A stunning smile may speak volumes, projecting confidence and improving your appearance. It’s not surprising that orthodontic treatments have skyrocketed in demand recently. Several options are available to help you have the perfect smile you’ve always wanted, whether you’re struggling with crooked teeth, incorrect alignment, or other oral health problems.
But it’s important to keep in mind that dental health goes beyond appearances. You risk developing oral cancer if you ignore your dental health. Mouth cancer is exacerbated if you smoke tobacco-based products. With over 17% of individuals smoking in Tennessee in 2021 (according to Statista), knowing that the state is the fifth highest in the nation for adult smoking prevalence is concerning. Living in one of Tennessee’s thriving communities, like Goodlettsville, TN, it’s important to be aware of tobacco’s possible dangers and adopt preventive measures to maintain dental health.
Fortunately, you can tackle both the aesthetic and health elements of your oral health thanks to developments in orthodontic therapy. This article discusses common orthodontic procedures that can give you a whiter, more attractive smile.
Invisalign
If you have misaligned teeth, Invisalign is one of the best orthodontic treatments you might want to consider. The clear aligners are transparent and significantly less noticeable than traditional braces. This feature particularly appeals to individuals who prefer a more discreet treatment option, such as adults and teenagers who may feel self-conscious about wearing visible braces.
When considering Invisalign or any orthodontic treatment, finding an experienced local orthodontist or dentist is essential. For example, if you live in Goodlettsville, TN, you can access 255 Dentists in the area, as outlined by Healthgrades. While there are many, just any dentist may not be right for you. Do some research and find a reputable clinic for orthodontic treatment in Goodlettsville, TN, that specializes in these procedures.
With that said, you should know that Invisalign may be a better option for you than braces. The aligners are made from smooth plastic, reducing the likelihood of irritation and discomfort compared to traditional braces’ metal brackets and wires. The aligners are custom-fitted to your teeth, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit throughout your treatment.
Also, you can remove Invisalign aligners whenever you want, allowing you to easily take them out when eating, drinking, brushing, and flossing. It means you can continue enjoying your favorite foods without restrictions and maintain your regular oral hygiene routine more readily than with braces—which can be more challenging to clean around.
Root Canal
This procedure is often recommended when the dental pulp containing nerves and blood vessels becomes inflamed or infected due to deep decay, trauma, or repeated dental procedures. During a root canal procedure, the endodontist or dentist will remove the infected pulp and clean and disinfect the inside of the tooth. After that, they’ll fill and seal it with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
Finally, they’ll place a dental crown over the treated tooth to restore its strength and protect it from further damage. While root canals have garnered a reputation for being painful, advancements in dental techniques and anesthesia have made the procedure much more comfortable and virtually pain-free. Root canals alleviate the pain caused by tooth infections and help save the natural tooth.
Dentures
Dentures are removable dental devices that replace missing teeth and provide support for the surrounding tissues of the mouth. They are custom-made to fit comfortably and securely in the mouth, restoring the appearance and functionality of natural teeth.
Dentures can be classified into two main types: complete and partial. Complete dentures are necessary when all of your teeth in the lower or upper arch are missing, and partial dentures are best when you still have some natural teeth left.
Complete dentures are typically held in place by suction and the muscles of the cheeks and tongue, while partial dentures are secured using metal clasps that attach to the remaining teeth. Dentures can greatly enhance the ability to bite, chew, and speak properly, improving oral health and confidence.
Accelerated Orthodontics
This approach utilizes various techniques and technologies to shorten the overall treatment time and reduce the duration of wearing braces or aligners.
- One such technique involves using high-frequency vibration devices applied to the teeth during orthodontic treatment. These vibrations help stimulate bone remodeling and enhance the rate of tooth movement.
- Another technique is micro-osteoperforation, which involves creating tiny holes in the bone surrounding the teeth. This process accelerates the bone remodeling process and allows teeth to move more quickly.
- Additionally, some orthodontists may recommend the use of certain medications, such as selective alveolar decortication, which can enhance tooth movement.
Palatal Expanders
Palatal expanders are commonly used in children during their growth and development stages when the jaw bones are more flexible. By applying gentle pressure on the upper jaw, the expander helps separate the two halves of the palate, stimulating bone growth. This jaw widening can address crowded teeth, crossbites, and narrow arches.
Palatal expanders are typically attached to the molars using bands or cemented directly to the palate. They consist of a screw or a series of screws that the orthodontist can adjust periodically. During these visits, you can even ask for specific elastic wear instructions to increase their efficiency, and functionality.
Bonding
Bonding involves the application of a tooth-colored composite resin material to the surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. It is a non-invasive technique that takes only a short amount of time and can fix issues, including cracked or broken teeth, spaces between teeth, and teeth that are deformed or discolored.
The process begins with the dentist preparing the tooth surface by roughening it and applying a conditioning liquid to enhance the bond between the resin and the tooth. Then, the resin material is carefully sculpted and shaped to achieve the desired result.
Once the desired shape is achieved, a special light hardens and bonds the resin to the tooth. The final step involves polishing the bonded area to blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. Bonding is a versatile treatment option that can provide immediate improvements to your smile without the need for more extensive procedures.
Conclusion
Several popular orthodontic treatments available today can help individuals achieve aesthetic, healthier smiles. From dentures to innovative alternatives like Invisalign and accelerated orthodontics, patients have various options to suit their unique needs and preferences. These treatments not only enhance the appearance of teeth but also improve oral health and overall well-being.