Orthodontics is an area of dental practice focused on correcting teeth and jaws. This can be done by using braces or clear aligners. Many people think of orthodontics near me as a treatment for teens and pre-teens, but it can be helpful at any age. In fact, around 30 percent of orthodontic patients are adults.

Braces

Braces straighten teeth to create a healthy, confident smile. They also help patients maintain good oral hygiene by making it easier to clean crooked or crowded teeth. These problems can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, or trouble chewing.

Traditional braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the front of each tooth and connected by a wire, which is typically made from stainless steel or a blend of nickel and titanium. Arch wires apply gentle pressure to the brackets, slowly moving the teeth into alignment over time. Small rubber bands, called elastic ligatures, attach the arch wires to the brackets. These elastic ties can be replaced by orthodontists at each adjustment visit to provide extra pressure when necessary.

If a wire or bracket becomes loose, it’s important to contact the orthodontist for advice. A loose wire can poke or irritate the inside of your mouth, so you should avoid eating hard or sticky foods and chewing on the end of the wire. If the wire is irritating, use sugarless gum or orthodontic wax to cover it temporarily.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligner trays to straighten your teeth. Each aligner is custom-made from a comfortable, BPA-free plastic material that fits snugly over your teeth. You will wear each set for about two weeks before switching to the next one in the series. The clear, removable nature of the aligners makes them less noticeable than traditional braces. You will also need to visit our office less frequently because we don’t need to spend time tightening wires or repairing brackets.

Invisalign is a popular choice for adults because it is more discreet than metal braces and is easy to maintain. The aligners are comfortable to wear, and the smooth plastic is less likely to irritate your cheeks or lips like the sharp edges of metal braces can. Invisalign is also a great option for teenagers who want to straighten their teeth without attracting unwanted attention. However, if your teen is not responsible with wearing and caring for their aligners, they may need to consider other orthodontic treatments.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are made from transparent medical-grade plastic and are less noticeable than traditional metal braces. While they are not invisible, they are discreet enough that most people will not notice them when you talk, eat or smile.

They work by applying gentle pressure on your teeth to help reposition them. They can be removed for meals and to maintain oral hygiene, which is not possible with traditional braces. Clear aligners can correct mild to moderate crowding and spacing issues, as well as rotated or tipped teeth. They can also treat relapse after previous orthodontic treatment and prepare teeth for restorative procedures like veneers and crowns.

To maximize the effectiveness of the aligners, they must be worn for at least 22 hours a day. They should only be removed for eating, drinking and brushing your teeth. Aligners should be kept clean with a toothbrush and lukewarm water to prevent them from becoming warped or stained, and to avoid the buildup of bacteria and odors.

Retainers

Whether or not your child is wearing braces or clear aligners, retainers help them maintain the new position of their teeth after active orthodontic treatment has ended. Retainers are usually clear and look like a thin piece of plastic that wraps around their lower or upper teeth. Some retainers are bonded to the inside of the mouth while others (typically Hawley retainers) can be taken out for cleaning and meals.

The reason retainers are important is that once pressure from braces or aligners is removed, teeth have a natural tendency to shift back to their original positions. This can affect the health of teeth, gums, and bones.

Having a retainer can also help people with speech impediments or problems relating to the temporomandibular joint. Retainers can be custom made to train the tongue or prevent children from grinding their teeth at night, a condition known as bruxism. For this reason, it is important to follow your orthodontist’s instructions for wearing and caring for retainers.