Fantastic New Options In Orthodontics

It's important to make a good first impression. Whether meeting business partners, neighbors, colleagues, or romantic interests, one of the first things that they notice are a person's teeth. In Western society, the way a person's teeth look often reflects their socioeconomic standing, health habits, and level of education. Unfortunately, not everyone is born with good looking teeth. In fact, most people need orthodontic intervention in order to have the perfect smile.

Many people, especially adults, are reluctant to wear braces to correct problems with their teeth, because they are only familiar with metal braces and strange contraptions that were prevalent several decades ago. Modern technology has completely changed and has allowed orthodontists to straighten teeth and correct problems more easily than ever before. There are several techniques available that can even disguise the fact that someone is wearing braces so much so that most people that they come into contact with will never notice.

One of the primary concerns that patients have before getting braces is how they will affect their appearances. For patients who are self conscious about their looks and fear having a mouth full of metal, modern orthodontics offers several solutions. One popular method uses ceramic braces. Typical braces are made of metal and wires, but modern technology has replaced them with ceramics. Ceramic braces work the same as metal braces but have a couple of advantages.

First and foremost, ceramic braces blend in well with the patient's existing teeth, making them almost invisible from a distance. For patients who are concerned about their appearances, this can be a deciding factor. Also, ceramic braces can cause fewer abrasions in a person's mouth than metal braces. Ceramic braces are more expensive and have larger brackets than metal braces, though, and may have to be worn longer to get the same results.

Another option for patients who want to have their braces be as invisible as possible is invisible aligners like Invisalign. Invisible aligners are different than traditional braces. In fact, they are not braces at all in the usual sense of the word as no brackets or wires are involved in the process.

Instead, clear, plastic trays that fit over the teeth are used to apply gentle pressure to the teeth to push them into the correct positions. Invisible aligning trays work best for patients who do not have severe problems with their teeth. Also, invisible aligners do not allow the full range of control that orthodontists have with conventional braces.

For patients who require dentures for missing teeth, new innovations in modern orthodontics and dentistry have made stabilization of those dentures using mini implants mainstream. Conventional dentures can fall out or cause difficulty when eating. They may also cause clicking noises when the wearer opens their mouth. Mini implants allow orthodontists to stabilize dentures by anchoring them to the jaw.

In a mini implant procedure, posts are inserted through the gum and affixed to the jaw bone. The dentures can then be anchored to the posts creating a tight and secure hold. For the denture wearer, securing dentures in this manner can allow them to eat a less restricted diet, avoid having to buy denture adhesives, and give them the confidence to speak, knowing that their dentures are secure and will not fall out.

New technologies have revolutionized the field of orthodontics. Gone are the days of having to wear unsightly, metal braces and strange retainer contraptions. Advancements in modern orthodontics have made it possible for patients to be fitted with near invisible options to fix their teeth. Consulting with an orthodontist today can put a person on the right path to attaining a winning smile that can open doors and ensure happiness.