Orthodontics

The specialized field of Orthodontics is an area of cosmetic dentistry dealing with straightening teeth and correcting irregular bites. To do this, the cosmetic dentist makes use of corrective orthodontic appliances such as orthodontic dental braces and orthodontic dental retainers. There are two phases to an orthodontic treatment, the active orthodontic phase and the retention orthodontic phase.

The active orthodontic phase involves the use of dental braces to move the teeth into their new position and the retention orthodontic phase involves the use of a dental retainer to keep the teeth in place.

Orthodontic Dental Braces

Orthodontic Dental Braces move teeth by applying continuous pressure in a particular direction. The pressure applied by the orthodontic braces will generally have to be adjusted many times over the course of the orthodontic treatment. When using orthodontic dental braces, treatment can last anywhere from one to three years, and sometimes longer. Orthodontic dental braces consist of brackets, which are applied to the teeth with a bonding agent, and arch wires. The arched wires thread through the brackets and guide the teeth to their new position.

Cost of Orthodontic Braces and Retainers

Orthodontic dental braces are made of stainless steel, plastic, or ceramic. Stainless steel orthodontic braces are the most common, but plastic or ceramic can be chosen for cosmetic purposes. The cost of orthodontic braces will always vary depending on the type of orthodontic braces used, the length of the orthodontic treatment, and the part of the country the orthodontic procedure is being performed. On average, orthodontic dental braces will range in price from around $2,000 to $5,000.

Orthodontic Dental Retainers

Orthodontic Dental Retainers are orthodontic appliances made of plastic and stainless steel wire and are used to hold the teeth in place after a patient's orthodontic braces have been removed. The orthodontic retainer keeps the teeth in their new position while the surrounding bone and gums adjust around them. The length of time that the orthodontic retainer must be worn will vary, but most teenagers will be advised to wear their orthodontic retainer until their early 20s.

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