If you believe orthodontic dental appliances are for younger demographics alone, you might dread picking out something to help fix your misaligned teeth. The truth is that, when correcting bad bites, dentists do not use metal braces alone.
Many standard options can help you improve your dental health and appearance. From Invisalign to headgear, expanders, retainers, and mouthguards, these dental devices work perfectly depending on the severity of your dental problem.
As you read further, you will find a comprehensive list of dental appliances and how they work, which will help you understand what to expect before booking an appointment with your dentist.
What Are Dental Appliances?
Dental appliances are orthodontic devices that an orthodontist uses on a patient with dental misalignment to help move or straighten teeth. Braces are the most common dental appliance, but many other types exist, and they all work differently to provide the best result for your dental needs.
Dental appliances help promote a more confident appearance, and treatment is always effective, depending on the type of device your orthodontist recommends. So, if you want to benefit from these teeth-correcting procedures, seek professional advice from your orthodontist to find the best dental appliance.
Types of Dental Appliances and How They Work
Orthodontic dental appliances are effective when carrying out a specific dental treatment. Here is a comprehensive selection of dental appliances and how they work.
Pendulum
If you have a malocclusion problem, a dental pendulum can help fix it. It is generally positioned behind the upper teeth to correct or prevent the backward movement of the maxillary molar to ensure that there is room for new teeth to grow permanently. This dental appliance usually consists of metal rings placed at the topmost molars on the left and right sides of the jaws, and the wires rest on the interdental spaces between the teeth.
Forsus
Forsus is used for multiple treatment purposes. It is a fatigue-resistant appliance that uses braces to rearrange the teeth in the upper and lower regions, making them move into a new position. Forsus can also correct overjet issues, a dental condition in which the upper teeth protrude far away from the lower teeth. In some cases, using Forsus can also eradicate the need for invasive jaw surgery.
Palatal Expander
Like other types of dental appliances, you can quickly tell what this device can do from its name. It is administered when a patient’s jaw is still developing and flexible. The orthodontist uses a palatal expander to extend the upper jaw and help align teeth in the upper and lower regions. This usually results in a more substantial bite and straighter smile.
Retainers
Retainers are dental appliances that serve as temporary or permanent fixtures. They are custom dental appliances that help keep the teeth in their new position after orthodontic treatment with braces. Retainers prevent the teeth from slowly moving back into their original crooked position, and they are glued to the back of the teeth with wire or worn at night in the form of removable plastics to ensure the teeth remain straight and healthy.
Braces
Orthodontic braces, the gold standard for straightening teeth and correcting bad bites, use a precise combination of wires, rubber bands, and brackets to shift teeth gradually. This seamless process transforms smiles, enhancing both aesthetics and oral health.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a popular choice among adults aiming for a discreet and convenient way to achieve a straighter, more confident smile. This procedure uses custom-made transparent plastic aligners that are nearly invisible to improve dental health and straighten teeth. Invisalign fits the teeth more perfectly than traditional braces in terms of accuracy and comfort. Additionally, many general dentists are trained to provide Invisalign treatment, eliminating the necessity to refer patients to an orthodontic specialist.
Lingual Braces
Another orthodontic dental appliance is lingual braces. Instead of placing the braces on the front teeth, they are fixed at the back of the teeth, making them nearly invisible. This dental device functions similarly to conventional braces by exerting pressure to move teeth gradually into their accurate position. Lingual braces can treat many orthodontic cases to improve dental health.
Space Maintainers
Space maintainers are primarily used in pediatric dentistry. This orthodontic dental appliance maintains the space in the mouth for permanent teeth that will later erupt in that area. When kids suffer premature tooth loss, an orthodontist uses a space maintainer to prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the space, which can hinder the proper eruption of permanent teeth and lead to orthodontic issues in the future. Space maintainers help kids develop a healthy, properly aligned smile by paving the way for a lifetime of good oral health.
Mouthguards and Nightguards
Mouthguards and nightguards are custom dental appliances and protective equipment. Mouthguards are orthodontic appliances worn over the teeth on braces to safeguard the person wearing it from oral injury, especially when they receive a blow to their face or fall face-down. On the other hand, nightguards are worn at night to protect the upper and lower teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism, a condition characterized by spontaneous teeth grinding or clenching when sleeping. Wearing retainers and mouthguards reduces the risk of dental accidents, and night guards prevent tooth wear, cracks, and jaw pain.
Lip Bumpers
Lip bumpers are specialized orthodontic devices designed to push the lower lip away from the teeth by creating a space between them and alleviating pressure. This appliance is typically used in dental cases to address crowding of the bottom front teeth by stopping the lip from exerting pressure on the teeth, which can cause malocclusion. Generally, lip bumpers help guide teeth into their appropriate position, enabling a healthier and more balanced smile.
Conclusion
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you can choose from the types of dental appliances above. However, your potential treatment may depend on the severity of your misalignment. These appliances, from traditional dental braces to discreetly elegant Invisalign, jaw repositioners, and protective gear, will make your orthodontic journey successful. Remember to consult your orthodontist before you make the big move to boost your smile.