When our teeth are straight and even it goes a long way to producing a bright and healthy smile. Having a beautiful smile can work wonders for our confidence and, consequently, provide significant improvements to our emotional wellbeing. Orthodontics are incredibly useful dental tools in this regard. If the shape of a person’s smile is crooked or uneven, orthodontics can be used to straighten things up and better the person’s perception of themselves. 

The Impact of Misaligned Teeth 

When teeth are crooked or misaligned and left in this condition, it can lead to more-serious problems later on in life. Misaligned teeth are generally more difficult to clean and this can result in an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease. In severe cases, crooked teeth can lead to speech impediments which can be difficult to fix, even following orthodontic treatment. 

Understanding Orthodontics 

Orthodontics is the field of dentistry defined by its capacity to re-align teeth and make a smile neater as well as fix problems with an overbite or underbite. Orthodontic treatments use a dental device such as braces or Invisalign retainers to gently apply pressure to the teeth and correct their position in the mouth. Orthodontic treatments contribute to both aesthetic appeal and functionality of teeth: by straightening teeth and correcting an overbite or underbite. Straighter teeth are more aesthetically appealing than crooked teeth. A corrected overbite or underbite can make chewing and even talking easier following treatment. 

Types of Orthodontic Treatment 

Traditional Braces 

Traditional braces work by affixation of a set of metal braces to the surface of teeth. Brackets are also attached to molars at the back of the mouth and support a steel wire which is threaded through the braces and gradually tightened to straighten the position of teeth. Braces can be made from metal or ceramic and can lie on either the front or back surface of teeth. 

Invisalign Treatment 

Invisalign treatment works by use of a set of clear plastic retainers that are moulded to a person’s teeth. The retainers apply pressure to strategic points on the surface of the teeth which, over time, are pushed back into a straight position. New retainers are moulded periodically to adjust for changes in the position of teeth. At the end of the treatment, teeth are perfectly aligned and the person who has worn the retainers can enjoy a perfect smile. 

Maintaining Straight Teeth After Orthodontic Treatment 

Following application of traditional braces or Invisalign retainers, regular dental check-ups should be scheduled to ensure that teeth stay in their new, straightened position. What’s more, a consistent regime of brushing twice per day and flossing must be followed to ensure that teeth are well looked after and stay bright and shiny. Only by doing this can you guarantee your self confidence will soar every time you display your bright, shiny and straight new teeth! 

Visit Our Clinic Today       

If your teeth are crooked or misaligned, do the best thing for you and call us at Ballan Family Dental today to schedule an appointment. If we discern that you need orthodontic treatment we will make the appropriate recommendations and accommodate your treatment right away. We can be contacted by calling 03 4310 3811 or by using the 24/7 booking form on our homepage. We look forward to meeting and treating your teeth soon.