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What types of orthodontic treatments exist?

Tuesday, 17th November, 2020

Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a speciality of dentistry, which is focused on the treatment of misaligned teeth, and also jaws. The ability to straighten our teeth has been desired by humans for millennia. In fact, orthodontic conditions are likely to be as old as humanity itself: even archaeological samples dating back 50,000 years have been shown to have crooked teeth. Hippocrates, the well known ancient Greek physician was one of the first authors to mention orthodontic conditions in his writings. Some ancient cultures, many years ago, attempted to straighten teeth; mummies from ancient Egypt have been shown to have metal bands wrapped around their teeth which were bound together with a material assumed to be catgut strings. The ancient Roman author, Celsus recommended straightening newly appearing teeth by pressing them with fingers. The biggest developments in orthodontics however occurred during the most recent 200 years. When dental adhesives were invented in the 1970s, the popularity of the metal braces with brackets we know today rose sharply. If you are looking to get orthodontics Navan, do not hesitate to book an appointment with us at Navan Dental.

Traditional metal braces

Prior to the invention of dental adhesives in the 1970s, braces were usually precious metal bands wrapped around each tooth. As stainless steel and dental adhesives have started to be used in orthodontics, orthodontic treatments became more available to the wider population due to the reductions in costs. Traditional metal braces with brackets have a remarkably broad treatment spectrum: they are able to treat virtually any commonly occurring orthodontic condition. They consist of metal brackets stuck to the surfaces of teeth using dental adhesives, and archwires which help exert the necessary pressure on each tooth. While it is still one of the most common treatments, many people have aesthetic and comfort concerns associated with metal braces. Luckily, there are many alternatives to metal braces for patients who would prefer not to have them, but would like to straighten their teeth. If you are looking for some type of orthodontics Navan, we are pleased to be able to offer a service second to none.

Types of invisible braces

There are a number of options available for patients who have an aversion towards metal braces. Invisible braces work on the same principle as metal braces, the only difference is in the materials used in them: the brackets are generally made from a tooth-coloured porcelain and the archwires consist of a transparent plastic material. Invisalign and other invisible aligners are also a great option for many patients, but they have a more limited treatment and patient spectrum: certain more severe conditions cannot be treated with invisible aligners, and some patients with overly small, large or round tooth types are also not suitable for invisible aligner treatment. They are, however, a great treatment option for treating less severe or cosmetic conditions. Another alternative is the use of lingual braces: these work on the same principle as metal braces, the only difference is that the custom-made metal brackets are placed on the inside of the teeth rather than the outside, making them almost invisible. If you know you would benefit from some type of orthodontics Navan, get in touch with us to take your first steps to a more beautiful smile! 

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