If your dentist tells you that you or your child need teeth straightening, you may be wondering what comes next. Fixed orthodontics or braces are an option, as is the Invisalign system. Either option works to straighten teeth and correct alignment problems, and there are advantages and disadvantages for both.
Fixed Orthodontics
If you and your dentist decide fixed orthodontics are right for you, they will be installed with orthodontic bands. According to Jean Furuyama, owner of Waterside Dental, which is a dental practice in New York City, “Orthodontic bands are metal rings that are cemented to molar (back) teeth when doing “fixed” orthodontics. The molar bands have various kinds of tubes or brackets soldered on in order to hold the arch wires. On the other teeth, brackets are bonded to the teeth and serve the same purpose of holding the arch wire. In order to get the wire to stay in the bracket slots, we use tiny rubber bands which loop over the wire and under the arms of the brackets.” Bands offer flexibility for those who have braces or similar fixed orthodontic treatments.
Orthodontics are first installed with thin, flexible wire slides. These wires fit within the slots and the teeth move because the wires consistently exert force on the brackets installed on the teeth. According to Dr. Furuyama, “The wire essentially has a memory, and is always moving back toward its original arch shape.” This is pulling the teeth into the desired alignment. The molar bands work as handles for the wires and brackets, giving the braces something to hold onto and do their work.
In addition to the brackets, rubber bands, molar bands, and wires working together, there are slots in the brackets that are constructed to precise dimensions. As treatment moves along, the dentist can change the wires to thicker or heavier varieties, giving teeth additional guidance. This helps gradually them both move horizontally and vertically. Dr. Furuyama explains, “Once the teeth are in the approximate arch form, we switch from round to rectangular wires which fit precisely into the bracket slots to torque the roots of the teeth into the proper position.”
This version of fixed orthodontics that uses molar bands offers a variety of benefits, one of which is the control it gives the orthodontist over the crowns and roots of the teeth. If a tooth has been extracted or there is an upright tilt to teeth, fixed orthodontics can efficiently control the movement of teeth. It works even in the most dramatic, complicated dental situations.
Invisalign
In situations where less dramatic work is needed, the orthodontist will probably recommend Invisalign, another option for correcting dental alignment. According to Dr. Furuyama, Invisalign is an effective, high-tech method of moving teeth and repairing your smile. If you and your dentist are considering Invisalign, an impression will be made of your upper and lower arches. This impression is sent to the Invisalign company, where they scan the impression into their computer. This image is then used to create your treatment plan.
Once the plan is created, you and your dentist will discuss the treatment. If you both agree it will work, Invisalign creates a series of dental aligners. These aligners are similar to bleaching trays, but each is made of a varying thickness of plastic. The aligners are worn with the intention of gradually moving the teeth into the proper arch form. Dr. Furuyama explains, “The good thing about Invisalign is that it is practically invisible at talking distance so your friends don’t even know that you are having your teeth straightened. The bad thing is that since the aligners cover both the inside and outside of the teeth, any food left behind after you eat will not be washed away by saliva so you have to brush and floss every time you eat. You also have to give up drinking hot drinks like coffee when you are wearing the aligners or you will deform them and they won’t be able to do their job. In the beginning, this might seem difficult. But most people get used to drinking only water when they are thirsty and they tell me that they are so happy with the results it is worth it.”
If you want to improve your smile and you are ready to commit to either fixed orthodontics that include dental bands, or you would prefer a more subtle approach with Invisalign, an experienced orthodontist will be able to help. Whether your smile needs only minor adjustments or a drastic change, Dr. Furuyama of Waterside Dental will be able to help.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
