Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on aligning the teeth and jaws for both functional and aesthetic improvements. When an individual has misaligned teeth, they will find them more difficult to keep clean. Alignment issues can also affect how the teeth wear during chewing, how the lips meet, and how the jaw opens and closes. Orthodontics can be used to treat people of all ages and help them improve their smile. Those who are suffering from issues with alignment should seek their dentist for orthodontic procedures in Queens NY.
There are four main types of braces that can be used to improve smiles:
- Traditional braces have come a long way since they were first introduced to dental offices around the world. In the past, the components were primarily clunky and created a “metal mouth”. Today, brackets are smaller and come in colors for kids and clear for adults. The arch wires are thinner and less noticeable once on the teeth so individuals can wear braces without feeling embarrassed about their smile. A person will need to wear these braces for one to three years, and they are tightened every four to six weeks.
- Unlike traditional braces, Damon braces are self-litigating so they do not require the use of elastic bands which can sometimes cause discomfort and slow down treatment. These braces are typically more pleasing to the eye because the brackets are much smaller. While they are more expensive than traditional braces, many people are choosing them because they are not so obvious on the teeth.
- Invisalign is becoming increasingly popular because it involves no metal at all. The Invisalign system consists of rigid plastic trays that are made specifically for a patient. They are clear, so they are practically invisible once in place. Each aligner is worn for two weeks and then discarded. Aligners can be removed while eating, brushing, and flossing.
- Lingual braces are placed behind the teeth so they do not show outwardly. This method is very similar to traditional braces, with pressure being used to move the teeth into their desired positions. These braces will have to be customized for the patient and are generally more expensive than other orthodontic procedures in Queens NY.
Individuals who would like to improve the alignment of their teeth should visit the dentist. Click here to learn more so you can get started on improving your smile.
