correct direction.

After you have finished with the braces, you may need to wear a Retainer for a few months to hold the teeth in position until the bone has fully grown into place.

Overcoming Problems with Braces

Most people get used to braces quickly and wear them for as long as they need to with no problems.

However, occasional problems can arise and taking the right steps enables you to resolve them quickly.

Here are some examples of problems that may arise.

Allergic Reaction: Some people can have an allergic reaction to the elastic or the metal used in braces. Alternative materials can normally be used so it is important to let your orthodontist know of any allergies.

Mouth Sores: There may be irritation due to some parts of the braces. This is more commons in the early stages but there are many products available such as oral rinses and dental wax that help heal sores quickly.

Build Up of Plaque: It is important to keep up your regular oral care routine of brushing and flossing to prevent food building up around braces as this can lead to build up of plaque which can cause tooth decay and bad breath.

Damaged Braces: Braces can be damaged if not cared for properly. Certain hard or sticky foods can cause damage as can mouth injuries when playing sports. If damage occurs frequently, it can mean the treatment takes longer.

Arch Wire Movement: If the arch wire becomes displaced, it can cause irritation and mouth ulcers. Dental wax helps but it is usually best to have the damage fixed by an orthodontist.

Discomfort: Pain and discomfort may occur after first installation and also after any adjustments but these usually pass quickly.

Adult Braces and Self esteem

A lot of effort is made to help teenagers feel better about having braces.

However as around 70% of teenagers need braces, it’s a very common experience.

Yet adults can also need braces and it is less common amongst their peers so adults often have more issues about what other people think of them when they go to work and to social events with braces.

Feedback suggests many men feel a bit geeky with braces while women often feel unattractive.

Of course, some adults don’t care what other people think but many do.

The fact is the braces may seem like a big deal for you, especially at first because they are in your mouth. However, most other people barely notice or may just mention it in passing.

Many adults wore braces as kids or have kids who are in braces.

They are likely to be sympathetic and may even admire you for taking action to improve your appearance.

Several high profile actors and musicians have also worn braces as adults and this makes it much easier.

Of course, you may need to be prepared to answer questions – especially when some people meet you for the first time. So you may need a plan for dealing with certain events such as important business meetings.

What Adult Orthodontic Treatment Feels Like

The early stages of orthodontic treatment can be a little harder for adult patients than for teenagers.

Teenagers have the benefit of getting treatment while they are still growing and their mouth is more flexible.

In some cases, adults will need to have teeth removed or will require surgery to expand their jaw to make room for moving the teeth. This may not be fun but anaesthetics and painkillers make this a short-term concern compared to the long-term benefits.

When the orthodontist actually puts in your braces, your mouth may be tender for a few days though this should clear up quickly.

Beyond that, the only time you are likely to notice your braces is when you have them tightened.

Some adults say that they feel like their teeth have come loose at the beginning.

The reason is that when you are older your teeth are more firmly anchored into your jaw.

The orthodontist needs to loosen the little filaments that anchor your teeth before the teeth will move.

This can mean your teeth feel loose. However, the feeling is no reason for concern. They will tighten again after the orthodontic treatment.

Beyond that, the basics of orthodontic treatment are the same at any age. Your mouth will feel tender for a few days after you first get the braces and you will experience some discomfort when your braces are tightened.

Your Questions Answered About Braces

Here are the answers to five common questions about the implications of having braces.

Does having braces affect the way I talk?
Standard braces don’t normally affect how you talk or the sound of your voice. Sometimes, you may find it difficult for the first couple of days but then you will be able to talk fine.

Are there any activities that I should avoid when I have braces?
You can continue to do most things such as enjoying sports and playing musical instruments. For some sports, you should wear an orthodontic mouth guard. It is also best to avoid activities where you could suffer a lot of blows to your mouth such as boxing or karate.

Does having braces affect what I eat?
You can continue to eat most foods when you wear braces. In the first few days, you would probably be advised to stick to softer foods.

