Orthodontics Treatment

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry that deals with the study and correction of tooth and jaw alignment. Irregular tooth placement or disproportionate jaw alignment will result in a condition called malocclusion or improper biting.

Why have orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment may be carried out for one of two reasons. Dentofacial orthopedics which focuses on the modification and control of facial growth would be used to correct a badly misaligned jaw.

Possibly the most popular known reason, is to improve tooth alignment and general facial appearance for aesthetic reasons. Very often the teeth may be crowded, crooked, protruding or irregularly spaced. Sometimes the upper and lower jaw does not meet correctly and even though the teeth look straight, the bite is uneven.

Correctly aligned teeth will help maintain healthy gums and teeth and will improve chewing and biting. Having correctly aligned teeth and jaw will also improve speech. Straight teeth are less susceptible to decay caused by bacterial plaque. Misaligned teeth are more prone to gum disease and excessive wear on the supportive bone and tissue leading to more serious problems.

Orthodontic problems, if left untreated, will cause problems in later life when excessive wear on the gum and bone increase the possibility of periodontal disease. It is better to avoid the cost of restorative treatment in later years by having preventative treatment now.

Another plus to having orthodontic treatment is the improved natural smile. Your teeth look better, work better and improve self-esteem and confidence. An attractive smile is a wonderful tool for building a person’s self image.

What is the treatment?

Your dentist will diagnose the problem and evaluate what the correct treatment should be based on the needs of the patient. Impressions will be made of the teeth which your dentist will use to decide a treatment strategy.

Photographs will be taken of the patients face, teeth and smile as well as taking x-rays of the head and teeth. The dentist will also check the medical as well as dental history records. Your dentist will then discuss the diagnosis and suggest a treatment strategy. The patient must fully understand the implications and the ramifications of any decision made.

If the purpose of the treatment is dental displacement, then a multi-bracket therapy is most commonly used. The dentist will align the teeth with the use of dental braces. Orthodontic wire is inserted into the braces to apply a constant pressure in the desired direction. Adjustments are made over the course of the treatment which may last from six to thirty months depending on the severity of the case in question.

There are several types of braces available including the traditional stainless steel ones, tooth colored ones made from a ceramic material and clear plastic ones such as Invisalign.

The dentist will evaluate your needs and suggest an orthodontic treatment to address the problem. It is important that the recommended plan is followed for proper correction.