Nowadays, various treatment options have been introduced to improve the appearance of teeth, from retainers to clear aligners to different types of braces. People with crooked teeth do not have to hide their smiles since orthodontic treatment can help straighten their teeth, improve their oral health, and increase their confidence!
Find out in this article everything you need to know about orthodontic treatment.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a dental procedure that addresses the problems with bites, facial and jaw irregularities, and crooked or misaligned teeth
Why should I undergo orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is vital for your overall oral health and comfort. Untreated dental conditions such as misaligned jaws and teeth may trigger oral problems like tooth decay or periodontal issues. Crooked teeth make it harder to clean your gums and even harder to chew which may lead to shoulder and back pains, headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, and can affect the shape of your face.
Orthodontic treatment will help address these issues by straightening your teeth or aligning them in a better position. This way, your teeth will improve their appearance and function, especially biting and chewing, and it would be a lot easier for your teeth to clean.
When should I need orthodontic treatment?
When you are experiencing the following conditions below, you might need to undergo orthodontic treatment:
- Poorly aligned jaw – One of the most noticeable characteristics of this condition is the aching of the jaw which results in headaches. A misaligned bite or jaw may lead to further health issues like muscle spasms, lockjaw, and even sinus pain.
- Gaps between the teeth – This condition happens when you have lost a tooth, or when your teeth are smaller than the size of your mouth. In this case, your teeth do not seem to fill up your mouth. Gaps between the teeth may cause food to get stuck between the teeth.
- Crooked teeth or Malocclusion– This can be a result of bad childhood habits such as thumb-sucking. This can also happen when the size or shape of your jaws or teeth is problematic. It is often characterized by a poor bite which can be classified as:
- Overbite – When your upper front teeth seem to overlap the lower teeth.
- Underbite – When your bottom teeth overlap your top teeth.
- Crossbite – When your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed.
- Open bite – When there’s a gap between your upper and lower teeth.
- Crowded teeth – This is the case when the dental ridge in your mouth does not have room for all your teeth. When this happens, you are prone to cavities since your teeth will be hard to clean.
- Problems with breathing, speaking and chewing – These are the results of poor dental conditions such as overbite, crooked teeth, gaps, and overcrowding. People having speech issues can be hard for others to understand when they are speaking.
With the help of your trusted orthodontist, your condition will be determined and treated accordingly using the most appropriate orthodontic treatment that is right for you.
What are the different orthodontic treatments?
Orthodontic treatments can be classified as fixed or removable appliances. Fixed appliances are usually the common or popular form of orthodontic treatment. Fixed appliances include:
- Braces – They are usually small ceramic, metal, or clear brackets that are attached to the front surface of the teeth using a dental adhesive and connected with a thin wire steadied with elastic loops. This treatment helps move the teeth into the desired position. Depending on the severity of the problem, usually, this treatment can last six or thirty months and is adjusted monthly. Braces are the most common fixed orthodontic appliances.
- Fixed space maintainers or spacers – Orthodontists use this by placing a space maintainer in the mouth to keep the space open until a permanent tooth appears. In other cases, fixed space maintainers or spacers are used to separate the teeth a bit before installing braces.
- Special fixed appliances – This is primarily used to control children from constantly thumbs-sucking or tongue trusting.
Removable appliances on the other hand are usually used to treat minor dental issues. Removable appliances include:
- Head Gear – The purpose of this device is to decline the growth of the upper jaw and hold back the teeth in place while the front teeth are pulled back. This device is affixed to braces and a strap goes around the head.
- Aligners – Considered as a good alternative for braces that are invisible and do not include metal wires and brackets. You can choose to remove them while eating, brushing, or flossing.
- Retainers – These devices work best when placed or worn on the roof of the mouth which will further prevent your teeth from constantly shifting back to their previous position.
- Palate expander – This plastic plate device that should fit over the roof of the mouth is used when the arch of the upper jaw must be widened.
- Lip and cheek bumpers – These appliances use bumpers to maintain the desired distance between your teeth and cheeks.
- Jaw repositioning appliances – These appliances are best used to treat TMJ disorders by placing them either on the top or lower jaw to train the jaw to close in an improved position.
To know what orthodontic treatment is suited for you, it is advisable to consult your orthodontist first.
What is the usual process of orthodontic treatment?
- The first thing to do is to visit your orthodontist and talk about your concern. Usually, it is your dentist who will refer you to an orthodontist.
- After which, your doctor will most probably develop a treatment plan for you by conducting a thorough visual examination of your condition.
- Thereafter, diagnostic procedures such as X-rays, bite impressions, and imaging of the jaw joints will be introduced to better understand the condition of your teeth or jaw.
- Once the diagnosis preparation is finalized, a fixed or removable orthodontic appliance is recommended to improve the teeth and jaw into ideal alignment.
Usually, after the diagnosis, your orthodontist will schedule you and the treatment can start as soon as possible.
How do I maintain my orthodontic treatment?
- After the treatment or while you are on it, it is imperative that you keep having a check-up with your orthodontist.
- You are also advised to take extra care of your teeth and mouth by cleaning them carefully every day to avoid damaging the appliances like your braces.
- It is also wise to ask your orthodontist some tips on how to clean your appliances.
- Avoid consuming sugary foods and beverages as much as possible. Do not eat sticky foods that may damage your appliances.
- Do not forget to brush, floss, or mouthwash at least twice a day.
- Use toothpaste that is high in fluoride.
What are the pros and cons of orthodontic treatment?
It cannot be denied that orthodontic treatment helps improve the appearance of teeth as well as bites. It can also help address speaking, breathing, and chewing problems. On the other note, orthodontic treatment can be a bit costly and can be a hassle, especially for first-time patients adjusting to the appliances attached to their teeth. Orthodontic treatment is not advisable for patients with unhealthy teeth and gums. If you are using any appliances, fixed or removable, it is important to clean your teeth properly to avoid tooth decay or any damage to the appliances.
Remember to always take to your orthodontist before finally deciding to undergo any orthodontic treatments.
Conclusion
Your oral health is as important as you are as it promotes comfort and self-confidence. So, if you are experiencing problems with speech, breathing, and chewing, or if you have crooked teeth, misaligned jaw, and TMJ disorders, do not hesitate to have yourself checked by an orthodontist and be advised with the right orthodontic treatment.
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