Orthodontics

Orthodontics addresses facial and jaw irregularities to improve teeth alignment, enhance chewing, biting, and speaking, and boost overall confidence. Straighter teeth not only look better but also reduce the risk of dental issues.

Malocclusions like overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding can negatively impact functionality and appearance. These alignment problems can lead to:

Periodontitis: Crooked teeth are harder to clean, increasing the risk of gum disease due to plaque build-up.
TMJ Disorders: Misaligned teeth can cause jaw pain, headaches, and teeth grinding.
Tooth Injury: Crooked teeth are more vulnerable to injury.
Uneven Wear: Misaligned teeth cause uneven wear and stress on specific teeth.

Orthodontic treatments, including braces and custom aligning trays, can effectively straighten teeth. Braces are attached to the teeth and adjusted regularly, making them suitable for various malocclusions. Aligning trays are removable, ideal for less severe cases, and are replaced periodically throughout treatment.

Straightening your teeth not only enhances your smile but also promotes better oral health and function. Keep reading to learn more.

When should my child get an orthodontic evaluation?

Orthodontists specialize in correcting jaw and teeth misalignments, often caused by genetics or childhood habits. For the best results, it’s ideal for children to be evaluated by an orthodontist around age seven. Early assessments can catch issues that may not be obvious but could benefit from preventive treatment.

Signs your child might need orthodontic care include difficulty chewing, clicking or shifting jaws, facial asymmetry, thumb sucking, and misaligned bites.

Common issues include overcrowding, irregular jaw growth, protruding teeth, and spacing problems. These can stem from inadequate nutrition, dental hygiene issues, thumb sucking, or abnormal baby tooth loss.

Orthodontists can either monitor these problems or begin treatment based on the child’s specific needs. Early intervention can minimize future treatment, correct harmful habits, guide jaw development, and enhance your child’s confidence.

Orthodontic Exams

The planning stage is key to successful orthodontic treatment. During this phase, the orthodontist conducts detailed examinations, takes X-rays, and reviews dental and medical records to create an effective treatment plan.

Proper planning ensures that orthodontic treatment not only improves the appearance of your smile but also helps prevent dental and physical issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and digestive disorders caused by misaligned teeth.

Orthodontic exams typically include:

Medical and Dental History: Ensures any existing issues, like gum disease, are addressed before treatment begins.
Bite Impressions: Provides a detailed view of how your upper and lower jaws align.
Photographs: Tracks progress and measures facial proportions.
Computer-Generated Images: Helps assess facial aesthetics and plan treatment.
Panoramic X-rays: Offer insights into teeth, gums, and jawbone health.

Orthodontic Treatment Phases

Orthodontic irregularities are common and vary in complexity. Severe cases may require collaboration with a maxillofacial surgeon, but most misalignments are treated solely by an orthodontist. Treatment typically involves three phases:

Phase 1: Planning
The initial visits focus on diagnosis and treatment planning, including dental and medical history review, bite impressions, panoramic X-rays, additional imaging of the face and jaws, and computer-generated head and neck images

Phase 2: Active Treatment
Based on the diagnosis, the orthodontist uses either fixed devices like traditional braces, or removable ones such as clear aligners to realign the teeth. Regular adjustments ensure progress.

Phase 3: Retention
Once the teeth are aligned, braces and appliances are removed, and a retainer is provided to maintain the new position. The retainer is worn as directed to stabilize the teeth and prevent shifting.

Types of Braces

Orthodontic braces come in various types to enhance teeth alignment, improve chewing, biting, and aesthetics. They fall into two main categories: removable and fixed devices.

Traditional Fixed Braces are effective for severe misalignments, using metal, ceramic, or clear brackets attached to each tooth with a wire connecting them. They apply consistent pressure to straighten teeth and require regular adjustments.

Lingual Braces are attached to the back of the teeth, making them less visible. They may affect speech initially but offer a discreet option.

Damon System features self-ligating brackets with sliding doors instead of elastic rings, reducing friction and discomfort, and may correct misalignments faster.

Clear Aligners, such as Invisalign®, are a series of removable trays that gradually shift teeth. They offer flexibility and are less noticeable but require consistent wear for best results.

Other Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances go beyond traditional braces and can include various devices to address specific issues like jaw alignment and spacing. These devices can be used alone or alongside braces to expand the palate for more space, close large gaps between teeth, correct jaw irregularities, or alleviate crowding. Common orthodontic appliances include:

Palatal Expanders widen the upper arch to fix narrow bites or crossbites, and may cause temporary difficulty with speaking and eating.

Facemasks (Reverse Headgear) address growth discrepancies by encouraging the lower jaw to catch up with the upper jaw. Worn 12-20 hours a day, they help correct class III malocclusions.

Headgear corrects overbites by restricting the growth of the lower jaw. It works to create space and is typically worn for 12-20 hours daily.

Braces for Adults

Nearly one-third of orthodontic patients are now adults. While braces work similarly for all ages, adults might experience longer treatment times due to slower jaw growth and potential gum issues. Adults benefit from braces in multiple ways, such as:

Improved Aesthetics: Straight teeth enhance self-esteem and appearance.
Better Function: Straight teeth make biting, chewing, and speaking easier.
Healthier Teeth: Straight teeth reduce the risk of decay, gum disease, and injuries.

Modern braces for adults are more convenient, with options ranging from traditional metal braces to discreet removable devices. Common issues like underbite, overbite, and overcrowding can be effectively addressed with today’s advanced orthodontic solutions.

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