Orthodontic Treatment (Braces)

Orthodontic treatment offers numerous benefits that extend beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth. It also plays a significant role in enhancing a person’s overall self-image. While having a beautiful smile is important, the primary objective is to address potential health issues associated with the teeth and jaw. Crooked teeth or jaw problems can hinder proper oral hygiene practices, leading to tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth loss. Untreated orthodontic problems can also result in difficulties with chewing and digestion, speech impairments, and abnormal tooth wear. Over time, the excessive strain on gum tissue and the supporting bone can affect the jaw joints, causing problems like headaches or face and neck pain.

The American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children undergo an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. While orthodontic treatment is possible at any age, early intervention ensures optimal dental health.

Advancements in orthodontics have made wearing braces easier than ever before. State-of-the-art appliances and treatments are now available, ranging from traditional metal braces to clear and tooth-colored brackets. Cutting-edge NASA-type wires, activated by heat, require fewer adjustments. Some patients may even be eligible for treatment with Invisalign, a revolutionary method that uses clear, retainer-type aligners, eliminating the need for braces or wires.

If orthodontic treatment is necessary, we will thoroughly discuss the most suitable option for you.

Here are some common reasons for orthodontic treatment in both adults and children:

1. Breathing or swallowing problems: Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.
2. Crossbite: One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth, toward the tongue.
3. Crowding: Involves extra or mispositioned teeth.
4. Deep overbite: Lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue excessively.
5. Disfiguring of the face and mouth: Affects jaw development and tooth position.
6. Jaw and jaw joint pain
7. Missing or extra teeth: Resulting from tooth decay, injuries, or inherited issues.
8. Overjet (protruding upper teeth): Upper teeth that extend beyond normal, often due to a short lower jaw.
9. Self-image: An attractive smile can boost self-confidence.
10. Spacing between teeth: Teeth that are missing, too small, or too large.
11. Speech, chewing, or biting problems
12. Underbite (lower jaw protrusion): Lower jaw extending beyond the upper jaw.

Specific to children:

1. Finger or thumb sucking: These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisors and mouth breathing.
2. Teeth erupting out of position: Can be guided to proper alignment.

Orthodontic treatment involves three phases:

1. Planning Phase: Initial visits include a medical and dental history evaluation, dental castings, computer-generated photographs of the head and neck, and X-rays of the teeth and jaws. Based on this information, your orthodontist will design braces or custom-made appliances for you.

2. Active Phase: This phase requires regular visits to your orthodontist for adjustments and compliance with specific treatment requirements to ensure successful progress.

3. Retention Phase: Once treatment is complete, the braces or appliances are removed, and a new retainer is made. Retainers help maintain the achieved tooth positions and are usually removable until the teeth and bone stabilize in their new positions.

The duration of treatment and retention varies for each individual case. Your orthodontist will ensure a successful treatment outcome, providing you with a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.

Orthodontics not only helps straighten teeth for an appealing smile but also significantly contributes to the health of your jaw, teeth, and overall well-being.