Table of Contents
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the type of dentistry which engages with the treatment of badly positioned teeth and in some cases also jaws. The presence of orthodontic conditions and our desire to straighten our teeth are as old as humanity itself: the earliest example of an orthodontic condition known today is the crooked teeth found in human remains which are thought to be approximately 50,000 years old. Luckily today humanity does not have to rely on the strange methods of teeth straightening used by our ancestors. Orthodontics today is capable of treating and even curing most orthodontic conditions; this is mainly due to the relatively recent improvements in the past 200 years. The most commonly known dental treatments are braces. While braces are still very important in treating some conditions, they are increasingly replaced by more aesthetic orthodontic treatment solutions. One of them is Invisalign. If you are looking to get Invisalign St Albans, book an appointment with a reputable provider of this popular treatment.
How do braces work?
The metal braces with brackets we know so well today only became popular during the 1970s. This is largely due to the invention of dental adhesives at the time. Prior to that, braces were mostly precious metal bands wrapped around each tooth. Dental adhesives are used to attach the metal brackets onto the surface of each tooth. These metal brackets are then bound together using a metal wire called the archwire. This allows the orthodontist to apply precisely the desired amount of pressure on the teeth by increasing the tension of the archwire. As the treatment progresses the tension is adjusted periodically by your orthodontist. These braces are unfortunately not removable, and you often require a special toothbrush to be able to clean the area under the bracket. Despite this, traditional braces are still popular, as they have a very broad treatment spectrum.
How does Invisalign work?
Invisalign manufactures invisible aligners. These are custom made aligners, made out of a transparent plastic material, which fit seamlessly on your dental arches, thus making them almost invisible. Prior to the treatment a 3D recording of your oral cavity is made. This serves as a blueprint, after which the aligners will be made. During the treatment a series of these aligners is manufactured. This allows the treatment to progress and minimises the discomfort associated with it. Invisalign is a perfect choice for patients with conditions ranging in severity from mild/cosmetic to moderate. Unfortunately it also has its own limitations, therefore a consultation with your dentist prior to choosing the perfect treatment is necessary. Invisalign has numerous benefits however. The most obvious one is that it is very comfortable and almost invisible due to its materials and shape. Another important benefit is that you can remove your Invisalign invisible aligners whenever you would like to. This makes brushing your teeth or having a meal much easier. It is important to note however, that the aligners have to be worn for at least 22 hours every day to achieve the desired results in a timely manner. If you decide to get Invisalign you will join millions of other patients who have enjoyed their journey with this treatment.