All you need to know about tooth aligners

These types of braces have undergone a lot of changes that have made them much lighter and of a smaller form that they used to be when they first came out. These braces are typically made of high quality stainless steel with brackets attached to the teeth using dental cement. There is a thin arch wire that links the brackets putting pressure on the teeth to enable them move into position.

O-rings, also known as ligatures, are used to connect the arch wires to the brackets. These are adjusted every time the orthodontist tightens the fit of the braces. They are a type of braces known as self-ligating braces that don’t require o-rings.

These braces require fewer visits to the dentist and offer much gentler treatment. This has made them popular among orthodontists who prefer them for their patients. The braces use a slide mechanism rather than elastics to connect arch wires. They are also self-ligating.

Function in the same way as traditional braces but have a clear bracket made from transparent ceramic. They are a popular choice for adults in need of teeth alignment since they are not noticeable to others. These types of braces sometimes have the problem of causing tooth discoloration which can easily be corrected by using a tooth paste with adequate fluoride, which protects teeth from cavities.

These are a fairly new type of braces which have become popular very quickly. They are clear plastic braces designed in the shape of mouth guards. These are typically custom-made for individual patients. They can be detached from the teeth when eating or cleaning and are typically changed every two weeks. When the braces are changed, the patient gets a new aligner which is meant to improve the adjustment of your teeth even more.

Clear aligners are also good for use on ongoing treatment even after the patient is done with the orthodontic treatment. They are able to help maintain the results you achieve from teeth alignment for as long as your teeth are moving and are removed when the teeth settle.

These are ideal for patients with overcrowded teeth which can be remedied by either one of two options. The solutions include palatal expanders or tooth extractions. In the past, tooth extraction was the typical solution for such problems but today dentists often advise wearing palatal expanders for some time. The palatal expander fits the palate, applying pressure on the upper molars from the back thus moving your teeth gradually. The process expands the palate, allowing for other types of braces to fit the teeth where they couldn’t.

Early treatment is always the best when it comes to dental issues. Some children may need Forsus appliances to help correct problematic overbites. The Forsus appliance adjusts the upper jaw bringing it back into position. It is a spring placed in the inside of the cheek and attached to braces.

Patients have the choice between Clear Bite and Clear Correct which can help mend crooked teeth without the awkwardness of having to wear easily noticeable braces. The two are recommended by dentists across Australia as reliable and safe to use.

Clear Bite aligners are a range of custom-made aligners fashioned using advanced technologies which have proven effective in treating teeth alignment problems. The aligning trays are manufactured using a comfortable, smooth plastic which is virtually invisible and are worn over the teeth. Like other teeth aligners in its class, Clear Bite uses no brackets or metal wires to align teeth.

Once you find a dental practice certified to offer the service, your treatment begins with the doctor taking X-rays of your teeth. The X-rays are then sent to Clear Bite, who use them to create 3-D imaging of your teeth. The 3-D images are then used by your orthodontist to create a suitable treatment plan, including the exact movements for alignment. You will also get a full representation of the treatment including each step of alignment all through the period you wear aligners.

Custom-made aligners

A series of ClearBite aligners are created specifically for use by a patient. These can easily be moved whenever you need to eat food or clean your teeth. The aligners are changed every two weeks and you won’t feel any irritation or poking which is the case with traditional metal braces.

Treatment takes just as long as it would with any type of alignment treatment and you may have to wear the braces for a couple of years or less. It is one of the reasons most professionals seeking to correct alignment problems choose such alternatives. The braces remain concealed throughout the time of treatment allowing you to go on with your typical day undisturbed.

ClearCorrect aligners

ClearCorrect is yet another type of aligners with the benefit of concealing your treatment. They are popularly used as an alternative to metal braces which have been the mainstay for a number of years now.

Treatment plan

Your choice of dentist will take radiographs, photographs and molds of your teeth. They are then sent to the ClearCorrect laboratories. At the laboratory, your custom-made braces are crafted using a 3-D model that gives the exact impression of your teeth. The dentist will show you the entire treatment plan and inform you on what you should expect.

After treatment is complete, the patient receives a “treatment set-up”, which shows the before and after photos of the treatment. The images are sent through e-mail, where you can respond with your take on the outcome of the treatment. ClearCorrect will then use its up-to-date technology for digital molding and mapping in case any further corrections are required.

