7 Orthodontic Services for Better Smiles

Have you ever found yourself pondering what orthodontic services are about? You’re not alone in this curiosity. While the term “orthodontist” often triggers thoughts of “braces” in most people, it’s essential to recognize that orthodontic services extend far beyond this initial association. Receiving a referral to an orthodontist doesn’t necessarily imply a journey towards wearing braces for an extended period.

Common Types of Problems that Require Orthodontic Care

Various orthodontic issues encompass:

• Protruding Upper Teeth (Overbite): Where the upper teeth extend beyond the lower teeth.
• Protruding Lower Teeth (Underbite): This occurs when the lower teeth protrude more than the upper teeth.
• Teeth Overlapping: When teeth overlap, it affects proper alignment.
• Teeth Crowding: The presence of too many teeth in a limited space.
• Teeth Crookedness: Deviation from the normal alignment.
• Teeth Rotation: Teeth that have turned or twisted.
• Impacted Teeth: Partially or fully trapped within the jawbone, leading to complications.

The Kind of Services an Orthodontist Offers

Orthodontists primarily address the prevalent issue of tooth misalignment. Within this spectrum, diverse manifestations exist. Some examples of orthodontic services can take care of the following issues:

Overcrowded and Misaligned Teeth

An orthodontist’s primary role involves diagnosing and addressing dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies. They custom-design appliances to realign your teeth and jaws, effectively treating alignment issues. Common anomalies they deal with include overcrowded teeth and misaligned ones. The treatment options encompass both metal and ceramic braces, applying gradual pressure to the teeth over time. This gradual pressure leads to the alignment of teeth within specific positions, bringing about positive changes in the bone structure.

Lip and Cheek Bumpers

If you believed that the orthodontist’s sole focus was aligning teeth and correcting jaws with braces, you’d be mistaken. There are instances where a patient’s lips and cheeks can protrude, exerting pressure on the teeth and causing considerable pain and discomfort. To address this issue, orthodontists offer lip and cheek bumpers, effectively preventing direct contact between the lips, cheeks, and teeth.

Retainers

Retainers, whether prescribed before or after orthodontic treatment by your orthodontist, play a crucial role in maintaining dental alignment. In certain situations, retainers alone might suffice, eliminating the need for additional orthodontic appliances. The wire or string of the retainer serves the purpose of keeping teeth in their designated positions, and in some cases, it may even be employed to make slight adjustments before the initiation of formal orthodontic treatment.

Treating Malocclusions

Malocclusions occur when your jaws don’t align properly, and your orthodontist specializes in treating three types. ‘Crossbite’ involves repositioning teeth that don’t align perfectly despite well-aligned jaws. ‘Overbite’ occurs when the upper jaw is larger and extends in front of the lower jaw, while ‘underbite’ occurs when the lower jaw is bigger and protrudes in front of the upper jaw.

Your orthodontist determines your malocclusion type and designs braces or other devices, like Invisalign, to straighten teeth and align jaws. Both braces and Invisalign apply pressure to change tooth alignment and jaw structure, with Invisalign being a discreet option for minor alignment needs.

Maintaining Space

If your child experiences early loss of baby teeth, the orthodontist will intervene by offering space fillers. These fillers play a crucial role in preventing the adjacent teeth (to the fallen ones) from overgrowing, ensuring sufficient space for the incoming adult teeth. Failing to use space fillers may lead to improper shaping of adult teeth, necessitating additional orthodontic interventions in the future for your child.

Palatal Expanders

Palatal expanders stand out as yet another option your orthodontist can offer. They serve to widen the curvature of the upper jaw, a task distinct from braces or aligners. Palatal expanders focus on the bones and joints within the mouth, addressing alignment issues at a fundamental level.

Braces

The transformative process of braces involves a gradual repositioning of your teeth, achieved through a blend of brackets, bands, and wires. Tailored to individual needs, various types of braces are available, encompassing the classic metal braces and the more inconspicuous clear (ceramic) braces.

Cosmetic Advantages of Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatments not only provide evident cosmetic enhancements but also deliver functional and health-related benefits.

• Enhanced Oral Hygiene: Properly aligned teeth make cleaning much more effective.
• Improved Functionality: Straightened teeth contribute to enhanced chewing and speech functions.
• TMJ Disorder Relief: Orthodontic treatment can alleviate pain associated with TMJ disorder.
• Oral Health Protection: A well-aligned bite reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.

In summary, orthodontics plays a crucial role in helping you attain and sustain a beautiful, healthy smile with both aesthetic and practical advantages.

What are the drawbacks of orthodontics?

The primary drawback is temporal: strict adherence to treatment guidelines and patience are requisites until your desired goal is achieved. The duration of orthodontic treatment varies widely, with some individuals completing it in less than a year, while others may require two years or more. Given the distinct needs of each person, treatment times are inherently individualized. It’s advisable to consult your orthodontist to gain a personalized understanding of what to anticipate.

Neglecting thorough cleaning around orthodontic appliances heightens the risk of cavities. It’s crucial to diligently follow the oral hygiene recommendations provided by your orthodontist to maintain optimal dental health during the treatment period.

Know When You Need the Help of an Orthodontist

Embark on a journey towards a confident, healthy smile by exploring the diverse and personalized orthodontic solutions available to you. From addressing malocclusions to enhancing oral hygiene, orthodontics offers a spectrum of benefits beyond cosmetic improvements.

Discover the transformative potential of braces, retainers, and innovative treatments tailored to your unique needs. Don’t let the temporary nature of treatment deter you; consult with an orthodontist to navigate the path to a lasting, beautiful smile. Commit to diligent oral hygiene, and take proactive steps toward a future where your dental health and aesthetic goals align.