What Are the Problems That Can Be Managed by Orthodontic Treatment?
Dentistry has different branches one of which is orthodontics that treats malocclusion which is a condition where the teeth are not properly positioned when closing the mouth. It results in an improper bite. Orthodontists specialize in straightening the teeth. Orthodontic treatment can be cosmetic but in most cases, it is to improve the appearance of a person as well as his or her oral function.
When people visit an orthodontist for correcting problems with their teeth they are fearful that the professional will have them wear braces or aligners failing to understand that the professional is also looking to improve their oral function of the patient by looking after the long-term health of the teeth and gums and jaw joints. They specialize in spreading the biting pressure over all the teeth.
Why Should Orthodontic Treatment Be Considered
Many people have spacing problems with their teeth while others have crowding or crooked teeth. An overbite when the upper jaw overlaps the lower jaw is also a problem among some patients. Similarly, an underbite is also a dental condition when the lower teeth extend outward further than the upper front teeth. This condition is also known as class III malocclusion and creates an unsightly appearance in the mouth and face. Orthodontists can treat all these issues and more with the services they provide to improve the appearance of the patient. The orthodontic treatment provided can move the teeth back in line to correct and incorrect bite.
When the teeth are not meeting properly it can be stressful on the muscles of the jaw to cause joint, jaw and problems with headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help to bite more evenly and reduce stress.
What Other Problems Can Be Corrected by the Orthodontist?
Orthodontists can also correct problems with an open bite where the teeth are not properly aligned when the jaws close together or a crossbite whether teeth have a lingual position which is classified as a lateral misalignment of the dental arches. An orthodontist has received additional qualifications and has the experience needed to offer treatment to all these problems.
Will Teeth Need to Be Extracted to Make Space?
In many cases, patients do not have sufficient space for all their permanent teeth leading to crowding. In such cases, some permanent teeth may have to be extracted to make the space needed for the other teeth to move into place. The dental team working with the orthodontist will advise patients about whether teeth need to be extracted. Space can sometimes be made by using other forms of treatment as well.
How Is the Treatment Conducted?
Orthodontic treatments can be conducted by using different types of appliances which are popularly known as braces. Simple treatment may be conducted with a removable brace that can be removed from the mouth for cleaning. Delicate wires and springs are attached to the braces which move the teeth using gentle pressure.
Why Are Fixed Braces Used?
On many occasions, teeth need to be guided more precisely than they can be by using removable braces. In such cases, fixed braces are utilized. These have brackets and bands that are temporarily bonded to the teeth. A flexible wire is used to join the brackets and allow the teeth to be moved. Patients will be unable to remove the appliance by themself and therefore it is called a fixed appliance.
What Is the Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment?
The best time for having an orthodontic treatment is childhood when the jaws are still growing but adults can also have orthodontic treatment if they have problems with their teeth. Age is not important but having the right number of teeth is. Presently more adults are seeking orthodontic treatments than earlier because they are conscious of the appearance and do not want to display crooked and misaligned teeth in their mouth. It is for this reason that discreet methods of correcting problems with the teeth have been introduced for adults to prevent the embarrassment they may have to undergo with braces in their mouths.
Will the Treatment Take Long?
The duration of the treatment will depend on the complexity of the problem of the patient. It may be anything between a few months to a couple of years for the teeth to move back into place. However, most people can be treated by orthodontic treatment to have a better appearance and smile.