Different Orthodontic Equipment Types

More and more, orthodontists are stocking their shelves with more than just braces. As technology and science have advanced, more research into the causes of tooth misalignment and jaw anomalies has been done. Many different kinds of machinery have emerged as a result, each tailored to meet a specific need. The following are some of the treatments available at VanLaecken Orthodontics, like Invisalign in South Dakota, when you schedule an appointment.

Braces

Many people's mental image of orthodontic tools begins with braces. It's also typically the most frequent. This apparatus consists of wires and brackets that are affixed to the teeth with an adhesive and held in place by rubber bands. Wearing braces for a year or two and having them adjusted at regular intervals is the usual experience.

Brackets made of metal and ceramic are the most widely used materials. Ceramic is meant to match the color of your teeth, while metal has a much more apparent color. However, because of their weakness, ceramic braces are far less prevalent than metal braces. Along with these two types, VanLaecken Orthodontics carries Damon braces, which are similar to traditional ones, but use smaller brackets.

Brackets and wires on teeth can be sharp, and they can easily cut the inside of the mouth. Orthodontists frequently give patients tooth wax and salves to help with this issue.

Aligners

Since dental aligners are both transparent and removable, they have quickly become a preferred alternative to traditional braces for correcting crooked teeth. The orthodontist will use x-ray images of your mouth to make a custom plastic mouth cast for you to wear. Since teeth change over time, you'll have to come in for adjustments every few weeks.

In comparison to traditional braces, the average time duration that aligners are worn is between six and eighteen months. This is due to the fact that people who choose aligners typically have milder cases of dental misalignment than those who choose for braces. Byte and ClearCorrect are only two of the many well-known brands that manufacture aligners. VanLaecken Orthodontics is only one of several orthodontic practices that provide Invisalign. In fact, they are a top 1% provider!

Mouthguards

People who have trouble biting or who otherwise have dental issues should use this product. Mouthguards are plastic bite guards that may be removed before play. Contact sports athletes, particularly those who play football and basketball, frequently wear them to protect their teeth.

In addition, people who suffer from bruxism (the medical term for teeth grinding) may find relief from wearing a mouthguard. This condition arises when a person clenches their jaw involuntarily, usually as a response to emotional or mental strain. Problems like tooth loss and discomfort in the jaw might result from this. Since most bruxists grind their teeth at night, a mouthguard is a common piece of advice.

Retainers

No longer will you need to wear braces or aligners for the rest of your life, but you still have some work to do! Your orthodontist will create a retainer to prevent your teeth from returning to their previous position. The process involves making a plaster copy of your teeth from a mold. The retainer can then be fashioned out of either plastic or metal, according to need and personal desire. Depending on the design, a retainer can be placed either on the roof of the mouth or behind the teeth.

There will be an initial period of months where you need to always wear your retainer. If your orthodontist is pleased with the way your teeth look, you may be required to wear them while you sleep. No matter what, you'll be scheduling follow-up appointments with your orthodontist for quite some time after your initial consultation.

Learn How to Locate the Finest Orthodontist

Full-time attention from an orthodontist is an investment worth making, so it's important to find a clinic you can trust. VanLaecken Orthodontics serves the communities of Aberdeen, Brookings, Milbank, Sioux Falls, and Watertown, SD. They have state-of-the-art equipment and a wealth of experience, guaranteeing you the perfect grin.

No matter how severe your dental issues are, VanLaecken Orthodontics can help. When you set up a consultation with them, they'll assist you in developing a winning plan. From the most basic mouth guard to the most advanced metal braces, they have it all.