An orthodontist is a dental professional wholly dedicated to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of malocclusions commonly referred to as “crooked teeth” in layman’s terms. Part of their work includes working with brackets
Whether you’re new to orthodontics or a dental veteran, you’ve probably heard about repositioning brackets. You may have even had them on your own teeth at some point. But are you really sure of the reasons why they are used?
8 Reasons Why Orthodontists Reposition Brackets
Orthodontists often use brackets that can be re-positioned for a number of reasons. Let’s take a look at eight of the most important reasons why they do it.:
- Easily place appliances in the optimal position: Brackets that can be repositioned allow orthodontists to correct poor tooth positioning, rotate teeth into the right location, and create more space for crowded or crooked teeth.
- Distribute force more evenly over tooth structure: Repositionable brackets also allow orthodontists to distribute tooth-moving force evenly throughout the arch and avoid concentrated pressure on certain teeth. This reduces the risk of tooth damage and pain.
- Improve tooth contact with the bracket and archwire: Repositionable brackets also help orthodontists position the archwire in ideal locations where it will have optimal contact with the teeth. This allows the wire to have a more direct effect on tooth movement, making treatment faster and reducing friction.
- Fix problems related to the first phase of treatment: Repositioning brackets help correct positioning problems that arise during the initial phases of orthodontic treatment. They can also be used during mid-treatment whenever a problem arises.
- Improve patient comfort: Because they allow orthodontists to reposition each tooth into the best possible location, these brackets can help reduce pain and discomfort. They also make it easier for patients to keep their teeth clean after treatment since they will no longer be crowded or rotated out of their ideal position.
- Allow orthodontists to treat more difficult cases: If teeth are severely crowded or rotated, it can be extremely difficult for orthodontists to straighten them in one appointment. Repositioning brackets allow patients with these problems to receive the dental care they need in just one visit.
- Preserve more of a patient’s natural tooth structure: Brackets that can be repositioned also let orthodontists preserve more of a patient’s natural tooth structure. If teeth need to be moved out of the way in order to make room for crowded or crooked teeth, repositionable brackets allow them to move back into their original positions after treatment is complete.
- Create some space for teeth to shift during treatment: Brackets that are designed to be re-positioned also allow orthodontists to create some space for teeth to shift into during the course of treatment. This allows the jawbones, lips, and gums time to adapt while saving patient visits.
When You Need to Reposition Brackets
Some repositioning brackets can be used with conventional braces and elastic appliances. Others can only be used with traditional brackets. Repositioning brackets are designed for temporary use during the first phase of treatment, but some may need to remain in place for several months or longer if they need to support an elastomeric chain on their own without any additional help from a conventional wire.
Brackets that are designed to be repositioned can also be used during mid-treatment whenever a special case arises. If teeth need to be moved out of the way in order to make room for crowded or crooked teeth, repositioning brackets allow them to move back into their original positions after treatment is complete.
Many patients with removable appliances experience some discomfort during the first few days of treatment. This is because their muscles are not used to having an orthodontic appliance in place, but it usually subsides soon after they adjust. If more force is needed to move teeth into better positions, repositioning brackets make it easier for orthodontists to do so.
It’s important if you do need to get your brackets repositioned that you visit a trained and highly-qualified orthodontist, like the experts at Impact Orthodontics. They can help you with all your teeth and misalignment concerns with experience, knowledge and guidance.