Orthodontic treatments have evolved dramatically over the past couple of decades. There are several orthodontic treatments to consider these days, like ceramic braces, self-adjusting braces, and Invisalign treatment. Whether you have crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth, these orthodontic solutions are designed to correct your dental issues and enhance your smile effectively. In today’s article, we will take a closer look at some of the most popular straight teeth solutions out there.

Ceramic braces

Also known as clear braces, ceramic braces work similarly to metal braces. However, the ligatures, brackets, and wires are tooth- or enamel-coloured, making them blend seamlessly with your smile. They are ideal for fixing bite problems and straightening your teeth.

The main advantage is that though they are visible, ceramic braces are less noticeable, so they hardly detract from your smile. But, they are prone to breakage as they are less durable than metal braces. Ceramic braces are also harder to clean and maintain, thereby increasing your regular oral care time.

Self-adjusting braces

Self-ligating braces, as they are also called self-adjusting braces, deploy an inbuilt system through which the arch wire is secured to the brackets. Instead of using metal ties or tiny elastic bands (ligatures), these braces use a different method to reposition your teeth and jaws. Self-adjusting braces can use active or passive brackets. Active brackets deploy a sliding spring clip that applies an active force on the arch wire. The sliding mechanism used in passive brackets is simple, and there is no pressure on the arch wire. One of the main advantages of self-adjusting braces is that they are less painful compared to their traditional counterparts. They are also easy to clean and require fewer and shorter visits to the orthodontist.

Traditional metal braces

Traditional metal braces are among the earliest orthodontic treatments for crooked teeth. An excellent solution for extremely crowded teeth, they deploy wires, brackets, and stainless-steel bands that gently move your teeth into the desired or proper position over time. While traditional metal braces are less expensive than most other orthodontic treatments, their main drawback is that they are obvious, thereby affecting your smile. Another disadvantage of these braces is that they must be tightened every four to six weeks, so you will have to visit the orthodontic office more frequently.

Invisalign

Among the modern orthodontic treatments, Invisalign straightens your teeth without using metal braces. Instead, it deploys custom-made ceramic/plastic braces to cover your teeth and slowly but steadily pull them into the desired position. Since they are clear and easily removable, Invisalign braces or aligners are less noticeable in comparison with traditional braces. They do not hinder your smile and work twice as fast as traditional braces to straighten your teeth. Invisalign treatment is ideal for those with mild to moderately misaligned teeth.

Dental braces are designed to straighten your teeth and beautify your smile. In addition to the aesthetics, they also improve the overall health as well as the functionality of your teeth. Dental braces also make your oral care regime easier while preventing gum disease and cavities. It is essential to consult with your dentist to identify which orthodontic treatments are right for you.

An underbite is a medical condition where the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth, resulting in the lower jaw protruding. If left untreated, it can result in medical and dental complications. An underbite can negatively affect your overall health in various ways. It can lead to problems such as difficulty in speaking and chewing. Additionally, it can lead to more severe conditions like sleep apnea and TMJ disorder.

If you are looking for underbite solutions, then keep on reading. This article covers dental treatment options for an underbite, including jaw alignment and orthodontic treatments.

The development of an underbite

The term “underbite” refers to a dental condition whereby the lower jaw extends beyond the upper jaw, resulting in an overlap between the lower and upper front teeth.

Types of underbites

As far as underbites are concerned, there are two types: dental underbites and skeletal underbites.

A dental underbite is a result of wrong jaw alignment; the lower teeth are positioned in front of the upper teeth, resulting in a dental underbite. Skeletal underbites occur when the lower jaw projects further than the upper jaw.

Factors contributing to the development of an underbite

Several factors, including genetics, thumb sucking, prolonged use of pacifiers, mouth breathing, and tongue thrusting, can cause an underbite.

If you have an underbite, you may notice some common characteristics. They include overlapping lower and upper teeth, a prominent chin, and discomfort while speaking, chewing, or biting. You may face difficulty closing your mouth or shifting the jaw while opening or closing the mouth. These signs indicate that it’s essential to opt for orthodontic treatments to seek underbite solutions.

Complications of an underbite

Teeth that have underbites can be more susceptible to plaque and bacteria build-up, which can, in turn, lead to gum disease or even tooth decay. This build-up of dental plaque can be problematic as it can be difficult to remove through regular brushing and flossing, making it challenging to maintain good oral hygiene.

Apart from oral health concerns, underbites can also cause snoring, sleep apnea, and mouth breathing. Headaches are another common problem associated with underbites. When the jaw is misaligned, it can put a strain on the muscles, causing discomfort and headaches.

Speech difficulties may also arise due to underbites. Additionally, underbites can cause temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in some cases, which can cause limited jaw movement and pain.

When teeth are not aligned correctly, cleaning them properly can make it challenging, leading to bacteria build-up and halitosis.

Overall, it is crucial to address underbites as they can cause various oral and overall health concerns.

A quick guide to underbite solutions

Some of the most common underbite solutions include a palatal expander, Invisalign, jaw surgery, and traditional braces.

By using clear aligners, Invisalign gradually shifts teeth into their correct position. In case of a severe underbite, jaw alignment surgery is usually recommended to realign the jawbones. Moreover, you can also opt for traditional braces that employ brackets and wires that are designed to gradually move the teeth into the correct position by applying pressure to them. A palatal expander is also one of the most recommended orthodontic appliance treatments that enlarge the upper jaw to allow the teeth to shift correctly.

Keeping your teeth healthy requires correcting an underbite. In order to avoid further dental and medical complications, orthodontic treatment should be sought as soon as possible. To correct an underbite and improve your overall oral health, use orthodontic solutions like Invisalign, jaw surgery, and braces. Contact Woodlawn Orthodontics today for more information!