Orthodontics Vancouver
Orthodontics is the art and science of straightening teeth and aligning jaws to improve the function and appearance of the teeth and face. Orthodontic treatment has many benefits which can vary depending on individual needs and expectations.
Once the proper relationship between teeth has been created there is less opportunity for food impaction and plaque retention. Brushing and flossing are easier to accomplish and this reduces the incidence of tooth decay and gum (periodontal) disease.Prevention of worn teeth loosening of teeth breaking of teeth and jaw (TMJ) discomfort and pain later in life is possible through orthodontic treatment.In some instances speech problems may result from crooked teeth and misaligned jaws.
Metal braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces for orthodontic patients. Today metal braces are much smaller flatter and more comfortable than in the past. Patients of all ages choose metal braces to help them achieve straight beautiful smiles.
Once placed on your teeth braces place constant pressure on your teeth and the force of the pressure helps move teeth into proper position. At each appointment your orthodontist may tighten the arch wires. In addition to braces some patients may need to wear rubber bands or headgear. Patients wearing braces may notice their teeth feeling a little loose. This is normal and temporary; once the teeth are done moving this feeling will go away.
Traditional metal braces are still the most popular quickest and most cost effective orthodontic treatment available. Our orthodontist can help you determine what treatment is best for your individual case. Please contact our Hospital to schedule an appointment and learn more about how braces can enhance your smile.
Clear Braces
Different materials are used to manufacture Clear Braces. Ceramic brackets are the most popular. Ceramic brackets with metal inserts are more advantageous to use because the teeth get corrected faster with these. Ceramic brackets are strong not very visible inert and stable in the oral conditions.
Other materials used to manufacture clear braces are Urethane Plastic and Polyoxymethylene etc. These materials are not as strong as ceramic and tend to wear out faster.
All single sitting root canals are done in our clinic by experienced endodontists who exclusively practice root canals. The procedure is not for cosmetics but rather your health. The infection will only get worse with time if left untreated. The biggest advantage is that the tooth will not need to be extracted in the future.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are fixed onto the inner sides of the teeth. These braces have been used for many years. Their popularity is now growing as more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment. They are not seen at all so the patients who are conscious about wearing braces can get their teeth repositioned to get an aesthetic smile.
The latest lingual brackets are highly refined and low profile. Therefore they are more comfortable for the patients. We use the Multi-Purpose Attachments for many of our patients wherever possible. These are the thinnest possible brackets available and therefore are most comfortable for our patients. All kinds of irregularities of the teeth can be treated with lingual braces.The patients are uncomfortable for a few weeks due to confined tongue space and speech problems but get adjusted later. The only disadvantage is that the Time required for every appointment is more. The treatment time is the same as that with the regular braces. It depends on the severity of the irregularity.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners (Like Invisalign, Clear Correct etc) are appliances used for straightening teeth without the conventional fixed braces. A series of custom made trays are prepared according to the corrections required for a patient. These trays bring about changes in the positions of teeth sequentially. The patient is supposed to wear the trays as instructed and check ups are done every 6-8 weeks by the orthodontist or dentist to monitor the progress.
Advantages of Clear Aligners
They are not visible so adult patients not wanting to wear braces can get their teeth corrected.They are removable so the patients do not have restrictions on food as those with the fixed appliances.As they are removable the forces do not act on the teeth all the time.Patient cooperation is very important.
Only mild to moderate malocclusions can be treated efficiently and effectively as the control needed over teeth for complex movements is less with clear aligners
as compared to that exerted by fixed braces. Patients may experience speech problems for a few days.
In many cases it may not be possible to achieve the best possible aesthetic smile; functional and stable results without repositioning teeth with orthodontic appliances. These patients have the option of choosing appliances which are not very visible or not visible at all. Due to recent advances in orthodontics the time taken for orthodontic corrections has reduced. In most cases aesthetic improvements can be achieved in a few weeks to a few months.
