Orthodontics

ORTHODONTICS

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with straightening and correcting the tooth alignment.

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

Today children as well as adults are choosing to have orthodontic treatment since age is no longer a factor that governs the feasibility of the treatment. But as you grow older the duration of the treatment is increased since it is easier to shift and align teeth during the growth phase of the jaws. Orthodontic treatment corrects

-malocclusion (bite or occlusion is off)

-tooth malalignment (crooked teeth)

Why Treat Malocclusion?

Orthodontics is not only used to improve your appearance. Malocclusion or malaligned teeth can have long term effects, such as:

interference with normal growth and development of the jaws

· abnormal swallowing patterns

· abnormal facial muscle function

· impairment of chewing

· speech defects

· susceptibility to cavities due to the difficulty of removing plaque from crooked teeth vulnerability to accidents or fractured teeth (if your front teeth stick out, they may be more easily injured)

How Do Braces Work?

Teeth can slowly be moved and shifted into proper position by applying pressure in certain directions. Bands, wires and elastics are placed on the teeth to move them in the right direction. This takes place slowly and carefully over an extended period of time. Shifting teeth back into a functional position can take months to years, but eventually you'll have a new and improved mouth! Retainers are often used after the braces, to hold the teeth in their new position until they are stable. It is important to wear the braces or an appliance for however long it takes. If you quit at any point during treatment, the teeth can shift back into their old position..

Types Of Braces Available

Metal Braces

Metal brackets are the ones that are most frequently used. They appear as small metal buttons that are glued to the front of each tooth. These tend to be less expensive than other types of brackets. Additionally, they can be made colorful with ligature rubber bands that come in a wide range of colors.

A major drawback of these braces is there color which makes its use very limited in cases of adult orthodontics.

Ceramic (Tooth Colored) Braces

Ceramic brackets are made of composite materials. They are very strong and generally do not stain. Adults like to choose ceramic because they "blend in" with the teeth and are less noticeable than metal. The ligatures (tiny rubber bands) that hold the arch wire on to the ceramic brackets are often white or clear. This looks great at first, but the ligatures can stain. Note that the ligatures are changed each time you get an adjustment -- usually, monthly. It's only the ligatures that stain, not the brackets themselves!

Some FAQs

What are the early symptoms of orthodontic problems?

Although determining if treatment is necessary is difficult for you to assess, the following symptoms may help in prompting you to seek our orthodontic advice.

Ask your child to open their mouth, and let you look at their teeth. If you see any signs of crooked teeth, gaps between your child’s teeth or overlapping teeth, your child may need orthodontic treatment.

Ask your child to bite all the way down, but keeping their lips open so you can see their teeth. Do the front top teeth line up with the bottom?

Do the top teeth protrude out away from the bottom teeth?

Do the top front teeth cover more than 50% of the bottom teeth? Are the top teeth behind the bottom teeth?

Look at the alignment of your child’s jaw. Does the jaw shift off center when your child bites down?

What age should my child be seen by an orthodontist?

Orthodontists recommend that your child be evaluated by age seven. Early detection of some orthodontic problems is important in order to take early corrective action and avoid more difficult treatment later.

Will it hurt?

Orthodontic treatments has improved dramatically. As a rule, braces make your teeth sore for a few days, but it is not painful. This annoyance can be relieved with an over-the-counter pain reliever.