A few years ago, I realized that I was thinking about dental care all wrong. Instead of listening carefully to my dentist and making the necessary changes, I assumed that he was ultimately responsible for making sure that my teeth stayed healthy. Unfortunately, I developed a few serious cavities because I failed to properly brush and floss my teeth, and I knew that it was my fault. I decided to start taking notes at my dental checkups and carefully abiding by the dentist's orders. The difference was almost miraculous. This blog is all about working with your dentist to improve your result.
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Working With My Dentist
Invisible Orthodontic Options
Siiri Puro
If you have been looking for a way to straighten your teeth invisibly, you may have multiple options. The orthodontic appliances that are available to straighten your teeth are dependent on multiple factors, including the degree of misalignment and other associated conditions, such as bite problems. Still, there is likely an invisible option available to meet your tooth-straightening needs. Here are a few orthodontic applications that fit in this category:
Clear Braces
Clear braces are called clear braces for a reason. They are actually made of ceramic but are so difficult to discern against the tooth enamel that they appear clear.
Clear braces straighten the teeth in the same manner as conventional braces that are made from metal. The braces include ceramic brackets that are bonded to the front of the teeth and an archwire that is attached to the brackets by elastic bands. Your orthodontist periodically tightens the archwire to bring your teeth into proper alignment.
Like conventional braces, clear braces can correct dental misalignments and bite problems, such as crossbites and overbites.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are also similar to conventional braces, but they are worn on the opposite side of the teeth. Conventional braces are positioned on the front side of the teeth, but lingual braces are connected to the back side of the teeth, which is closest to the tongue. Due to their placement, lingual braces are not easily seen in your mouth. As a result, they seem invisible even when they are in place.
Lingual braces can also correct the same orthodontic conditions as conventional braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign aligners are not braces at all. They are actually plastic trays that are worn over your teeth like mouth guards. The plastic trays are rigid enough to gently force your teeth into proper alignment. However, after a set of trays is worn for a couple of weeks, your teeth gradually adjust to the alignment of the trays. As a result, you wear a set of aligners for a few weeks and then progress to the next set of trays in your treatment plan.
Invisalign usually works well for minor to moderate cases of misalignment. Unlike braces, Invisalign trays are removable. This is important for patients who don't want to have to eat with brackets in their mouth. Removing the trays also makes cleaning the teeth easy throughout your treatment process.
To determine the best way to invisibly straighten your teeth, schedule an assessment with an orthodontist in your local area.
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