Posted on April 23, 2021
Orthodontic treatments for patients have come a long way since the days of metal braces. In the past, procedures could be uncomfortable, and the recovery period seemed to take forever. But in recent times, new, state-of-the-art methods and tools are changing the entire process. In this article, we’ll outline some of the leading technologies in use for oral treatment today.
In recent years, orthodontics had to rethink many materials used for treatment. For braces, nickel and titanium wires are replacing stainless steel wires.
Unlike stainless steel, titanium and nickel can adjust during treatment. Orthodontists combine it with other materials such as copper to enhance its flexibility. It is resistant to deformation and allows consistent pressure to move the teeth into their final position.
In the past, orthodontists were utilizing 2D photographs and visual observation to assess your dental health. However, the photos were prone to errors due to lens distortion and incorrect positioning of the teeth.
One of the latest cutting-edge technologies orthodontists use today is 3D imaging. CBCT (Cone-Beam Computed Tomography) can produce 3D imagery with little exposure to radiation for the patient. It has become an essential part of dental procedures.
Some of the applications for CBCT include:
• Assessing abnormalities in the airway
• Providing accurate measurements
• Determining the localization of teeth
• Planning the placement of anchorage devices
Orthodontists are also utilizing light waves to facilitate faster healing for people with braces. It involves applying infrared or red light to improve wound healing and reduce the risk of inflammation.
For patients with metal braces, it stimulates the surrounding bone and encourages the movement of the teeth. A device is placed on your mouth to speed up treatment. It can generate data for computer software to assess the progress of your recovery.
TADs (Temporary Anchorage Devices) are mini-screws that dental professionals place on the bone for support. TADs are not mandatory and are only necessary where an extra boost to tooth movement is required. The appliances can be ideal for addressing midline correction, bite closure, among other issues.
Research indicates that dissatisfaction with smile attractiveness is the leading reason people choose adult braces. For that reason, orthodontic treatments today involve a customized process to create the perfect smile.
By utilizing 3D imaging, your orthodontist can develop a visual of your smile after recovery. The process provides data for patients to make an informed decision. Custom smiles also motivate patients to seek treatment for dental problems.
By applying the latest technologies in orthodontics, dental professionals can speed up the recovery time for patients. Most processes are non-invasive and supported by scientific data, which results in faster healing and recovery. Braces are also of better quality.
Other than aesthetics, the other reason for braces is to correct the bite and misalignment of teeth. Tooth misalignments can cause adverse effects on your dental and overall health. Whenever you suspect you have oral health problems, consult a dental professional as soon as possible. For more information on the different treatments including clear braces, spark aligners, Invisalign, Damon system braces, and traditional braces among others, contact Orthodontics LA today.
