A lovely smile is a great asset which all of us should have irrespective of who we are, what we do or at what stage in life we are. It matters not whether you are a child or a teenager, a student or a professional, you can find a suitable choice of braces. Canberra orthodontists are experienced in providing all kinds of braces from standard braces to invisible braces. You can, therefore, be helped in getting the braces that will treat your condition effectively.
Appointment
If you need to have your teeth straightened, you need to identify an experienced orthodontist and book an appointment with him. The orthodontist will ask about your medical history and will conduct a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth. He will take x-rays of your mouth, take impressions of your teeth and may also take pictures of your teeth and face. He will then prepare a treatment plan for you based on this information.
It is possible for the orthodontist to recommend the use of retainers for minor cases and surgery may be required for very severe cases of misaligned bites.
About Braces
Braces are made up of a number of components which work by applying pressure continuously to your teeth during the treatment period. This pressure causes your teeth to move gradually to the required position and as this happens, the shape of the bone also changes. Depending on your condition and preference, the orthodontist will guide you on the most suitable braces. Canberra orthodontists have the expertise to provide you with either fixed or removable braces.
Brackets
Brackets are small squares which are attached to each tooth using special dental glue. Metal braces use stainless steel brackets while ceramic braces use brackets made from ceramic alloys which are tooth colored. Clear braces, on the other hand, use plastic brackets which can either be clear or tooth-colored and are therefore not easily noticeable.
If you want your braces to be completely out of view, the lingual braces are a good option for you. The brackets for lingual braces are attached to the back surfaces of your teeth instead of at the front. They are therefore referred to as invisible braces.
Bands
Bands are materials which are attached to each tooth using special dental glue. Brackets are then attached to the bands. Bands, like brackets, can also be made from different material, either metal, clear or tooth-colored. Some braces do not require bands since the brackets are attached directly to the teeth.
Arch Wires
The arch wires are attached to the brackets and guide the movement of the teeth to the required position. Depending on the braces, the archwires can be made from metal, or can be tooth colored or clear. The archwire is held to the brackets by ties which are tiny rubber rings or by ligatures which are tiny rubber bands made from elastic.
Removable Braces
Invisalign uses clear removable aligners which are made from smooth plastic. These aligners are not noticeable and you can remove them when eating and brushing your teeth. Invisalign is a form of high technology braces. Canberra has qualified Invisalign providers who will examine you to find out whether the treatment is suitable to treat your condition.