When patients have crooked teeth or other problems that affect the way they smile, dentists refer them to an orthodontist from Smilebar. Orthodontists are specialists in the correction of crooked jaws and teeth. They use appliances such as braces or clear aligners.
Specialized training includes a deep understanding of growth and development as it applies to teeth and jaws. This allows the orthodontists to predict when patients may need treatment.
Treatment Options
Orthodontists use a variety devices and treatments to correct problems with the alignment of teeth or jaws. These include braces, clear aligners, expander plates, headgear and other fixed appliances that help bring the teeth and jaws into proper alignment. This will not only improve the appearance of your smile, but it can also help with chewing and speech problems. It may even prevent future dental or jaw problems.
Orthodontic treatments can fix problems like crooked teeth or overlapping teeth. They can also correct overcrowding, and a lack in space in the mouth for adult teeth. The underlying causes of these malocclusions can be related to skeletal or dental issues, so the orthodontist will determine which type of orthodontics is best for the patient’s situation.
The most familiar and commonly used appliance is the traditional metal braces, although today’s orthodontists can offer a wide array of discreet alternatives, which are also more comfortable than in the past. These include clear braces, which are less conspicuous than their metallic counterparts and can be made to match the color of a patient’s teeth. Other options include removable appliances that can be removed for eating and cleaning, as well as functional appliances such palatal expanders. These appliances can help increase the width or the jaw and make more room for the adult teeth to emerge.
Sometimes, just one or two crowded or misaligned teeth need to be straightened, and the orthodontist will recommend limited orthodontics. This involves a shorter time frame and less hardware than full braces. In other cases, an orthodontist might recommend surgical orthodontics, which is more extensive and fixes jaw discrepancies as well as skeletal abnormalities that affect how the teeth and the bite function.
The orthodontist can also correct habits that can cause dental issues, such as thumb sucking, which can lead to a narrow palate and teeth, or tongue thrusting, which can interfere with the growth of the lower teeth and the development of the jaw. The orthodontist creates a treatment plan based on the results of an in-person exam, 2D or 3-D X-rays and plaster models.
Treatment Time
Orthodontists can correct misalignments in the teeth and jaws, which can lead to debilitating problems like speech disorders, chewing difficulties and even a compromised look. Orthodontic treatment improves breathing and chewing efficiency, and can relieve chronic headaches and jaw discomfort.
The severity of dental issues will affect the length of time that you wear braces or orthodontic appliances. Those with mild crowding issues or spacing problems will need to wear braces for a shorter time than those who have severe misalignment.
Your orthodontist will be able to provide you with a good estimate of how long you will need to wear your braces based on the specific issues you are addressing. There are a few variables that can impact this timeline.
Age also plays a major role. The treatment time for younger patients is usually shorter than that of older patients. The reason is that their teeth and facial structure still grow, making it easier to use force to guide the tooth into the correct position.
Other factors that can affect the length of your treatment include oral health habits, diet and how well you follow the orthodontist’s instructions. Poor oral hygiene can lead to gum inflammation which can slow down the movement of teeth and hinder the orthodontist from correcting your dental problems. A diet rich in sugary foods and hard, chewy foods can also impact your treatment by causing the teeth to shift unnaturally. This can also extend your treatment time by causing brackets and cables to break.
The type of appliance that you choose or the orthodontic treatment will also affect your treatment timeline. Metal braces take between 18 and 24 months to complete the full course of therapy, while clear aligners are usually completed in 1 to 3 year. Some orthodontists may even offer accelerated treatments to reduce treatment time.
Orthodontic treatments can be a great solution for mild to moderate misalignment of the teeth and jaw. Remember that the treatment will take time and you need to be committed to finishing the entire course of treatment. You can achieve a beautiful smile by following the orthodontist’s instructions and remaining calm.
Preparation For Treatment
Orthodontic treatment corrects both the aesthetic and functional aspects of your teeth and jaw. The goal is to achieve a straight and even smile, which will allow you to speak clearly and chew properly. In addition, properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, which can help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
To ensure you receive the best possible treatment, your orthodontist will conduct a thorough examination of your jaw and teeth. This may include visual assessment, panoramic X-rays and study models (bite impressions). Once the diagnosis is made, the orthodontist recommends the best treatment for your condition.
A general dental practitioner is a highly-skilled primary oral health care provider. They perform routine cleanings and checkups as well as dental procedures, such fillings or extractions. Dentists have a basic knowledge of orthodontics, and can refer their patients to an orthodontist if they need specialized care.
Orthodontists are trained to diagnose, treat and prevent dental and facial abnormalities in children, teens, and adults. In addition to a regular dental degree, orthodontists complete an additional four years of education in orthodontics.
Although there are many similarities between an orthodontist and a general dentist, it’s important to remember that the scope of practice for a general dentist is much broader than an orthodontist. A dentist is trained to deal with a wide range of oral health issues and has the ability to perform basic cosmetic dentistry treatments like whitening or veneers.
Post-Treatment Care
After the braces have been removed or the clear aligners are no longer needed, patients must be sure to wear their retainers regularly. These custom oral appliances keep the teeth in their new positions and prevent them from drifting back to their original alignment. You should follow the orthodontist’s instructions for how often to wear the retainer to maintain the results.
It is important that the patient brush and floss daily during treatment to prevent plaque and staining. Regular dental hygiene appointments are also required to remove plaque and tartar. It is important to maintain proper oral hygiene during treatment as this will help prevent the need for additional orthodontic procedures in the future.
The facial bones are more flexible and easier for children to manipulate during childhood. Adults may not have access to certain treatments, such as palatal extenders, which are used to widen your upper jaw. Adults can benefit from lingual braces that are placed inside the teeth to correct the alignment.
The orthodontist wants to see the patient on a regular basis to monitor the progress of the treatment and make any necessary adjustments. This can be done through regular office visits, or by using digital X rays that provide a more accurate view of the mouth.
An orthodontist is able to help with cosmetic concerns as well as problems such clenching and grinding teeth, thumb sucking and temporomandibular disorder (TMD). These conditions are not only cosmetic but can lead to poor chewing and speaking function, headaches, jaw clicking, or jaw pain. Orthodontists can treat these issues using medical dental devices such as headgear, braces, and plates.
