For many years, metal orthodontic devices were used by dentists around the world; however, technology has improved this device dramatically and added more to the dentist’s arsenal. Braces Liverpool uses all of these different types of devices to correct a variety of dental misalignments.
Why would a patient need dental alignment
Deciding on the method required to correct certain dental issues firstly requires a dental consultation. The signs for an adult that a dentist’s intervention is necessary are:
- crooked or crowded teeth
- difficulty flossing and/or brushing
- tongue getting bitten
- difficulty pronouncing certain words easily
- clicking noise emanating from the jaw especially when eating
- jaw fatiguing after meals
In children, the signs to look out for are:
- crooked or crowded teeth
- breathing through the mouth
- inside of the cheek or tongue getting bitten
- thumb sucking after the age of two years old
Often the causes of dental problems are nutritional deficiencies and scant dental hygiene. Even if a parent cannot detect any visible dental issues, it is important to introduce their child to the dentist as early as possible to allow them to become relaxed. Making it a regular six-monthly visit to the dentist and getting used to seeing all the equipment help to make the experience less stressful. The dentist is also afforded the opportunity to identify any issues early and determine whether or not there is a need for orthodontic devices.
Different types of orthodontic devices
Orthodontic devices that use wires and blocks are still used today. Vastly improved, they are now more streamlined and not as obvious as before but still visible. They are a lot smaller and consequently more comfortable to wear. A newer innovation is a ceramic version which works similar to the metal type but is less visible due to the colour of the material used. A self-ligating version, which again is not dissimilar in function to metal and ceramic, is produced in both a metal and clear variety that is less noticeable. This type also uses a series of clips instead of elastic bands to hold the wire. Completely in contrast to other types, the lingual version is placed on the inside of the teeth so that they are not visible. Naturally, this type is more popular with adults.
Dental aligners that make a smile
The latest adaptation of this type of device is the aligner which works using a completely different technique. Using the latest advancements in technology, dentists can now perform a complete 3D scan of a patient’s mouth giving them a perfect view. They can also show the patient how their teeth will look after the treatment.
The latest clear aligners are placed onto the teeth much like a gumshield and must be worn for at least two weeks before the next aligner, which has a slightly different orientation, replaces it. They must be worn for at least 22 hours a day and can be removed before eating or brushing. Using the latest devices, braces Liverpool has adapted to the requirements of patients and provided more comfortable and effective ways of correcting misaligned teeth, thus giving patients the confidence to smile.
