Summary
A perfect smile isn’t just about aesthetics; it also reflects your oral health! Sadly, 9 out of 10 people in the US have crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth result in various oral issues, from difficulty chewing to increased risk of dental problems. But does that mean you need to continue living with crooked teeth? No! This is where braces dentistry steps into the picture. 
Orthodontics is a crucial aspect of your smile’s aesthetics and health. In this blog, we take a closer look at:
- Misaligned Teeth – A Danger in the Long Run
- Orthodontic Dentistry Isn’t the Same as General Dentistry!
- Your Orthodontic Journey – An Overview of the Steps in Process
- Different Orthodontic Options
Continue reading as we learn more about orthodontics in Irving in the following sections.
Misaligned Teeth – A Danger in the Long Run
Misalignment in teeth makes it tough to clean certain portions, which can cause dental issues like tooth decay or gum diseases. Besides, it also makes chewing difficult, leading to problems related to digestion. The worldwide prevalence of malocclusion among children and adolescents is 56%. Because of maxillary and mandibular unequal development, adolescent patients have increased crowding of their anterior teeth, with more misalignment in the mandibular incisors. However, this is where orthodontist procedures help you correct your smile and oral health.
Orthodontic Dentistry Isn’t the Same as General Dentistry!
When we think of orthodontic treatment, the first thing that comes to mind is traditional metal braces, but orthodontics services are much more. Dentistry and orthodontics are not the same. While the dentists in Keller deal with a broad spectrum of oral health issues related to teeth, gums, and jaw; orthodontists primarily take care of the issues involving the alignment of your oral cavity.
Understanding Orthodontics
In simple terms, you need to visit an orthodontist when you need to get your cavity straightened. The reasons for the misalignment can differ from one person to another. The issues that can be addressed by orthodontic issues are:
- Oral alignment issues
- Fixing chewing and speech difficulties due to jaw and misalignment
- Fixing malocclusions
- Fixing gaps in your cavity
- Straightening crooked tooth
Once you are sure about the orthodontic procedures you need, it’s time to consult with your nearest orthodontist in Irving, Texas, to resume the treatment. In the next section, let’s look at the steps involved in the process.
Your Orthodontic Journey – An Overview of the Steps in Process
Stage I – Consultation
The journey to a beautiful smile starts with a consultation with a qualified Keller, TX, orthodontist. On your first visit, you will discuss your concerns and goals, and the orthodontist will conduct a comprehensive examination of your tooth, gums, and jaws to assess the problem.
Stage II – Planning
Your orthodontist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your examination results. The plan will include:
- The procedures required.
- Estimated duration.
- The expected results.
- The available options for you to choose from.
Once you have made the choice, you will also get an estimated cost of your braces procedures.
Stage III – Treatment Initiation
Now that everything has been planned, the journey begins. The orthodontist procedures, for example, the traditional braces, involve the placement of brackets and then connecting them with the wires. Clear aligners involve making customized, removable sets that must be changed periodically. 
Stage IV – Regular Check-Ups
Throughout your treatment, you will have regular check-ups where your orthodontics specialty will track your progress, make necessary adjustments, and ensure the treatment plan stays on course.
Stage V – Treatment Completion
Once the treatment is done and you have achieved the smile you have always wanted, your orthodontist might suggest you wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Different Orthodontic Options
Braces
Oral braces are used to straighten misaligned teeth. These appliances follow braces procedures with brackets that are attached to the front surface of the oral cavity. These brackets have a track where an archwire is placed to hold your teeth into place. There are two main kinds of metal braces: traditional and self-ligating.
- Traditional braces dentistry uses small ties or elastics to hold the wires onto the brackets. They work well for fixing different levels of crowded teeth and are durable.
- Self-ligating braces are similar to traditional ones but have a built-in system to attach the wires to the brackets, making them a bit different. Ceramic self-ligating braces are a good choice as they blend more seamlessly than metal ones because of their white or transparent appearance.
Invisible Aligners
It is widely used and is a very popular choice for being user-friendly. Clear aligners are transparent and consist of removable and clear plastic trays. Your orthodontics for braces will custom-make your aligners depending on your treatment plan and oral alignment. 
You need to wear your aligners for at least 22 hours each day. Then, you have to swap your aligners with a new one after a few weeks, depending upon the movement of your teeth. The aligners incrementally and gradually push the teeth into alignment. There are various benefits of invisible aligners like-
- They require fewer appointments
- You can remove them while eating
- You have no dietary restrictions
- You can floss and brush according to your regular schedule
- The treatment time is usually shorter
Retainers
Retainers are another crucial aspect of orthodontics for braces. They are usually used in the post-treatment phase. After receiving braces or any other kind of treatment, the retainers help maintain the alignment. There are three types of retainers: permanent, Hawley, and Essix. Permanent retainers have a metal wire cemented to the inside of your teeth. At the same time, the Hawley retainer can be removed and includes a metal wire and an acrylic piece. Lastly, Essix retainers are clear, removable, and made out of plastic.
Headgear
It is done to rectify the placement of the back teeth while treating the front in the process. Your orthodontist will direct you on how to wear it, and you must follow it. As a result, your front teeth may protrude. You can only wear it at night since it prevents you from doing anything else.
Orthognathic Treatment
In complex situations, this is done to reposition one or both jaws in patients with large jaw divergence compared to sizes. This surgical surgery is required when the jaws are unnaturally positioned about the skull.
Takeaway
- Orthodontic treatment not only makes your smile beautiful but also healthier.
- There are multiple options for orthodontic treatment for you to choose from.
- Check the costs of the orthodontics services and ensure that your insurance will cover it for you.
- Sign up for a healthy future today! Connect with our orthodontic professionals at Keller Family Dental today!
