Advances in technology benefit most aspects of healthcare, and orthodontics is no exception. Patients are able to experience the many advantages that modern improvements offer as they seek to enhance their smiles.
One of the first things you might notice upon receiving an orthodontic consultation is that X-rays are not the same as they used to be. Digital X-rays and cone beam CT scanners are often used for examination and diagnosis, providing very detailed views to allow for more accurate results. These technologies give orthodontists the best tools to create a customized treatment plan for each patient.
There have never been so many choices in braces as there are today, with many ways to improve smiles without the same issues as traditional methods. Here are some examples:
- Self-litigating braces are more comfortable than traditional types. A slide is used to allow wire placement inside when it is open, and when it is closed the wire glides easily. This self-litigating action reduces pressure and places effective force on the teeth for movement.
- Clear brackets are nearly invisible to others, and resist stains or discoloration.
- Invisalign clear braces consist of a series of plastic aligners that gently move teeth by applying constant pressure. They are comfortable, practically invisible, and removable for eating and cleaning. Invisalign has advanced even since its fairly recent introduction by introducing SmartTrack technology, which created a more elastic aligner that fits tightly and better controls tooth movement.
- Invisalign G5 has been developed for patients who have a specific bite problem that did not respond well to regular Invisalign treatment. Patients with these types of severe overbites are now candidates for Invisalign.
- In the past, headgear was the main option for patients with overbites. Now the advent of Forsus springs allows patients with traditional braces to have jaw repositioning done with springs attached to braces instead of unsightly and uncomfortable headgear.
These are just a few of the advances in orthodontics that help patients achieve that perfect smile. As technologies develop, it becomes even easier to get the treatment just right for you.
