Orthodontics support teeth that are crooked, crowded, that protrude or affect the way you look. The way your teeth fir together can affect your bite and be more difficult to clean and maintain, to keep them healthy. If you are not satisfied with the way your teeth look, feel or work, orthodontic treatment might help.
It is vital to treat these issues because teeth are crowded, crooked or protruding can make an individual unsatisfied with their appearance. They might become withdrawn, shy and unwilling to smile because of their teeth.
Teeth that are misaligned also affect a bite. This misalignment can make it hard to chew some foods and may cause some teeth to wear down. It can also cause muscle tension and uncomfortable pain.
Crowded or crooked teeth are more difficult to keep clean. Crowded or crooked teeth are more susceptible to cavities and gum disease. Teeth that stick out are more easily chipped or broken.
Some orthodontic problems should be treated before all the adult (or permanent) teeth come in. The dentist can do a screening to find out if a child will have any orthodontic problems. An orthodontic screening by the age of seven can help a dentist treat or prevent a problem that is developing. This type of screening is called interceptive orthodontics.
This is the most common used method for orthodontic treatment. Braces have four parts: the bracket or band (the metal ring) that is attached to each tooth; the cement or bonding material that attaches the bracket or band to each tooth; the arch wire that fits into all the brackets; and elastics or wire ties that hold the wire into the bracket or band.
Generally speaking, brackets, bands and arch wires are made of metal, but brackets and elastics can also be clear, tooth coloured or multi-coloured.
The dentist might suggest other treatments before, during or after braces are put on the teeth.
Another method of orthodontics is headgear; it is used to guide the direction of tooth movement and/or jaw growth in someone who is still growing. Headgear might be worn before braces are applied or during any part of the orthodontic treatment. There are several types of headgear. The patient typically inserts the headgear and wears it during the evening and at night. The dentist will instruct and demonstrate on how to insert and use the headgear and advises on the length of use for each day.
Removal appliances are not quite like braces but they can move a tooth or a group of teeth and are fitted by the dentist. They might be worn before braces are put on, while braces are on, or on their own to treat a specific orthodontic issue.
Retainers help keep the teeth in the right place once braces have been removed. Retainers are attached to the teeth or they might be removable. The orthodontist or dentist will advise a patient if they have to wear the retainer all the time or parts of each day.
Sometimes, it is necessary to experience having a tooth removal to reposition crowded teeth or misplaced teeth. Jaw surgery might be required when there are major differences in the size of the position of the upper and lower jaw. It helps the upper and lower jaw line up. If the orthodontist thinks jaw surgery is needed, they will most likely refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
