Undergoing orthodontic treatment is an exciting yet big step forward when it comes to improving the aesthetics and functionality of your smile. This can happen in several ways including metal braces and clear aligners.
But, as we all know, things can happen out of the blue, and we can end up dealing with dental or orthodontic emergencies. Fortunately, this is more common than you may realize and your dentist in Prince Albert will be able to fix up your teeth and gums in no time.
For more information about orthodontic treatment, contact our local dental practice today!
What is Orthodontics?
Dental medicine is comprised of multiple specializations with each one focusing on a certain area of care, forms of treatment, or patient demographic. Restorative dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics are just a few examples.
Let’s look at orthodontics more closely.
This branch of care is mainly concerned with realigning crooked teeth and remedying problems with our jaws. By extension, when these issues are addressed, our bite pattern and therefore our ability to eat, as well as speak clearly and laugh without pain are addressed as well.
Typically, orthodontists provide patients with braces. They can also help us obtain customized retainers, a dental device that ensures that one’s teeth don’t shift after their braces are taken off. Orthodontists possess expertise surrounding our oral cavity, head and neck anatomy, and how these biological systems interact.
If you’re interested in learning more about this, talk to a dentist near you. They’ll be happy to answer any of your questions.
Types of Braces Available to You
Traditional braces
When someone says, “braces near you”, this is what the majority of us picture. Metal archwires, brackets, and small elastic bands are used to put pressure on your teeth and gradually encourage them to move out of their original position. This process takes time but it’s extremely reliable. If you need more extensive treatment, this is usually what your dentist will recommend.
Ceramic braces
Ceramic braces are pretty much identical to traditional braces. The main difference is that the square brackets (which are bonded to each of your teeth) are more natural-looking. If you’re worried about your braces standing out, then this is a great option to keep in mind.
Lingual braces
Although a lot of us may not be too familiar with lingual braces, they remain a viable choice to improve your smile. The brackets and archwires are installed behind your teeth.
Clear aligners
Invisalign is the most popular form of clear aligner therapy. As opposed to metal wires, trays made of dental plastic are designed to fit over the top of your teeth. These trays also exert pressure, encouraging bone movement. Since the plastic is clear or “invisible”, you can straighten your teeth in a much more subtle manner.
Examples of Orthodontic Emergencies
Experiencing an orthodontic emergency is by no means uncommon; it’s bound to happen at least once or twice throughout your treatment and that’s okay! Your orthodontist is more than capable of remedying the issue.
The most common examples of orthodontic emergencies are:
Your ligatures have come off.
Ligatures refer to the small elastics and wires that anchor your braces to the bracket on your teeth. Though this isn’t a super serious problem, it’s still something that needs to be fixed so your treatment can continue smoothly. If the ligature is sticking out, try using tweezers to put it back in place.
Oral discomfort.
It’s completely normal to experience some discomfort at the beginning; your mouth needs to get used to the braces. This also occurs after having them adjusted during your routine checkups. But, if the pain persists, stick to consuming soft foods, then go see your orthodontist.
Protruding wire.
If a part of your braces has snapped off or come loose, this can cause your wires to cut your gums and make them bleed. Try clipping the wire with a pair of nail clippers. That said, it’s always best to see your orthodontist ensure that your braces are repaired correctly.
At Prairie Pines Dental, we provide orthodontic treatment in Prince Albert. Go to our website, call, or come into our clinic in person to book an appointment and get started!