Orthodontics

Transforming Smiles with Orthodontic Care

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that deals with corrections involving jaw and teeth alignment.


Braces are applied to teeth for various reasons, including poorly aligned jaws, crooked, crowded, missing teeth, or a bad bite (malocclusion). Various things can cause teeth to become crooked or jaws misaligned, including thumb-sucking or a traumatic injury. Some conditions are inherited.


Children between the ages of 7 and 14 are typical candidates for braces because their facial structures are still developing. Adult braces usually entail additional procedures because their faces have already fully developed.

Braces Types

Braces employ wires and are usually one of three types: 


  • Old-fashioned, conventional braces employ metal strips or bands.
  • Metal or plastic brackets that are cemented or bonded to teeth.
  • Brackets that attach to the back teeth (also called lingual braces).

Procedures

Orthodontic procedures, also called orthodontia, are complex processes. In most cases, a dentist must make a plaster cast of the individual's teeth and perform full X-rays of the head and mouth. After placing orthodontic appliances, they need to be adjusted occasionally to ensure they continue moving the teeth into their correct position. Retainers are used following braces to ensure that teeth remain in position.

Aesthetic and Comfort Issues

Technology advancements have vastly improved appearance issues with orthodontia. Braces today are made from extremely lightweight and have natural-colored materials. The materials that braces attach to brackets are bonded to the teeth' surfaces but can be removed later. People can sometimes expect to wear braces for about two years—less or more. Adults are usually required to wear braces for more extended periods.


Because orthodontic appliances must be adjusted occasionally to ensure they continue moving the teeth into their correct position, they can create pressure on the teeth and jaws. This mild discomfort usually subsides following each orthodontia adjustment.

Hygiene Issues

People who wear braces must be diligent in ensuring that food particles and other debris are not trapped in the network of brackets and wires. In addition, brackets can leave stains on enamel if the surrounding area is not cleaned daily. Daily oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and rinsing, is necessary. Some people with orthodontic appliances can benefit from using water picks, which emit small pressurized bursts of water that can effectively rinse away such debris.


Another caveat: Braces and sticky foods don't mix. Crunchy snacks and chewy substances should be avoided because they can cause orthodontia to be loosened or damaged.

Space Maintainers

Space maintainers are helpful dental devices that can help teeth generally grow following premature tooth loss, injury, or other problems. The devices can help maintain proper spaces to allow future permanent teeth to erupt.


If your child loses a baby tooth early through decay or injury, their other teeth could shift and begin to fill the vacant space. When your child's permanent teeth emerge, there's not enough room for them. The result is crooked or crowded teeth and difficulties with chewing or speaking.

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