After that, you may need to be careful with hard or sticky foods like caramel and some nuts. You want to make sure the food does not stick on your braces or pull them off your teeth.

In addition, chewing gum is usually not recommended. Some sugar free gums have been reported as causing less problems but talk to your orthodontist if you want to be able to chew gum.

Can the braces come off?
This can happen and it is usually not a major problem. Your orthodontist will attach them again. If it happens a lot, some larger adjustments may be needed.

What happens if a piece comes off and I swallow it?
This is quite rare but it is usually not a major problem. Any parts that you swallow should just pass through your digestive system.

The Introduction of Self-ligating Brackets for Braces

A significant development in the field of orthodontics was the introduction of self-ligating brackets.

These don’t need tie wires or elastic ligatures to hold the arch wire onto the bracket of the braces.

Instead, they are held on by a “trap door” built into each bracket.

The idea of self-ligating brackets dates back to the 1930s but, while many designs were patented over the years, it was not until the 1070s that a system was widely available.

During the 1980s and 1990s, many companies improved upon the idea in various ways and there is now a range of self-ligating options.

Another significant development in the 1970s was the Ortho-Tain appliances, which guide jaw growth and help correct orthodontic problems and malocclusions.

They look just like custom plastic mouthguards, and are worn mainly at night, or for only a few hours each day. Nevertheless, they still help address many types of orthodontic problems.

Around 1975, two orthodontists working independently developed systems which placed braces on the inside surfaces of the teeth.

These “lingual braces” offered people the benefits of bonded brackets with the big advantage that they were on the inside of the teeth.

This meant nobody else could see them and they became known as “invisible braces”

The Development of Braces and The First Metal Mouths

In the early 20th century, a wide variety of materials was used in orthodontics.

The materials used by orthodontists ranged from gold, platinum and silver to gum rubber, vulcanite, ivory and wood.

18 carat gold was routinely used for wires, bands, clasps, ligatures, and spurs.

Gold was used because it was easy to shape.

However, among the drawbacks of gold was that its softness meant it required frequent adjustments.

And, of course, it was very expensive.

However, the original “metal mouth” was often real gold or silver.

Around the time the first dental specialty board – the American Board of Orthodontics – was set up in 1929, stainless steel was becoming widely available.

However using it in braces was controversial and it was not generally accepted as a material for orthodontic treatment until the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Braces continued to wrap around the teeth until the mid 1970s, when direct bonding became a reality.

Although the bonded bracket was invented earlier, the adhesive wasn’t perfected until almost a decade later.

Like any new approach, it took some time to catch on and many people continued wearing the old “wrap around” metal braces into the late 1970s.

The Development of Orthodontics

Though various devices have been used to straighten teeth since the days of the Ancients Greeks and Romans, it was only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that orthodontics began to develop as separate science.

There is no one person who is universally seen as "The Father of Orthodontics" but several have a claim to the title.

One claim goes as far back as, 1728 when the French surgeon Pierre Fauchard published his book "The Surgeon Dentist", which included a whole chapter on ways to straighten teeth.

This certainly gave orthodontics a huge push forward - although that term was actually coined in 1841 by Joachim Lafoulon.

But the science was not really put on the map until more than 100 years later.

First, dentist and writer Norman W. Kingsley wrote the first article on orthodontics in 1858 and published his book "Treatise on Oral Deformities" in 1880.

Another major step forward was when dentist J. N. Farrar wrote "A Treatise on the Irregularities of the Teeth and Their Corrections".

Farrar was also very good at designing brace appliances and was the first to suggest using mild force at timed intervals to move teeth.

In the early 1900s, Edward H. Angle devised a classification system for malocclusions which is still used today.

This system was a way for dentists to describe how crooked teeth were and how they fitted together.

Angle contributed significantly to the design of orthodontic appliances and founded the first  college of orthodontics in 1901.

Gradually the field of orthodontics became a respected dental specialty in its own right.

The Early History of Braces

You may think the desire for straight teeth is a feature of our modern image-conscious society.

