Orthodontic conditions

The term ‘orthodontic condition’ refers to any type of dental condition that involves the misalignment of a tooth, multiple teeth or even the whole jaw. As archaeological evidence shows, these conditions have been present in humanity since its most ancient times, with the earliest samples showing an orthodontic condition dating back 50,000 years. Despite their long presence and humanity’s desire to cure these conditions due to their aesthetic and health consequences, there were no real solutions for orthodontic conditions until recently. The father of medicine, the famous ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates has described these conditions too, but was unable to suggest a suitable approach to treating them. One of the biggest breakthroughs in orthodontics was the invention and popularisation of dental adhesives during the 1970s. This facilitated the widespread access to orthodontic treatments by people from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. Invisalign Maidstone has evolved from these leaps in technology relatively recently.

Metal braces

Metal braces work based on a relatively simple principle. In these types of braces dental adhesives are used to attach the metal brackets to the surface of each tooth. This is followed by leading the metal archwire through the holes present on the brackets, resulting in the brackets being bound together. After this, the orthodontist applies the desired amount of tension to exert pressure on the teeth and facilitate their movement. Metal braces are usually not removable and therefore special toothbrushes are required when brushing teeth in order to prevent plaque formation in areas covered by the brackets. The main advantage of metal braces is their relatively low cost and their universal applicability to almost any type of orthodontic condition or tooth shape. Some patients however would rather not get the orthodontic treatment they need, than to get metal braces due to aesthetic or comfort concerns associated with this treatment. For these patients there are numerous alternatives available, for example the invisible aligners manufactured by Invisalign.

Invisalign

As the name suggests, Invisalign is a brand of invisible aligners used in orthodontics. This is in fact the first and longest established brand in the field. Invisalign aligners are moulds of the dental arches, which fit on them seamlessly. They are made out of a transparent plastic, therefore they have a number of advantages. First and foremost these aligners are barely visible from an outsider’s perspective. This makes it a very popular choice among busy professionals and younger patients. Secondly, due to their smooth plastic surface the aligners have improved comfort. The aligners are also removable, you do not have to worry about staining them while consuming a meal or a drink: simply remove the aligners and eat or drink whatever you would normally. The removability also makes invisible aligners very easy to clean. It is important to note however, that they must be worn at least 22 hours a day to be effective, but it is well worth the effort and dedication.The resulting confidence and good oral health which can be gleaned from this efficacious treatment knows no bounds.