Latest advances in orthodontics
Things are changing in the world of orthodontics and dentistry. No longer is it all about big drills and one-size-fits-all metal brackets; now, advances in technology allow more comfortable, pleasant and painless procedures to come to the fore.
One of the areas that has vastly improved in the last 20 years is custom smile design and tooth realignment. Gone are the ugly big braces previously associated with tooth realignment; nowadays, it is possible to have hidden, invisible or even self-aligning braces that can fix a crooked smile discreetly and attractively.
Invisible braces
One system of achieving this is using clear, invisible aligners such as Invisalign, which can correct a crooked smile without embarrassment and without friends, family or colleagues knowing that the patient is undergoing treatment.
There are a number of Cardiff Invisalign treatment centres. Not all dentists offer this treatment, however, so make sure that you consult a registered practitioner. Invisalign treatment by dentists like Cathedral Dental can help to change a crooked smile into a beautiful one.
Custom smile design
Custom smile design is a procedure that allows the customer to choose their own ideal smile and their orthodontist will plan the movement of the teeth to achieve it. Using computer software and customised brackets, the customer’s teeth can be gradually realigned until their desired smile is achieved. Unlike traditional braces, this creates a final result designed especially with the customer’s bone structure and smile preferences in mind.
In-office CT scanners
Cone beam CT scanners are revolutionising the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems. They offer dentists the ability to create accurate three-dimensional images of the patient’s skull, jaw and bone structure to investigate their dental health. The images gained from CT scanners are much more accurate than the two-dimensional, fuzzy x-ray images traditionally used by dentists, with the office-based scanners meaning that images can be gained and analysed immediately.
Orthodontic mini-screws
New temporary anchorage devices (TADs) made from surgical grade titanium are allowing dentists to reduce or eliminate unwanted movement of the teeth. TADs can be implanted with a small amount of anaesthesia during a quick, painless procedure and can be used to provide a secure, fixed point in the bone from which to anchor the teeth.
These developments in orthodontics are allowing dentists to offer better, faster and more painless treatment for patients everywhere.
