Orthodontics is not a new art, with decades of experience going into each set of braces or retainers used for aligning the teeth. However, modern orthodontics is being reshaped by modern orthodontic technology, rapidly changing the process of aligning the smile for a better bite pattern and more attractive appearance. If you haven’t had braces yourself in a few years, you may be surprised at how different the process is today. Whether you’re bringing in your children for their orthodontic treatment or need a quick realignment to deal with shifting from age, here’s how newer tools support more personalized treatment plans and personalized care across the board.
Clear braces combine light colored brackets with nearly invisible wires to greatly reduce the appearance of braces. Ceramic brackets in general do a good job of blending in with your natural teeth. They’re far less noticeable than the metal variety.
The use of bioresponsive nickel-titanium wires and self-ligating brackets in braces significantly reduces pain and friction during treatment. These nickel-titanium wire alloys developed by NASA allow for gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth faster.
Newer self ligating braces are another bracket option, using a built in clip mechanism instead of elastic or metal ties to hold the archwire in place. These self ligating systems help with reducing friction and can improve patient comfort during treatment. These types of orthodontics are more adaptable than ever while still delivering the greatest amount of adjustment, whether compared with traditional metal braces or newer designs.
The introduction of Invisalign in 1997 revolutionized the industry, allowing for removable, clear plastic trays instead of fixed metal brackets.
For some alignment issues, invisible aligners/ clear aligners can make the needed changes without brackets and wires, and clear aligner therapy offers a discreet option for suitable patients. They’re easily removed so you can clean them and eat and drink whatever you like. Digital technology has also expanded how these trays can manage tooth movements in some complex cases.
Follow-up retainers for use after wearing traditional braces can be made with invisible materials as well, which can support patient compliance because they’re easier to wear during the day as needed. With many people avoiding braces because of the appearance of them, these alignment tools are an encouraging option that supports a more patient friendly patient experience without impacting your social life.
Although lingual braces are not a new invention, placing braces behind your teeth is made much more comfortable and effective using 3D scanning, printing, milling, and robotically bent wire technology. These lingual braces are not even comparable to their previous versions.
These tiny little posts have changed the whole game in orthodontics. Large bite problems can be corrected without requiring traditional jaw surgery, and extractions of permanent teeth can be avoided. TADs provide improved results and minimal discomfort compared to more traditional treatment options.
Physical impressions were once the primary method of modeling the teeth for the creation of retainers and other orthodontic devices, but today digital impressions offer a more comfortable and accurate alternative. No more goop!
Today’s technology allows for digital scans and intraoral camera use to create 3D models that support broader treatment planning benefits as well as highly precise records. In our office, we use cone beam computed tomography or a CBCT (3D x-rays). This adds another layer of detail which helps orthodontists map roots, bone, impacted teeth, and the temporomandibular joint more precisely in complex cases. That means braces work better and faster than ever before with less discomfort. Even aligners and retainers will give you a better fit. 3D modeling also improves treatment planning and helps deliver more predictable outcomes, including predictable outcomes for a patient's teeth.
While most orthodontic equipment still isn’t 3D printed quite yet, the day may soon come when this manufacturing method produces models and customized orthodontic appliances.
While you will need to sit in the chair for work like having braces placed or having wires tightened, you have more options for general consultations with orthodontic experts through teledentistry, remote care, and virtual care. You can reach out to the most experienced dentists in the field for advice if you have a complex situation through the power of teledentistry. Phone, text, and video meetings allow you to describe the issues you’re having to your dentist or another orthodontic expert, and remote monitoring can use smartphone apps and progress photos between visits. During that process, artificial intelligence can review updates, support treatment planning artificial intelligence, and help reduce human error. You can get help after hours and on weekends to fit demanding schedules while giving patients more information to make informed decisions. There’s no need to travel long distances for every orthodontic appointment if you choose an office that has embraced teledentistry technology, which can be especially helpful for patients in rural or underserved areas and other underserved areas. While fewer office visits may be needed, digital check-ins still complement hands on care.
Today’s orthodontic technology includes accelerated orthodontics as part of modern care. Whether you choose invisible aligners or traditional braces, better designs and materials can improve treatment duration, shorten treatment times, and support better treatment efficiency. Some approaches focus on accelerating tooth movement through bone remodeling to support efficient tooth movement and more efficient tooth movement, with planning that considers tooth movement, helps remodel bone, and accounts for periodontal structures. You’ll spend less than two years undergoing treatment in most cases, with each plan shaped around your treatment goals and the overall treatment process for the patient, and even complex adjustments needing only months after that. Most patients can get back to their normal routine in as little as 18 months, especially if they don’t need extensive adjustments. Your orthodontist Dr. Starling, in Brentwood TN can tell you exactly what to expect based on your starting positions, your oral health, and the devices you choose for treatment, especially since a shorter timeline is a common patient concern.
We would love Starling Orthodontics to be your orthodontist in the Brentwood, TN area! We’ll bring our expertise and top notch care to every case so you can rest assured your teeth will become as straight as possible. Finding an orthodontist near me means you don’t have to travel far for world class treatment. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Starling today if your dentist has mentioned the idea of referring you for orthodontic care.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your appointment online.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
