Whenever someone mentions orthodontics or an orthodontist, people often picture braces. However, orthodontists provide much more than just braces. They specialize in aligning teeth and repositioning jaws. While braces are their primary specialty, they offer a variety of treatments to correct common dental issues.
Dr. Scott Kesselman of Riverside Orthodontics in Riverside, CT explains the different services that orthodontists provide.
Braces
Braces are the most common service orthodontists offer. They include brackets, wires, and bands that tighten over time to straighten your teeth. Patients in Riverside, CT often use braces to improve their smile and fix issues like overbites, underbites, overcrowding, or gaps.
According to Dr. Scott Kesselman, most braces are metal and come with colorful elastics for kids. For those who prefer less noticeable options, ceramic and clear braces are available.
Space Maintainers
Sometimes, baby teeth fall out earlier than they should. In such cases, space maintainers help keep the gap open. This prevents other teeth from moving into the space meant for the adult tooth.
At Riverside Orthodontics, fixed space maintainers use a band on one tooth and a wire stretched across the gap. This keeps the space open until adult teeth come in.
Aligners
Aligners, like Invisalign, also help straighten teeth. They fix underbites, overbites, open bites, crossbites, and crowding. These clear trays fit tightly over your teeth and move them gradually into the right position. Made from plastic, aligners are nearly invisible when worn.
Jaw Repositioning Appliances
Jaw repositioning appliances, or splints, help move the upper or lower jaw. This helps the jaw close more naturally. Dr. Kesselman uses these appliances often for patients with TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder).
Lip and Cheek Bumpers
In some cases, the lips and cheeks press against the teeth and cause discomfort. Lip and cheek bumpers help by creating space. This reduces pressure and makes patients more comfortable during treatment.
Palatal Expander
A palatal expander helps widen the upper jaw. This plastic device fits on the roof of the mouth. Using screws, it gently pushes the bones and joints outward to create more space.
Removable Retainers
After treatment with braces or aligners, teeth can shift back to their original position. To prevent this, Dr. Kesselman recommends using retainers. These come in two types: one with a plate and a metal bar, and another shaped like a plastic aligner. Most people wear retainers at night.
Headgear
Headgear helps slow down jaw growth and ensure that teeth fit properly. It includes a strap that goes around the back of the head and a metal wire in front of the mouth.
Comprehensive Care Beyond Braces
Orthodontists do much more than fit metal braces. Dr. Scott Kesselman offers a wide range of treatments at Riverside Orthodontics in Riverside, CT. These treatments help correct alignment issues and jaw positioning problems.
Finding the right orthodontic appliance is the first step toward a perfect smile. For more details about the services Dr. Scott Kesselman provides, call 203.698.0045 today.
