Conservative care is a concept that’s been seeing a golden age in the medical industry. This form of care focuses on delivering treatment using the least invasive methods possible. There are forms of conservative care available in every medical field. Dentistry has also begun to adopt this approach to providing care. Recent advances in orthodontics have made it possible to treat many concerns with conservative approaches.
The Application Of Conservative Care To Dentistry
As far back as the 60s, the primary focus of care in dentistry was therapeutic. These treatments aim to repair damage already caused by decay and gum disease. This would gradually change over the ensuing decades, however. Cosmetic treatments began to be available that could improve the appearance of a patient’s smile without removing healthy tissue. Orthodontic treatments also saw advancements. These advances were driven by improving technology and a growing understanding of the biomechanical aspects of oral health.
Common conservative approaches to orthodontic care include:
- Metal and Ceramic Braces – This treatment involves using brackets, wires, and rings to apply precise pressure to teeth. This pressure slowly adjusts misaligned teeth into their proper position, creating a beautiful and even smile.
- Clear Aligners – Clear aligners are a more recent form of orthodontics that doesn’t require brackets or wires. With traditional braces, the hardware has to be affixed to the patient’s teeth for the duration of the treatment. Clear aligners, on the other hand, are made of high-durability plastic that can be placed and removed by the patient. They only need to be in place 22 hours a day. This means the patient has 2 hours to perform oral hygiene, eat their favorite foods, and do other activities without the appliance.
- Palatal Expanders – This device addresses developmental issues in the patient’s upper palate. Once put into place, it applies pressure to the upper palate, gradually expanding it over time. Improperly developed palates can lead to overcrowding and misalignment in teeth.
Correcting orthodontic concerns has many benefits for the patient. Teeth that are misaligned have additional space for food debris to build up. They can be hard to clean and can become perfect places for decay to set in. These misalignments can also lead to issues with the temporomandibular joint and affect how teeth wear over time.
Speak To Your Dentist About Conservative Options
If you’re looking into receiving dental treatment and want to know about conservative approaches, speak to your dentist. They’ll schedule a consultation with you and go over the details of your oral health. After identifying any problem areas and hearing your concerns, they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan. This treatment plan will address the underlying issues behind your concern. You can speak to them about potential conservative approaches if you have concerns about the plan suggested. Reach your dentist and find out their new options for improving your oral health today!
