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Orthodontics and realigning teeth in County Meath

We have been performing orthodontics Navan since 1997; straightening and realigning teeth, and giving our patients the strong, consistent bite that they deserve, as well as improving the general appearance of their smile. Most of the orthodontic work we do with younger patients can be limited according to whether there is the presence of a full set of adult teeth, this is not to say that orthodontics can not be used. For adults, we have a range of low visibility orthodontic options which are very popular with adult and even teenage patients.

Our dentist Dr McMorrow has many years of experience administering orthodontics Navan. The first step is a thorough check-up with X-rays, then we can discuss treatment options if necessary and devise a treatment schedule.

Preparation

Depending on the complexity of your case and the treatment method, there may be the need to extract several teeth before continuing with the rearrangement. But this is always avoided if at all possible with orthodontics Navan.

Traditional braces vs aligners

The traditional metal brace will always have its use in more complex cases, but in line with more gentle treatment, we find clear aligners to be a better first choice of treatment for adults. They are lighter, harder to spot and easier to clean in general. Unless there are molars that need moving or major alterations in the pallet, clear aligners are an appropriate treatment option.

How long will treatment take?

Treatment times are always hard to generalise about, and so, much of the treatment schedule is dependent on the condition of the patient's teeth which obviously varies case by case.

It is also quite possible that the treatment could be accelerated or extended depending on how your teeth responded. The endpoint is measured by the position of the teeth, not defined by time.

For removable orthodontic tools like retainers and aligners, the time spent wearing them is a very important factor and you can't take extended breaks from treatment and expect the length of the treatment to remain the same. For fixed tools like braces, attendance at an appointment every 6 weeks for adjustments or 'tightening is essential for progression.

The risks of braces and aligners

There are a few minor risks with hygiene when using both braces and aligners. The many nooks and crannies in the standard brace can easily lead to them getting clogged with food particles; this is especially true under the archwire, if not very thoroughly cleaned. Clear aligners are not worn during eating, but do block the natural flow of saliva over the teeth, which leads to a high risk of decay and the formation of cavities. Misuse of braces and aligners have resulted in damage to teeth, but this is usually only seen with home realigning kits, which are being used without the guidance of a licenced dental practitioner.

The retainer

An often overlooked last step is a retainer. Teeth tend to try to return to their original positions even after they have been moved; this is called reversion and over time, as the teeth get used to their new locations it becomes less likely. A retainer is there to maintain the progress you have made and hold your teeth still in their final positions.