A misaligned smile can negatively impact your self-esteem and appearance. An orthodontist Boston uses braces and devices to align your teeth and fix the way your jaws are lined up.

An orthodontist’s appointment usually begins with a mold being taken of your teeth. They may also examine your mouth and bite to determine what kind of orthodontic treatment you need.

Braces

A common way to correct teeth that are crooked or out of alignment, braces use constant pressure to shift and align the smile. They can also fix overcrowding issues that occur when the mouth or jaw are too small for all the teeth to fit easily and comfortably. Fixing crowded tooth can help prevent future dental issues, such a cavities, as dental plaque is attracted to the tight spaces between teeth where toothbrushes can’t reach.

Braces are usually made up of small stainless steel brackets that are bonded to the fronts of each tooth. They’re connected by a wire, which is regularly tightened by an orthodontist. The wire can be made of nickel-titanium or metal. It helps apply pressure which shifts the jaw and teeth into alignment. Today’s braces are smaller, sleeker and more comfortable than those used a generation ago or even just 10 or 15 years ago. Many people who choose traditional braces are able to select ceramic brackets which are clear and blend into the smile.

Using the arch wire and other tools, you can apply extra pressure on teeth to correct bites or move them. Elastic bands – which are essentially rubber ring – can be added to arch wires and hooked onto teeth. Coil springs are used to close gaps and open up space around narrow teeth. This allows the restorative dental professional to reshape them.

Aligners

Clear aligners consist of a series clear plastic trays which apply pressure on your teeth to gradually shift them. They are comfortable to wear, can be removed for meals and cleaning, and are more discreet than traditional braces. They can also treat more orthodontic issues than braces. These include crooked and gapped teeth as well bite problems.

Your orthodontist uses X-rays and photos to determine if clear aligners are right for you. Your orthodontist creates a treatment plan using the aligner software, which details when and how teeth will move. This will guide them into healthy positions. Your doctor may recommend the use of small clear attachments, which are like tiny buttons, or elastics (similar to rubber bands), which can be attached to the slots in your aligners to provide additional force to shift a specific tooth.

After your orthodontist has created a treatment plan, the next step is to schedule a consultation to see if you are a good candidate for the clear aligner process. Your orthodontist uses an advanced scanner to create 3D digital images of your teeth. This is more accurate and comfortable compared to the old goopy molds. These digital impressions are used to create custom clear aligners. The orthodontist will also explain how to wear and care for your aligners, and give you a schedule of when to change to the next tray in the series.

Retainers

As its name suggests, a retainer helps teeth stay in place once orthodontic treatment is complete. A retainer is a great way to prevent teeth shifting after braces have been removed.

Removable retainers are available. Your orthodontist can recommend a particular type based on your specific treatment plan. Removable retainers can be hidden easily when you smile or eat. They are also easily cleaned.

Fixed retainers, on the other hand, are bonded to the back of your top and bottom front teeth. They are sometimes called permanent retainers but can be taken out at any time.

When choosing a type of retainer, it is important to follow the orthodontist’s instructions carefully. Retainers need to be worn consistently and properly in order to work, and patients should avoid playing with or fiddling with them as much as possible to allow them to settle in and become a part of their routine.

It is also important to note that while retainers help align teeth, they cannot straighten them like braces can. A retainer is only able to apply a tiny amount of pressure on the teeth in order to shift them into their proper positions. It is not as efficient as braces, and should be used to supplement an overall treatment.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a popular alternative to traditional braces. It uses aligners that are transparent to correct alignment problems. The process is less invasive than braces and provides more discreet results.

But the treatment is not without its challenges. The aligners must be worn for 20 to 22 hour a day. They can only be removed to eat or brush teeth. In addition, patients must schedule regular appointments with their orthodontists to ensure that the process is on track.

Orthodontists that specialize in Invisalign are highly experienced with the technology. They have been involved in numerous Invisalign trials, pilots programs, and advisory board meetings to push the boundaries for what is possible. They have a thorough understanding of how Invisalign works.

Invisalign can now treat more complex cases with success than ever thanks to technological improvements and the experience of orthodontists. This is particularly true with the introduction of SmartForce attachments. These are enamel ridges which click into the aligners and help them grip teeth more effectively.

Many orthodontists offer monthly payment plans that allow patients to pay a small portion of their Invisalign cost each month. These payments are usually interest-free and can be tailored to a patient’s needs. You can also use a flexible-spending account or a health-savings account to cover any dental-related out-of pocket costs.

Mouthguards

During sports or other recreational activities, mouthguards protect your teeth and jaw from injury. A mouthguard that cushions blows can reduce or prevent dental injuries like cracked or chipped enamel, gum tissue injury, soft tissue injuries, and even broken jawbones. It’s especially important to wear a mouthguard while you have braces because it can shield your teeth, the brackets and other fixed appliances from impact.

You should ideally visit your orthodontist for a mouthguard to be made. Mouthguards made by your orthodontist are custom-fitted to the structure of your teeth and mouth for the best comfort and protection. They are more comfortable and provide a better fit than the over-the-counter versions. They may also help to reduce bruxism, or grinding of teeth.

Recent research by orthodontists revealed that less than half of patients regularly wear mouthguards. This could be attributed to a lack of education regarding the benefits of mouthguards and difficulties in fitting and wearing over-the-counter mouthguards.

An orthodontist can also fabricate a “boil-and-bite” mouthguard, which is an inexpensive option for protecting your teeth and smile during athletic activity. A boil-and bite mouthguard is made by applying a putty like material to your upper and lower teeth to create an impression. This impression is then sent to a laboratory where the mouthguard is built by layering superheated and cooled plastic according to exact specifications.

Jaw Repositioning

Malocclusion, or a skeletal misalignment, can cause serious problems, such as difficulty chewing, speech difficulties, and long-term oral issues. Jaw surgery may be required if orthodontic treatment fails to correct the problem. This is known as orthognathic surgery and is performed by a qualified oral surgeon or maxillofacial surgeon.

Braces can be worn for up to 12 month before surgery. This helps “de-compensate” the teeth, preparing them for their new position in the jaw. This phase can make your teeth seem to be a worse bite, but it’s necessary for the final result. If necessary, we will also remove wisdom teeth or third molars during this phase.

During the surgery, your facial bones are moved to their new positions and secured with tiny surgical plates and screws. Your upper and lower jaws may be made shorter or longer, depending on your needs.

For instance, a common problem is an open bite, which occurs when the molars have excess bone above them that makes the roof of the mouth and the upper jaw appear angled. This can be corrected by shaveing away the extra bone and moving the upper jaw forward until it fits properly with the lower teeth. This can be planned in advance with the help of computer models and x-rays.