Who Can Benefit From Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry dedicated to diagnosing, treating, and preventing malocclusions (bad bites) and other irregularities in the jaw and facial region. Orthodontists undergo special training to correct these issues and restore oral health, functionality, and an aesthetically pleasing smile. While orthodontic treatment was traditionally focused on children and teenagers, a significant portion of orthodontic patients now consists of adults. Orthodontic treatment can be successful for individuals of any age.

Malocclusions, or improper bites, can affect anyone at any age and have various impacts on speech clarity, chewing ability, and facial symmetry. Severe malocclusions can also contribute to serious dental and physical conditions such as digestive difficulties, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, periodontal disease, and extensive tooth decay. Seeking orthodontic treatment early can help avoid costly restorative procedures in the future.

Orthodontics can address a wide range of dental problems and effectively realign teeth in most cases. Orthodontists may work independently or in collaboration with maxillofacial surgeons to achieve optimal results.

Common irregularities that orthodontics can treat include:

1. Overcrowding: When there is insufficient space in the jaw for all the adult teeth to fit naturally, overcrowding can lead to teeth displacement, rotation, or complete misalignment.

2. Overbite: An overbite occurs when the upper jaw (maxilla) protrudes beyond the lower jaw (mandible). It gives the smile a “toothy” appearance and makes the chin appear recessed.

3. Underbite: Also known as a negative underjet, an underbite is characterized by the lower jaw (mandible) protruding in front of the upper jaw (maxilla). This condition causes the chin to look overly prominent and is often caused by developmental delays and genetic factors.

Orthodontic dentistry offers various techniques to realign teeth and enhance the smile. The orthodontist determines the most suitable treatment approach based on panoramic x-rays, bite impressions, and a comprehensive visual examination.

Fixed dental braces are commonly used to effectively correct even severe misalignments. These braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to each tooth, connected by an archwire that gradually moves the teeth throughout the treatment period.

Removable appliances include headgear (a metal wire device attached to customized braces), retainers, Invisalign® aligners (nearly invisible), palate expanders, and tooth movers. Faceguards are often employed to address developmental delays in the upper and lower jaw, while palate expanders help alleviate overcrowding.

Regardless of the dental irregularity or the individual’s age, orthodontic appliances can properly align the teeth and create a beautiful smile.

If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatments or how they can benefit you, we encourage you to contact our office. Our team is here to assist you.