
Irregular teeth can cause much more trouble than confidence issues arising from an irregular smile. A case of malocclusion or a misaligned bite can result in speech issues, make chewing tough, cause jaw aches and headaches, and more. Timely orthodontic treatment helps address this issue.
If your dentist has recommended orthodontic treatment in Guelph for you or a family member, here is what it involves.
Phase 1 – Initial consultation
The process starts with thoroughly examining your teeth, mouth, and jaw and discussing the issues you are facing. The orthodontist may take panoramic X-rays or create CGI images with the X-rays to get a clear visual of the problem areas and how the treatment will help.
Another tool used here is castings or bite impressions. You are asked to bite down firmly into a gel-filled dental tray. This is used to make a cast of your teeth structure. This helps the orthodontist see how each tooth is positioned relative to the others in the jaw.
The orthodontist uses all the information to determine the best treatment course. Ask all your questions and clarify your doubts when your dentist explains the orthodontic treatment they plan to implement.
Any other dental problems (e.g., cavities) are rectified before the orthodontic solutions can be implemented. A thorough cleaning is generally done as a preliminary step before the treatment starts. Separators may be placed around the back teeth to make room for braces if needed.
Phase 2 – Time for orthodontic treatment
Your dentist can refer treatment that is orthodontic for all ages in Guelph using the above information they have gleaned. The age factor plays a crucial role in what kind of treatment they finalize. The active phase of your custom-made orthodontic solution now begins beginning with the removal of the separators.
Depending on what the orthodontist thinks is most suitable for you and your preferences, they fit a device that helps your teeth align in the correct position. They adjust and align it so that you have maximum comfort while the device does its job.
You are told how to care for your braces as well as your teeth during the following weeks when the orthodontic device will be working its magic to align your teeth. Periodic visits to adjust the braces are on the cards.
Once the alignment part is taken care of, the dentist shifts focus to your bite. If you have an overbite, crossbite, or underbite, it is taken care of now by adjusting the braces. Teeth gaps are also accommodated in the same way.
Phase 3 – Smile maintenance
Retainers are the last part. They help keep the newly aligned teeth in the perfect position. You will need to wear these full-time for as long as the dentist recommends (three months at least). It would be best if you made regular visits to ensure the position is correct.
There are solutions for orthodontics for all ages, and the dentist customizes them depending on the specific patient. For example, in the case of young patients who don’t have their wisdom teeth yet, they may opt for periodic X-rays to monitor the positioning more closely.
When the jawbone has formed around the retainers, and the gums have strengthened around the new positions of your teeth, the need for retainers is over. Now, you move on to the maintenance stage.
The orthodontist tells you how to keep your brand new perfect smile intact. This is when you learn how to care for your teeth and mouth in the right way to ensure such issues do not recur. The dentist will give you tips on daily oral care and oral hygiene.
Apart from this, you also learn about lifestyle choices to make for better oral health.
Heed this advice to keep your teeth in great shape for a lifetime. If you have queries about any stage when you are opting for orthodontic solutions in Guelph, talk to your orthodontist and understand what they are doing and why. This helps you grasp the importance of the treatment phase and do your part to the fullest.
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