The dental specialty of orthodontics is concerned with positioning the jaws and teeth. Orthodontic treatment aims to enhance the teeth’s appearance, functionality, and general health.
Correcting crooked or misaligned teeth is one of the most popular justifications for undergoing orthodontic treatment. In addition to affecting how someone smiles, crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean them properly, which raises the risk of dental decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can assist in realigning the teeth, making them cleaner and less likely to develop dental issues.
Additionally, orthodontic therapy can help with bite issues such as over-, under-, and crossbites. A misaligned bite can result in a number of problems, such as trouble breathing, speaking, and even chewing. Orthodontic therapy can correct bite issues by enhancing the function of the teeth and jaws and lowering the risk of dental difficulties and other health concerns.
Orthodontic therapy comes in a variety of forms, including lingual braces, transparent aligners, and conventional braces. To gradually shift the teeth into the correct position, traditional braces use metal brackets and wires that are affixed to the teeth and adjusted over time. Alternatives to traditional braces include clear aligners like Invisalign. Clear aligners are a more discrete choice because they are created specifically to fit over the teeth and are almost invisible. Similar to conventional braces, lingual braces are attached to the back of the teeth, where they are almost undetectable.
An orthodontist’s evaluation of the teeth and jaws and recommendation of the most appropriate course of action usually precedes the start of orthodontic therapy. Depending on the severity of the dental issues being treated, the length of the treatment can vary, but the average orthodontic procedure lasts between six months and two years.
The finest results from orthodontic treatment depend on proper dental hygiene. To guarantee that the teeth are thoroughly cleaned when brushing and flossing, patients who have braces or clear aligners must take extra precautions. Additionally, it’s crucial to stay away from hard, sticky, or sweet foods because they can harm braces or raise the risk of dental decay.
To sum up, orthodontic care is a crucial area of dentistry that focuses on the positioning of the jaw and teeth. Orthodontic therapy can fix crooked or misaligned teeth, bite disorders, and other dental problems, enhancing the tooth’s appearance, functionality, and health. Orthodontic therapy comes in a variety of forms, and maintaining good oral hygiene throughout treatment is crucial to get the greatest results. Speak with your dentist or orthodontist to learn more about your alternatives if you’re considering orthodontic treatment.