Advances in technology within the last few years alone have propelled orthodontic treatments to a new level. Braces have become more comfortable, subtle, and affordable. They are easier to apply for their providers and friendlier to wear for their patients. This has led not only to greater patient satisfaction and more successful treatments but also to healthier results.
If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, you should be aware of some of the advances in techniques and materials that have made it easier and more comfortable than ever to begin your journey. From advances in braces to new types of scanning and modeling techniques, here are 6 of the newest orthodontic advances to think about.
Want to find out if you or your child needs braces? Visit Reese Orthodontics in Charleston, SC for leading orthodontic care.
Invisalign
Invisalign, as a treatment alternative for braces that is not only more comfortable but removable, was an immense luxury when it first came out in 1998. The company that made it is now valued in the billions because as time has passed, Invisalign has become clearer, more comfortable, and cheaper.
Patients in person-to-person industries love that people don’t notice their braces when using Invisalign. The comfort of being able to take out the appliance to eat cannot be matched. Though Invisalign remains a more expensive treatment option than conventional braces, advances in manufacturing have allowed orthodontists to offer Invisalign more cheaply than ever before.
Cone Beam CT Scans
Conventional X-ray technology commonly available in all the old orthodontics offices could only reveal so much about a patient’s condition. Today, cone beam CT scans are widely available in offices, allowing orthodontists to create three-dimensional images of a patient’s teeth, bone structures, alignment, and more.
These images can be viewed from multiple angles, manipulated at will, and evaluated in much greater detail than previous imaging methods. Cone beam CT scans can even create images of soft tissues and nerves as well. There are no special prerequisites or preparations needed to receive these scans.
Ceramics
Clear ceramic braces offer an alternative to conventional metal appliances. The main attraction is the minimalistic appearance that prioritizes discretion throughout your treatment. Achievements in material manufacturing have recently made these appliances much more advanced and much cheaper for patients. These include superior bonding agents that keep the brackets on more securely and help with removal later.
Ceramic braces are popular with teens as they can be customized with different colors and won’t show up in photos. But anyone can appreciate the discretion and comfort they offer.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are not new, but they are only now fulfilling their promise of making braces treatment completely incognito. Lingual braces, which are attached to the backside of teeth rather than the front, achieve the same results without the visual change. They also cannot hurt your front lips, which should come as a relief for the instrument players out there who need braces.
Customized Treatment Plans
There are several ways that modern technology has allowed orthodontists to offer more customizable treatment plans. The first is in the use of 3D planning software. By creating accurate models of a patient’s facial structure, orthodontists can make treatment plans for each tooth. They can accurately start a treatment of partial braces, use spacers to make minor adjustments, and more. Even the wires themselves can be customized based on the results of the scans.
The second method of customization involves time. Non-invasive orthodontic treatment methods like Propel can speed up the work accomplished by braces by encouraging teeth to move more quickly and regrow bone structures more efficiently. This gives patients ways to customize their treatment timeline in ways they never could before.
Miniscrews
Oral surgery procedures utilize titanium miniscrews to hold patients’ jaws in place and prevent unnecessary movement during surgery. Today, TADs or temporary anchorage devices are available for even routine orthodontic procedures to make them easier for the doctor and less painful for the patient.
With only a bit of anesthetic, procedures that used to be painful and frustrating can now be performed in-office without any of the issues they used to cause.
Choose Reese Orthodontics
If you are considering orthodontic treatments for you or your child, you need professional advice on your treatment and payment options. For orthodontic treatments in Charleston, SC, Reese Orthodontics offers the latest technology and treatment plans. Our advanced and comfortable orthodontic treatments can be customized to suit your needs. A consultation with Reese Orthodontics includes scans, a comprehensive exam, and a conversation with the orthodontist to discover which treatment options are right for you.
Schedule an appointment with us today to stay ahead of your oral health and receive the best possible treatment in your area.