Orthodontics

Orthodontics is an area of Cosmetic Dentistry that deals with the jaw and teeth. When teeth or jaws are not positioned properly, then the person should see an orthodontist because crooked teeth are difficult to keep clean, which can overall affect your oral health. Not only that, but crooked teeth are at a higher risk of being lost because of periodontal disease and tooth decay. It is important to considering the importance of protecting the tooth.

Crooked teeth can cause additional stress on some of the muscles, which can lead to TMJ syndrome. Neck pain, back and shoulder pain can occur too. Crooked teeth can also cause a person to feel less confident because they can draw in attention from people they are speaking to.

Before you sit down to have your braces put in, you must visit an orthodontist for a diagnosis and treatment, upon an appointment request from your regular dentist. During this appointment, the orthodontist will discuss the best treatment options to straighten your teeth as well as the orthodontic care required to maintain a set of braces.

There are many benefits of receiving orthodontic treatment, such as improving your appearance and having beautiful smiles. Another benefit is the teeth will last for a long time, but you do have to visit an orthodontist, opposed to a dentist, if you want orthodontic treatment. Orthodontists have completed four years of dental school, as well as receiving at least two years of additional education. They have received specialized training.

There are a number of conditions that may make you the ideal candidate for treatment. In fact, there are several conditions, mostly including bad bites;

Overbite

This is a condition in which the upper front teeth stick out further than the lower teeth. This is commonly called buck teeth.

Under bites

This is the opposite of an overbite. It’s when the lower teeth stick out further than the adjacent teeth.

Cross bites

This is when the upper teeth don’t touch when biting.

Open bites

This condition is defined as having a space between the biting surfaces, which can either be on the surfaces of the side teeth or front teeth, when the back teeth bite together.

There are other conditions that may make you a candidate. This includes spacing or gaps in between your teeth. Misplaced midline is another condition and so is crowding, which means you have too many teeth and a dental bridge cannot accommodate them.

There are many devices that can help reposition the teeth as well as retain muscles. This includes devices that are removable or fixed. The devices work by placing pressure on your jaw and pressure on your teeth. As for what approach will be taken, this depends on what the orthodontist recommends during your orthodontic screening, and how severe your specific problem is.

Braces

There are are number of fixed devices, such as braces. Braces consist of stainless steel brackets, wires and bands, which are placed around the affected tooth or teeth. The bands or wires serve as anchors, while the teeth are fused to metal brackets. Arch wires are tightened, which places tension on the teeth and eventually this moves the teeth into the correct position. As for how long it takes for braces to fix teeth, this process can take a few months, but it can also take a few years. Also, you’ll usually have to go back to the orthodontist on a monthly basis because braces do have to be adjusted.

Special Fixed Appliances

These are designed to get your thumb sucking habit under control. They are attached to the teeth via bands. However, they are not comfortable to wear when eating.

Fixed Space Maintainers

These are used to keep the space open in the mouth of a baby who has lost a tooth prematurely. A band is used as an anchor for the tooth located near the empty spot. A wire is also used.

Aligners

These are usually an alternative to braces and are commonly known as an Invisalign. However, they are nearly invisible, which is why they are popular among adults. Also, they can be removed when a person wants to eat or brush their teeth. Invisalign costs are generally cheaper than the cost of braces.

For those who aren’t very keen to wear braces, there are removable space maintainers, which are similar to fixed space maintainers. They are removable and they fit right over the jaw. They are made with wire branches or plastic branches.

Jaw repositioning devices are used on either the lower jaw or the top jaw. They are used to train the jaw to close to a proper position. Sometimes they are used by those who have TMJ (temporomandibular joint).

There are lip and cheek bumpers too, which keep your lips or your cheeks away from your teeth. Besides that, there is a palatal expander, which is worn on the upper jaw arch. This device is a plastic plate and it’s designed to make the palatal area wider.

Another popular option is removable retainers. The retainers are designed to prevent your natural teeth from going back into their improper position. If need be, the orthodontist can modify them for those who want to prevent thumb sucking.

Another device is headgear, which is worn by those who need to slow the growth of their upper jaw. Although it is a not a popular choice, headgear isa functional appliance when it comes to straightening teeth. The device holds the teeth located in the back, while pulling the front teeth back.

Remember, your orthodontic specialist can recommend what treatment you should have done. They may recommend only one type of treatment or provide range of options to give their customers healthy smiles. If you believe you’d benefit from orthodontic treatment, schedule an appointment for an orthodontic consultation today.