Dental orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that corrects crooked teeth and misaligned jaws. It makes your teeth easier to brush and floss, and reduces the risk of gum disease and other dental issues. The brackets are affixed to your teeth with either a resin based dental orthodontics adhesive or a thin metal band. The archwires run through the brackets, and are held in place by small rubber rings or fine wires called ligatures. Some archwires have springs attached to them, which can add extra pressure to close gaps between teeth or move a tooth more quickly.

Orthodontic treatment is most effective in children, but adults can also benefit from it. There are many different types of braces and other appliances, including:

Braces

Braces use a system of small metal brackets to apply constant pressure, slowly and carefully shifting the teeth. They improve cosmetic issues like crooked teeth, crowded teeth or gaps in between teeth. They also address problems like overbites, underbites, crossbites or open bites by aligning the upper and lower jaw bones for a healthier more appealing smile.

Modern braces include tooth colored or clear brackets that blend in with your teeth. They are connected by a wire that is tightened at each orthodontic appointment. The wire guides the movement of your teeth, and the combination of brackets, archwires and bands ensures that they are moving in the correct direction at the right pace.

Aligners

Aligners are clear, flexible trays that fit closely over your teeth. They use controlled pressure to gradually shift your teeth into their ideal positions. Each aligner applies pressure to the specific area of your tooth to move it into place, causing the surrounding bone and tissue to adjust to the new shape.

During treatment, you will receive several sets of aligners. You will wear each set for two weeks, removing them only to eat and drink. During this time, your teeth will gradually move each week until they have straightened enough to achieve your desired smile.

In general, aligners work well for patients with mild to moderate malocclusions and minor tooth rotations. However, they may not be as effective for patients with more severe malocclusions or wide gaps. In some cases, braces will be needed in addition to aligners for optimal results. Inconsistent wearing of the aligners can result in treatment delays and compromised results.

Retainers

After an orthodontic treatment, a retainer will help keep your teeth straight and aligned. Wearing a retainer habitually is the best way to prevent relapse (the reverting of your teeth to their original position).

A variety of retainers are available, including removable retainers and fixed retainers. Removable retainers include the Hawley retainer, which has a labial archwire that extends to premolars; Adams clasps, which wrap around first permanent molars and have metallic connectors and an acrylic base plate; and Astics, which is a transparent retainer with an invisible bow.

Removable retainers can dry out if they are not kept moist, so they should always be stored in a retainer case. It is also important to bring your retainer to each appointment, as it may need a new impression based on facial growth and development. Also, be careful not to lose your retainer, as it can easily get misplaced if not kept in its case or out of reach from small children or pets.

Palate Expanders

Palate expanders are appliances that are used to widen the upper jaw. This is usually done to correct a crossbite, where the upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, or when there is not enough space for permanent teeth to come in. It also helps treat certain skeletal problems.

The palate expander consists of two halves connected in the middle by a screw that is activated by turning it with a special key on a scheduled basis. This constant pressure slowly causes the two palatal bone halves to separate, gradually widening the roof of the mouth. After the desired expansion is achieved, the appliance is usually left in for a few months so that new bone can develop and stabilize the expansion.

The expander can cause some discomfort at first because of the pressure it exerts on the upper and lower molars. Chewing on soft foods and taking an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, can help alleviate this.