most common treatment techniques & methods
As its name suggests, Invisalign means “invisible aligners.” Invisalign uses removable trays to straighten the teeth which you wear 20h per day and you change them every week. You take them out to eat so there are no food restrictions. You take them out to brush your teeth so there is no compromise in cleaning them properly .They are very comfortable with mostly no pain and highly aesthetic. Thanks to digital imaging it is possible to see in the beginning of the treatment the prediction of your smile at the end of your treatment.
This is the typical method where we glue small rectangulars on the surface of the teeth and we connect them with a wire. There are many different types of braces: Metal braces, Sapphire transparent braces, Self-ligating braces and Lingual braces. They are very effective in correcting even very complex orthodontic problems.
While they are both made of metal, the ligation procedure for self-ligating braces differs from that of conventional braces. The archwire is held in place by a built-in mechanism in the bracket of self-ligating braces. In contrast, conventional braces use elastic ties or metal wires to hold the archwire in place. Self-ligating braces may reduce discomfort, make cleaning easier, and require fewer visits to the orthodontist.
Sapphire braces are made of synthetic sapphire. This makes the material completely transparent as it doesn’t contain any minerals. Plus, sapphire is a material that is extremely durable; it does not chip, deform, stain, or scratch, and it also adheres very well to the surface of the teeth without causing damage to the tooth enamel. In comparison to other kinds of brackets, these are smaller and more comfortable and unlike metal, sapphire is a material that does not trigger allergies.
As for lingual braces, their components are the same as those of traditional braces, but they are attached to the back of your teeth on the tongue side, or lingual side. They are almost imperceptible because they are hidden behind the teeth.
Are braces painful?
Mild pain or discomfort is a normal side effect of wearing braces. But you should only feel the discomfort the first time you have braces and sometimes when your braces get adjusted.
Is it easy to brush your teeth?
You will be given special instructions on how to brush your teeth and you ‘ll be given an interdental brush to help you with more difficult spots to clean.
Can I eat everything?
If you choose braces for your treatment you should avoid eating food which sticks to your teeth like gummies and also food that is hard to chew like the hard part of bread or nuts. If not your braces will fall out and the wires will loose their shape and your treatment will fall behind.
Mini-implants were introduced at the start of the 21st century as a new means of precisely controlling tooth movements during some orthodontic treatments. It’s a very small (1.5 – 2 mm wide) customised titanium alloy screw which acts as an anchor point in your jaw. Mini-implants are frequently placed between the roots of teeth, but may also be sited in the roof of the mouth. They are then connected to a fixed brace to help move the teeth. Their use enables us to achieve movements that otherwise would be impossible.
This is a highly effective appliance in correcting a retrognathic lower jaw which is extreme and very difficult to correct otherwise. It is reintroduced in orthodontics by Prof. Dr. Hans Pancherz, my teacher in orthodontics, who devoted his research in Herbst appliance, Amazing results by otherwise complex and difficult treatments. The appliance looks a little bit bulk but after the first few days it becomes very easily accepted.