How ClearCorrect treatment works

It is made up of four phases of alignment therapy. The patient will get new aligners at the begging of each phase. Each phase of treatment goes for 3 weeks with time between each phase set aside to allow for flexibility and control.

The aligners should be worn at all times except when eating and cleaning teeth (brushing and flossing). Such aligners give you an easy time while wearing them since they are designed with the highest level of comfort. Since they do not include metal wires or brackets, the aligners are kind to your teeth and do not inflame the gums.

After the first braces are put in position, a sequence of check-ups follows until treatment is complete. ClearCorrect aligners are a preferable mode of treatment for people who need the treatment but would be inconvenienced by frequent visits to the dentist.

As is the case with ClearBite aligners, this dental treatment allows patients to go on with their daily routine without any problems. They are virtually camouflaged even from a close observer.

When it comes to choosing between the two, the main factor is which type of treatment your dentist offers. Both offer the same type of results and there is the option to improve treatment no matter which alternative you choose.

Children require braces for a number of reasons such as:

• A bad bite
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Malocclusion-where the top and bottom jaws are of different sizes as in the case of overbites and under bites
• For adults, braces may also be used for repositioning prior to dental work such as implants, veneers, bridge work or crowns

Sometimes the jaw and tooth problems experienced by kids come from things like:

• Poor oral hygiene
• Poor nutrition
• Accidents
• Mouth breathing
• Thumb sucking, which pushes the teeth forward
• Inherited problems
• Losing milk teeth too soon

Teeth alignment problems are often first noticed by the dentist as you take the child for their initial dentist visits. The dentist then refers the parent to an orthodontist who is specialized in correcting alignment problems. After looking at the problem, the orthodontist will decide whether the child needs braces or if the problem is minor and should correct itself overtime. The orthodontist suggests the best choice of braces when the child does need treatment for teeth alignment.

There is no given age that the child should start their dental visits at. Some children can have their first visit at the age of 6 while others may go for their first dental treatment at the age of 10. For others, the first visit to the dentist can be during their teens. At such and age any issues of overcrowding or uneven bite will be clearly visible.

Taking the child to the dentist’s at an early age does not necessarily mean that the child will begin treatment right away. It simply gives the dentist time to inspect the child’s dental health and decide which treatment is appropriate when the right time comes.

The right time for braces

The child can always be taken to the dentist by the parents at any age there is no restriction on the right age for the child’s first trip to the dentist. The parent should always keep an eye on the child’s development for any dental issues that may arise. If the parent sees any changes, they are advised to visit a dentist as soon as possible for professional advice on what to do.

While there is no stipulated age for the first visit to the dentist, doctors generally agree that at the age of 7 children are ready for their first dental visit. However, this should be disregarded if any orthodontic problems are noticed sooner.

At the age of 6-10 children are usually fully ready for their first visit. At this age, the head and mouth are growing thus allowing for easier correction of any dental problems. A majority of dental professionals agree that 10-14 is the ideal age to places braces on the child. At this age, the child is old enough to understand the use of such devices and such correctional techniques take effect much easier.

A lot of orthodontists will take an interceptive approach when they notice anything unusual about teeth alignment in your child. Such interceptive methods are used when the child is not old enough to have braces placed. This is the first phase of treatment used while waiting for all the permanent teeth to grow. When this is done, the second phase of treatment usually takes a shorter period and involves the use of braces. The interceptive approach when used is a cheaper option which makes the placement of braces much easier too.

However, it is worth noting that every child develops differently. The child might not be ready for braces at the age you assume to be okay. The most important thing is to watch out for any developmental issues as soon as they are evident.

The first visit to the orthodontist

Most patients are anxious on visits to the dentists and for children the apprehension can be even worse. Doctors usually have ways of getting the child comfortable such as using toys and cartoons to distract them from their environment.

On the first visit, the orthodontist thoroughly examines your child’s teeth, jaw and mouth. He/she may instruct the child to bite their teeth together. They may also ask about the child has hard popping or clicking of the jaw at any time. The orthodontist also asks about swallowing and chewing problems the child may be having.

An X-ray of the mouth may also be needed to examine how teeth are positioned in the mouth and whether there are permanent teeth still cropping up. A mold of the child’s teeth may also be taken by pressing the top and bottom teeth on gummy material. The mold is a replica of your child’s teeth and determines which treatment the child will have for the most effective results.

