Dental problems have been on the rise in the recent past, and the most common ones include bleeding gums, teeth-decay, tooth irregularity and jaws among others. You are probably one of those affected and looking for a treatment but wondering which type of orthodontic treatment and device will suit you. Orthodontic treatment comes in three main stages- pre-treatment, during treatment and post-treatment. Your dentist will examine your condition; treatment will be administered to you after which maintenance has to be done. Depending on your preference and the state of your jaws or teeth, there are several types of orthodontic appliances you can opt for including; passive, active or functional devices which can either be removable or fixed. Eugene Oregon dentist will recommend for you more specific tools some of which are: Braces (fixed or removable), headgears, retainers and in severe cases surgery to remove the tooth and correct the jaws.
BRACES
If you are suffering overbites, under bites, cross bites, open bites and malocclusions among others; dentists may advise you to consider braces as a corrective measure. Braces will straighten your teeth, maintain your jaw line and position them with respect to your bites as well as improve your dental health. You can either choose removable or fixed braces depending on the magnitude of the flaws in your jaw and teeth. Among the types of braces dentists may require you to consider are: The traditional wired braces; these are made of stainless steel with a metal bracket and elastic ties connecting the wire to the brackets- you will find this type so popular. Other type you may encounter includes Self-litigating braces that assist with reduced treatment time, less pain, and fewer adjustments. If you want something less conspicuous and blend well with your teeth then, you should consider clear braces. However, clear braces are brittle, and you might experience some difficulties in removing them. Other preferred types of braces are Gold-plated, lingual, and titanium braces. You need to note that each type has their merits and demerits.
HEADGEARS
During the treatment of your front teeth, your back teeth often shift in position and lose their usual arrangement. You should, therefore, wear a headgear to correct the position of your back teeth and keep them in line during treatment. According to doctors, you should only wear the headgear for a few hours during which you will not be able to eat or drink. You are, therefore, advised to wear them during the evening or at night when sleeping. You can also use headgears in correction of more severe bite problems. Headgears prevent the rapid growth of the upper jaw enabling the lower jaw to catch up hence prevents overbite problems in growing patients mostly the kids.
FACEMASKS
For kid patients, Eugene Oregon dentist suggests the use of the facemask during your dental treatment. During this time, both the maxillary and mandibular bones irregularly grow and to correct this; you need a facemask to control the growth.
RETAINERS
After your treatment or surgery, you will have to use retainers to maintain your teeth and jaws failure to which they might revert to the previous state. Orthodontic retainers are made of wires or clear plastic, and you will need them to reinforce, support, align and hold your jaws and teeth in position. You will be required to wear your retainers every night at first, or during the day. The most commonly used retainers are Hawley, Essix, Zendura and bonded or fixed retainers. In most dental clinics, you may probably come across other retainers but you are likely to encounter the ones mentioned above more often. Hawley retainer is the best known type and is made of metal-wire that surrounds the six anterior teeth and holds them in position. The merit of Hawley retainer is that you can adjust the wires at will in order to complete treatment as well as enhance movement of the anterior teeth as you desire. Most of the dentists do not advise you to use this on your kid due to excessive breakage. On the other hand, Essix retainers are fabricated from the polyvinyl chloride material. You are likely to prefer this retainer since it is invisible when worn and also fits over the entire arch of the teeth.
You cannot eat with retainers on and you will want to remove them- Essix retainers are easy to remove. Zendura retainers are also clear just like the Essix however you are assured of excellent stress relaxation resistance, strength and toughness as opposed to Essix.rnSo the bottom line is there are several types of orthodontic devices you can pick on and in severe cases, you can opt for tooth removal. Your preference determines very little though as your dental condition and your doctor's advice taking a center stage in determining which one will be suitable for you. Bearing in consideration the merits, functionality, design and demerits of each device will help you make the right choice.