Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry, and it involves the treatment, prevention and diagnosis of various dental problems. To correct some of these issues, a patient can be given a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance.
A fixed appliance must be bonded to your teeth. Removable orthodontic appliances are different because they can be taken out of your mouth. Many types of orthodontic care require multiple stages of treatment, so removable orthodontic appliances might be preferred for treatments. If you’re considering a specific treatment option, removable appliances could be very beneficial for you. There are a few different options to choose from.
Invisalign®
A well-known option is Invisalign®. If you want to straighten your teeth discreetly, this could be a great option for you. Invisalign® can give you straight teeth without the use of fixed braces.
The treatment plan consists of several removable aligners, so you’re not forced to wear brackets and metal wires. It can take up to 15 months to complete the Invisalign® treatment, and you’ll need to wear a series of aligners. Most patients must get new aligners every two weeks. Unlike fixed braces, Invisalign® aligners are easy to remove, so you can easily take them out while eating and drinking.
Retainers
After you’ve finished your treatment program, you’ll still need to wear retainers. These removable orthodontic appliances are important because they’ll keep your teeth straight after the treatment program is finished.
Retainers are much more important than they’re given credit for, and without them, your teeth could move back to their crooked alignment. Teenagers are recommended to continue using retainers until they reach adulthood. It’s best for adults to wear retainers indefinitely.
Benefits and Limitations
Removable orthodontic appliances offer several benefits, but they also have some limitations. These appliances are used to correct mild malocclusion cases. They’re not ideal for severe cases because they don’t exert enough force to deal with severe malocclusion.
Removable orthodontic appliances are frequently used for single tooth rotations, but they’re not suitable for correcting multiple rotations. They’re also not effective for bodily movement, which requires significantly more force. They’re commonly used for the correction of minor malocclusion.
Some common scenarios are tipping and rotations. Unfortunately, removable orthodontic appliances aren’t capable of final alignment of teeth. They’re capable of keeping teeth aligned until the ideal bone strength is achieved.
Learn More
Patient compliance is very important when removable orthodontic appliances are used. If you’re considering treatment options that use removable orthodontic appliances, then you should schedule a consultation at Brace Central and get more information. Contact us today to book your appointment at our office in Brooklyn.