The amount of time taken for treatment depends on a number of factors. There are cases where the treatment may take much more than the time stipulated and other times ends soon after the first year. Some factors that may affect the period of treatment include;

• Severity of complications with spacing and bite problems
• Age at which treatment is started
• Type of treatment chosen
• Bone flexibility to movements for correcting defects

The typical amount of time taken with the treatments in place usually ranges between 18 to 30 months. After the braces are removed, patients may have to wear a retainer for a minimum of a few months which could also go on up to two years. These are placed for the purpose of aligning surrounding tissues after the teeth are straightened. For some patients, it is vital that they wear the retainer permanently to prevent a relapse back to the defective form.

Treatment does not involve any significant discomfort and is safe to use for children as well as adults. In cases where teeth extractions are necessary, extraction is going to cause soreness which subsides with use of over-the-counter painkillers.

At each subsequent visit, interconnecting wires are tightened to give a tighter fit. This exerts some pressure on the bands or brackets so as to shift teeth or jaws to position in a gradual process. The patient may feel some discomfort soon after the visit; however, this lasts only for a short while after the visit to the dentist. Aside from this, the braces are not felt as you wear them day-to-day. After the visit, the new fit becomes normal and the patient does not experience any soreness. You can talk to your orthodontist about what to expect when the braces are put in position and they will discuss with you all that is involved.

Braces for adults

Teenagers and children of a younger age are the most common candidates for braces. It is not common for adults to be using braces for correcting alignment issues but this should not stop anyone in need of the treatment from getting the treatment they need. As a matter of fact, 20% of patients using braces in Australia are adults older than 18 years.

For adults, the use of braces does not always indicate missing out on the treatment as a child. Sometimes even people who have had braces as children have a relapse and misalignment crops up again. Some patients may have never had any issues with alignment or crowded teeth in their life but may need such assistance to correct skeletal or structural issues that arise later on in life. Despite the popular view that braces are not the type of treatment for adults, it can still work as effectively for adult patients as it does for children.

There is no defined age acknowledged as the maximum age for braces. The only issue considered is the health of gums and teeth. Incidentally, adult patients appear to be more in need of such treatment than children today. The reason for this is because adults are keeping their teeth for longer nowadays and will need to maintain a functional bite for proper functioning of the mouth.

Invisalign is a more popular option than other orthodontic treatments simply because they have no visible metal brackets or wires. A lot of people have applied this form of treatment for alignment problems since it was introduced. One of the most common concerns for patients before taking the treatment is the cost.

These types of braces are usually more costly than traditional form of orthodontic techniques for alignment. Regular braces usually cost between AUD2500 and AUD6000. Invisalign treatments are usually charged at between $3500 and $7000, which is a thousand to two thousand dollars more than the cost for regular braces.

These prices are not necessarily applied in every dental practice but give a view of the pricing for such treatments. Also, it is worth noting that these prices are also influenced by other factors that may increase the overall price.

Some of the factors that play into the overall cost include:

• Total number of aligners the patient will need
• Number of adjustments to be done during the course of treatment
• Severity of misalignment
• The amount your insurance covers

Patients who have to pay the full amount of dental costs for such procedures for one reason or the other receive payment support in many dental practices all across Australia. This may be structured as monthly payments which are paid over several months to offset the total cost.

Some patients also qualify for tax rebates which ease the financial burden of receiving treatment. Patients are encouraged to check for their medical status under Medical Expenses Offsets in the Australian Tax Return which can serve as a payment for some treatments.

Braces can easily conceal food particles and cause dental problems for the wearer; this is especially the case with little children. For this reason, patients wearing braces have to do more to ensure their oral hygiene is up to par. This includes brushing teeth and flossing which can be facilitated by a special flosser the child uses around braces. Aside from this, regular dental checkup are vital to prevent cavities.

Some foods should also be avoided. The child should stay away from foods like sticky candy, popcorn and gum, which expose the braces to damage. Sugary juices and sodas are also to be avoided since they also contribute to formation of cavities and tooth decay.

Parents are advised to see the dentist immediately the child loses a bracket or wire or if there is a wire poking the mouth. Sharp spots on the braces can be covered by orthodontic wax to stop bothersome braces from rubbing against gums or the mouth.