Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth is one of the most common health issues worldwide. With so many great orthodontic offices in your area that offer various types of treatment, it can be hard to decide what you should choose and which option will provide the best results.

One major factor that can influence your decision about getting orthodontic treatment is cost. Naturally, some procedures cost more than others but, for the most part, the general mentality is that orthodontic costs are high and most people can’t afford to cover that cost out-of-pocket.

If you have insurance, a lot of the cost may be covered as long as you pay your deductible and/or co-pay. Outside of that, many orthodontic offices offer monthly payment plans. Did you know that the IRS allows you to deduct the amount of dental expenses that exceed 7.5% of your AGI (Adjusted Gross Income). A tax calculator is a great tool to help simplify this process.

Now that we have covered that, let’s look at some of the most common types of orthodontic treatment below:

Bubble Gum

Bubble gum aims to correct the misaligned teeth without any surgical intervention. This is one of the famous and common types is orthodontic treatment. This process usually involves a series of trays that fit around the teeth to straighten them out and move them into proper positions. These are like your usual toothbrush. However, they have some tiny rubber spikes on their bristles. You need to wear these trays every day for about three weeks. Take them off for a week or two before replacing them with another set for the next round of treatment. The whole process is repeated over a year or more.

A Bridge Treatment

Another classic type of orthodontic treatment is a bridge. It helps you cover the gap where your teeth do not line up correctly. There are different types and sizes of bridges. However, they all have the same goal. Bridges are used for getting your teeth to line up in their proper place. This prevents as much jaw compaction and long-term damage as possible. This can be better than tooth loss and does not cause further injury or pain. It is called fixed when a bridge is done straight away without any dental work. If a bridge alone could not fix your problems, you may need to consider a complete root canal procedure.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are also a popular service offered by professionals like Gainesville Orthodontics. Similar to essential orthodontic treatment but more intensive. It does not require the use of retainers during treatment. It, too, does not require tooth extraction afterward. It is only necessary to remove braces in fixed braces once the gaps are closed completely. There is some discomfort with fixed braces. Most people often opt to remove them earlier than necessary.

Lingual Braces

These are called invisible aligners and are placed on the inside of your teeth. Unlike conventional braces, you will not see a metal wire wrapped around your teeth. People who wear dentures and those who have significant gaps between their teeth can find extra relief from lingual orthodontic treatment. It is also easier to clean and maintain than other types of braces.

Orthognathic Surgery

This type is an orthodontic treatment combined with surgical procedures to correct the alignment of jaws and throat structures and misaligned jaws. You will first need to visit an orthodontist who will give you a consultation. Based on your initial tests, they will provide you with a detailed description of your problem and a clear recommendation for treatment. The expert doctor may tell you that there is nothing to do but wait until your child grows up and get braces again. However, sometimes other treatment options are available. For example, if it has been determined that your jaw is out-of-line, more than one dental procedure may have to be performed simultaneously to achieve the best possible results.

Today, there are many different treatment options available that can be used to improve your smile. Some treatments may be more suitable than others depending on your individual preferences and the results you are looking for, but some general trends can be seen in all treatments. One common tendency is that these options can be used to achieve the best results possible at a reasonable cost.