Orthodontic conditions
Orthodontic conditions are one of the most ancient types of dental conditions: archaeological samples that are thought to be over 50,000 years old have been shown to have orthodontic conditions. These conditions have been mentioned by famous authors of the antiquity, such as Hippocrates, however they were unable to suggest suitable treatments for them. Despite the ancient nature of these conditions orthodontics as a field of dentistry has only developed into its modern form throughout the past 300 years of research and development. With the invention of dental adhesives the metal braces with brackets attached to each tooth have become increasingly widespread. This was also a result of the formerly used precious metals being increasingly replaced by stainless steel. This has reduced the costs of orthodontic treatments and thus made them widely available. Luckily today metal braces are not the only option. If you are interested in getting Invisalign in St Albans, then you should contact the UK Dental Specialists to book an appointment for a consultation session.
Metal braces
These are the most common braces that everyone knows from popular culture. The basic principles underlying its mechanisms are relatively simple. Each tooth has a bracket attached to its surface with dental adhesives. These brackets are then bound together with an archwire. Through the archwire the dentist applies tension and pressure on the teeth that need to be realigned. This helps them move into their appropriate positions. The main benefit of metal braces is the fact that they are suitable for the widest range of orthodontic conditions, even more severe ones as well. The disadvantages of metal braces include comfort and aesthetic issues perceived by some patients and they also require specific toothbrushes to clean the brackets. Despite these disadvantages metal braces with brackets remain an important and widespread tool in orthodontics due to their relatively low cost and their ability to treat most types of orthodontic conditions. There are however numerous alternatives of them for patients who would prefer to opt out of these disadvantages.
Invisalign
Invisible aligners are an innovative way of treating orthodontic conditions. One of the earliest and most established brands of invisible aligners is Invisalign. These appliances are made out of a clear and transparent plastic and they fit perfectly on the dental arches, as they are customised to each patient based on a 3D recording that does not use ionising radiation, unlike traditional dental X-rays. A number of these aligners is made during the treatment to adjust the amount of pressure exerted on the teeth. The aligners are removable, which means that you can just brush your teeth as you would normally. It also means that you can prevent staining the aligners by removing them while you eat or drink. It is important to know however, that they have to be worn at least 22 hours each day. The main benefits of Invisalign include its invisibility, improved comfort and removability. They have however certain limitations: certain tooth shapes and severe orthodontic conditions, where the aligners would be unable to get a grip on the teeth make patients unsuitable to have them. If you are interested in getting Invisalign in St Albans, contact the UK Dental Specialists.