Orthodontic treatments have come a long way, offering many different options to fit everybody’s needs. This blog will discuss the main categories of orthodontic treatments to help you understand which treatment is right for you.
1. Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Orthodontics Treatments
Surgeons normally use surgical treatments for serious orthodontic problems that traditional methods cannot fix. This may involve jaw surgery, also called orthognathic surgery, which fixes the jaw and improves how your teeth fit together.
Adults with significant jaw problems often need surgical orthodontics to improve their dental health and appearance.
Non-surgical treatments have more options for less serious cases. These include:
– Braces
Traditional metal braces are the most common non-surgical treatment. They use brackets and wires to slowly move teeth into the right position.
– Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are a more hidden way to straighten teeth without using metal brackets.
– Retainers
Retainers are used after treatment to keep teeth in place. They can be either fixed or removable.
2. Expansion vs. Non-Expansion Orthodontic Treatments
Expansion treatments make the dental arch wider to create more space for teeth. This is helpful when teeth are crowded or overlap.
Non-expansion treatments focus on aligning teeth without changing the size of the dental arch. Common procedures include:
– Traditional Braces
While they can fix spacing problems, they don’t expand the arch.
– Clear Aligners
These systems move teeth into better positions without changing the arch width.
3. Extraction vs. Non-Extraction Orthodontics Treatments
Extraction orthodontics treatments involve removing one or more teeth to make room for proper alignment and spacing. This is often necessary when there’s a lot of crowding or teeth are severely misaligned.
The teeth that are usually removed are premolars, which allow the remaining teeth to move into their correct positions. Common procedures in this category include:
– Braces After Extraction
After removing teeth, braces can effectively move the remaining teeth into their new positions.
– Clear Aligners After Extraction
Similar to braces, clear aligners can also be used after tooth extraction to achieve alignment goals.
Non-extraction treatments focus on aligning teeth without removing any from the dental arch. This is often preferred when possible, as it keeps all the natural teeth. Procedures include:
– Braces with Space Maintenance
Techniques such as using space maintainers can help prevent crowding without removing teeth.
– Clear Aligners for Minor Adjustments
For cases with only a little crowding, clear aligners can effectively correct alignment without needing extractions.
In Short
Selecting the right orthodontic treatment demands a thorough understanding of the various options and how they specifically apply to your case. Whether you need surgery to expand your jaw or remove teeth, each treatment plan should be customized to your dental needs and goals.
It’s important to consult an experienced orthodontist to find the best treatment option for a healthier, better-looking smile. If you’re looking for a dental clinic in Prosper that offers the premium quality of service, schedule a visit to Wink Orthodontics. Call (469) 850-5555 to make an appointment.