Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. These problems may cause a range of debilitating conditions, such as speech defects and difficulty chewing.
Braces
The most common method of straightening teeth, braces use a combination of steady pressure and gradual movement to correct the positioning of your teeth. www.smilebar.com can help with issues such as crooked, overcrowded, jaw or teeth alignment problems, which may be caused by thumbsucking.
The archwire is a key component of your braces. This wire fits into horizontal slots on each bracket. This wire can be made of metal (typically a blend of nickel and titanium) or clear or tooth-colored to reduce visual impact. The archwire is attached to small rubber rings or fine wires known as ties. These are wrapped around the backs of your teeth (called molars) to keep it in place. Other forms of attachment are small elastic bands known as o-ties, or orthodontic laces, which wrap the archwire around and clip into the brackets.
As the archwire applies pressure to your teeth, it causes them to move. This delicately balances shifting teeth into new positions while allowing the surrounding bones to adapt. The result is an improved smile and a healthier bit.
Wear your braces according to instructions. This includes brushing, flossing and having regular checkups. If you don’t adhere to your orthodontist’s recommendations, this can affect your treatment outcome or delay your progress.
Overcrowding is one of the most common reasons to seek orthodontic treatment. Overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean, making it easy for plaque to hide and lead to gum disease or cavities. Straightening your smile makes it easier to clean, which reduces the chances of gum disease and cavities. Fixing bite issues, such as a deep or crossbite can improve chewing and relieve jaw pain. To do this, your orthodontist will adjust your braces to shift your teeth up, down, and across until they are properly aligned.
Aligners
If you have crooked, gapped, or other orthodontic problems, fixing them will improve your smile, and also help prevent health issues like gum disease and tooth decay. Clear aligners have become a popular alternative to braces for patients who want a more discreet option.
Clear aligners use a series of custom-made trays that apply pressure to the teeth to gradually shift them into the desired position. The process can take anywhere between six to 18 months depending on the severity.
Experts in orthodontics can create clear aligner tray that blend in with a patient’s teeth and look natural. However, it’s important for patients to wear the trays for 20 to 22 hours a day and change them out at least once a week to achieve the most effective results.
In some cases, patients may experience slight discomfort when they first start wearing the aligners. This discomfort is caused by the gentle pressure applied to the teeth. It can be relieved with some over-the counter pain medication. Most patients report that the discomfort subsides quickly once they become accustomed to wearing the aligners.
Your orthodontist must first scan your mouth to determine the best course of treatment. Before getting scanned, you should visit your family dentist to get a dental checkup and cleaning. This is because the treatment requires a full set healthy teeth.
During your appointment, your orthodontist will go through the step-by-step process of your aligner journey and will show you your personalised digital treatment plan. This will give a preview of the movement of your teeth and what your smile will be like at the end.
Jaw surgery
Orthognathic surgery, more commonly known as jaw surgery, is used in orthodontics to correct certain bite and facial problems that cannot be treated by braces alone. These include underbites and skeletal problems relating to jaw development. They can also be caused by airway issues, such as sleep apnea. During the surgery, the surgeon may make small incisions around the mouth or, in some cases, cut through the chin’s skin. Surgical plates, screws, wires, special rubber bands and other instruments are then used to reposition the upper and lower jaw bones and align them properly. In some cases, additional bone will need to be added, or a graft may need to be taken from another part of the body.
After the surgery, the patient will usually spend one or two nights in the hospital. Hospitals will often provide painkillers and instruct patients to maintain a liquid-only or non-chewable diet for a couple of weeks. After a few week, patients can slowly return to their regular diet. It is normal for patients to experience some level of swelling and pain, depending on the type of procedure. These symptoms will subside with time.
During the healing process, it’s important to follow your physician’s instructions. In some cases, it may take up to three months for the jawbones to heal. It is also very important to check in with your orthodontist to see how the healing is progressing.
It is common to experience a limited range of symptoms following jaw surgery, including numbness in the top or bottom lip and some discomfort. Your orthodontist may prescribe medication to ease the symptoms as your jaw heals.
Other treatments
Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that deals with misaligned teeth and jaws. It uses fixed or removable devices, such as clear aligners, headgear, expander plate, and braces to align the teeth. It also addresses bite issues, clenching or grinding, thumb sucking, and other habits which affect the alignment of teeth and jaws. It’s crucial to consult an orthodontist as soon as possible to prevent problems such crooked teeth or crowded jaws from becoming more serious. This can lead to expensive and painful dental procedures in the future.
A treatment for crooked or misaligned teeth can improve your smile, and make it easier to speak and chew. Additionally, it can help prevent other oral problems in the future. For example, crooked teeth can cause the tooth enamel to wear down or increase your risk of gum disease and jaw fractures. Jaw joint problems can be painful and may require surgery or a lengthy recovery period.
An orthodontist can fix most problems with braces, clear aligners or other appliances. In some cases he or she will recommend surgery to fix an overbite and underbite. An orthodontist can also perform other tests like X-rays, an examination and a palate test to determine whether orthodontic treatment is right for you.
It is best to schedule an orthodontic evaluation between the ages of seven and twelve years. By then, enough permanent teeth will have grown in for a proper assessment. Children with a cleft lips or palates should be evaluated as early as possible to prevent more expensive and extensive dental work later in life.
Some patients may require treatment with a device called a palate expander. These are for younger patients with a palate that has not fused. They allow the orthodontists to create more space within the upper jaw in order to fit more teeth.
After the orthodontic treatment, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid sugary drinks and foods to keep your teeth in position. You must also wear retainers to prevent teeth from drifting to their previous positions. You’ll also want to visit the orthodontist for regular appointments every six, nine and twelve months and annual X-rays to ensure that your teeth are continuing to move properly.