But there is evidence going back hundreds of years of devices being used to straighten teeth.

Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains where there were crude metal bands wrapped around individual teeth.

And Roman tombs also revealed evidence of teeth being bound with gold wire.

Around 500BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle both talked about how to straighten teeth and fix various dental conditions.

Nevertheless, it was much later that significant progress was made in orthodontics.

In 1728, French Dentist Pierre Fauchard published a book called the "The Surgeon Dentist" with an entire chapter on ways to straighten teeth.

Scottish surgeon John Hunter wrote "The Natural History of the Human Teeth" in 1771, which described dental anatomy in clear detail and came up with terms in use today such as cuspids, incisors and molars.

While teeth straightening has been practiced since early times, orthodontics did not exist as a separate science until the mid-1800s.

The introduction of the wire crib in 1819 is seen as marking the birth of contemporary orthodontics although the term orthodontia was actually coined by Joachim Lafoulon in 1841.

In the late 1800s, Eugene Solomon Talbot was believed to be the first person to suggest using X-rays for orthodontic diagnosis.

But the real advancements in orthodontics came in the late 19th and 20th Centuries.

Why Adults Wear Braces

Orthodontic treatment and braces are not just for kids.

It's not only children who want a better smile.

Most adults get orthodontic treatment because they know that your smile is one of your most important features.

As you get older you want to keep a smile that makes you look good rather than haggard.

The fact is that many people did not get braces when they were young.

That may be because their parents could not afford it at the time or that their teeth could not be fixed with the techniques then available.

Now they may have problems with their teeth and gums or perhaps they get indigestion a lot or maybe they are just unhappy with their smile.

Now they have the money and the treatment they need is available so they are going to take advantage.

There are also many people who did have orthodontic treatment when they were younger but did not get the full benefits as they stopped wearing their retainers.

Even after wearing braces, their teeth may still be crooked.

Now up to a quarter of orthodontic treatment is on adult patients.

Orthodontic treatment goes slower when you are older, and it feels different.

But people as old as 90 are getting braces.

It's never too late to take care of yourself and have a great smile.

The Health Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can fix problem with bad bite, crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.

One of the main benefits orthodontic treatment is cosmetic - you get a great smile that makes you look and feel better.

But there are real health benefits of orthodontic treatment too:

You will be able to chew your food easier: Chewing is an important part of digestion. Having crooked teeth means you don't chew your food properly and could end up with indigestion and other stomach problems.

You will have fewer dental problems: As crooked teeth are hard to clean, you could have more cavities and gum disease than people who have had orthodontic treatment. When your teeth are crooked there is extra stress on your teeth, gums and jaw which can lead to problems later on.

You have less risk of breathing problems: The roof of your mouth can sometimes partially block the air passages in your nose leading to breathing problems and snoring. Orthodontic treatment can reduce this possibility.

Some recent research suggests a link between oral bacteria and cardiovascular disease, where calcium in your mouth is dissolved and deposited in your arteries.

Orthodontics helps prevent oral infections which may have a direct effect on heart disease.

Orthodontics not only gives you a great smile, it can lead to a healthier, happier and longer life.

How Braces Enhance Your Smile

Take a look in the mirror and smile. Do you like what you see?

Your smile is one of the things people notice most about you so it's one of your most important features.

Would you feel better if you had a more appealing smile?

Well it may be possible.

Orthodontic treatment can improve your smile.

But more than that it can improve your health too.

One of the most common treatments used in orthodontics is braces.

If you are a parent, braces can be one of your best investments in your children's future.

It's a great way of improving their lifetime health and happiness.

Research shows that people who have had braces look better and feel better about themselves.

They even live longer and have a statistically lower risk of heart disease.

But braces are not only for kids.

Around 20% of orthodontic patients are over 18 and people in their 60s, 70s 80s and even older have had successful orthodontic treatment.

It could make a big difference to your life at any age.

Think about how a better smile could improve your life or those of your children.