If you have crooked teeth, a misaligned bite, or are otherwise looking for methods to correct your smile, you may be wondering what options are available for you. There are a myriad of options to correct your teeth, including spacers, expanders, and jaw correction, but are braces an orthodontic treatment? Yes! Traditional braces, clear aligners, and other corrective measures are all orthodontic treatments! Our orthodontist in Roxboro is here to explain them.
How Do Braces Work?
Traditional braces work by exerting pressure on the teeth through the use of brackets and wires. Brackets are affixed to the front of your teeth and wires are placed through slots in the brackets. Over time, our orthodontist tightens the mechanism to move the teeth into their correct positions. They are an effective, tried-and-true method to straighten teeth.
What Are Clear Aligners?
Clear aligners are nearly invisible, customized plastic trays that are used to straighten the teeth. The trays are molded to the shape of your teeth, and you are given a series of trays throughout your treatment to gradually move your teeth into their proper positions. Clear aligners offer discretion, and comfort, and are used for mild to moderate orthodontic cases.
Other Corrective Treatments
Aside from braces and aligners, other orthodontic treatments include:
- Palatal expanders widen the palate (roof of the mouth) to make room for incoming teeth or to correct a misaligned bite (malocclusion)
- Corrective jaw surgery for severe underbites or overbites
- Fixed space appliances to maintain space when a tooth is lost
- Appliances to prevent thumb-sucking in children
- Retainers to maintain straight teeth after treatment is complete
Depending on your case, you may have to use a combination of treatments to achieve your perfect smile. Our orthodontist will consult with you during your first appointment!
Contact Our Orthodontist in Roxboro To Find Out More Today!
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about retainers and other topics related to orthodontic treatment, feel free to contact Wilson Orthodontics, with a convenient orthodontic office near Roxboro by calling 919.371.0384.