Orthodontics

Orthodontics is focuses on the diagnosis as well as the treatment of dental and associated facial irregularities. A common and basic purposes for orthodontic treatment is aligning teeth. Orthodontics consists of treating different conditions such as tooth crowding, overbites, underbites and gaps between teeth. Corrective appliances such as braces and retainers are used in orthodontic treatments.

Types of Orthodontics

The different types of dental braces or orthodontic appliances available including:

1. Stainless steel metal braces : metal braces are the most widely used type of dental braces and is usually made in combination with nickel titanium. Generally, traditional metal braces are the most economal option if looking for cheap braces or basic orthdontic treatment for aligning teeth.
2. Ceramic braces : are also known as clear braces or tooth-colored braces. Ceramic braces may be made of cearmic, plastic or a glass-like composite material making them less noticeable than metal braces. Ceramic braces are suited for individuals concerned about their appearance, as the ceramic brackets are translucent blending with the natural tooth color.
3. Invisalign : the Invisalign system uses a series of clear plastic custom-made trays to move teeth into their position. Invisalign does not involve brackets or wires bonded to the teeth and are removable. Instead of adjusting arch-wires in metal braces, ceramic and lingual braces, the Invisalign system requires a new teeth aligner tray that is replaced periodotically based on the orthodontist's advise and recommendation. Each Invisalign aligner is individually manufactured for each individual. Invisalign system braces are ideal for those who have slight orthodontic problems but not recommended for severe malocclusions.
4. Lingual braces : lingual braces are a special kind of braces fitted to the back surfaces of the teeth and are thus hidden braces. Lingual braces may look like traditional metal braces with wires but they are not that visible from the front. This means that lingual braces are not easily noticed by others.
5. Damon braces : Damon braces are based on one of the concept called self-ligation braces. Unlike traditional braces that uses o-ring or elastic bands, Damon brackets do not require ligatures or small bands but have a special sliding clip catch to hold the archwires in place. Damon braces offer a lower-friction solution to teeth straightening.

Other commonly done treatments in cosmetic dentistry related to orthodontics includes:

1. Porcelain Veneers
2. Dental Crowns
3. Gap Closing
4. Inlays and Onlays
5. Dental Bonding