Perfectly aligned teeth are not as common as one may believe. Studies show that only around 35 percent of adults have teeth that are aligned correctly. The majority have a poor bite, which can be displayed as a crossbite, open bite, underbite or overbite. There can even be crowding or spacing issues with the teeth. Nearly all alignment issues tend to manifest during childhood or early teenage years. Our dentists in Abu Dhabi generally recommend treating the condition during this time as it will be easier to correct the problem. However, if it goes untreated, you may have to seek more invasive solutions to keep the bite issues from worsening.
What is the treatment?
A poor bite, also known as malocclusion, is treated by orthodontists. They are dental experts specialising in straightening the teeth and correcting alignment problems. There are several treatments used to treat malocclusions. While they are all effective, there are differences between them in how they work and their impact on your lifestyle.
Conventional braces
As their name implies, these are a more traditional type of braces that have been used in dentistry for decades. While there have been some changes through the years to the way it is fitted, the design and mechanics involved are mostly the same. They involve single brackets holding wires that are attached to the front of the tooth. There will also be a few bands that anchor the wires at the back. They are typically made of metal but can be changed to clear or tooth-coloured ceramic. Conventional braces have the shortest treatment time, so this is your best option if you want a quick and effective solution. However, they are highly noticeable and can interfere with eating and drinking.
Aligners
Another option you can obtain at our dental clinic in Abu Dhabi are aligners. These are clear trays you attach to the teeth that need to be changed every two weeks to accommodate teeth movement. You are supposed to wear it for 20 to 22 hours per day, removing them only during meals, brushing, and flossing. Aligners are less noticeable than conventional braces, although not completely invisible. As they are removable, they do not interfere with the way you eat and clean your teeth. However, it requires commitment as you need to follow the schedule properly to obtain results. If you are inconsistent, it can take a significantly long time to straighten the teeth.
Lingual braces
It is similar to conventional braces, but the brackets are attached to the back of the tooth. This makes them nearly invisible while giving you results as quickly as conventional braces. However, they need to be custom-made, making them more expensive than other treatments.
Braces are the best way to correct issues with your bite and obtain perfectly aligned teeth. Which type to select entirely depends on your lifestyle, comfort level and pain tolerance. So before choosing one, speak to our reputed dentist, who will ensure you get the correct brace for your needs. For further information about orthodontics and the treatments available, contact us at American Dental Clinic.
