Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly by:
· Straighten teeth
· Correct bite irregularities
· Close unsightly gaps
· Bring teeth and lips into proper alignment.
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Problems: Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to
keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to
tooth decay and
periodontal disease, chewing less efficiently or may get nutritional deficencies, speech difficulty, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches,
TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's appearance.
Benefits: a healthier mouth-easier to maintain with oral hygiene, a more pleasing appearance-more comfortable and self confident, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
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Types of Bad Bites:
· Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
· Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
· Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
· Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
· Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
· Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate
· Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.
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Treatment: Braces and Retainers
· The active phase — This involves the use of braces or other appliances to move the teeth into proper alignment and correct the bite.
· The retention phase — This involves the use of a retainer to hold the teeth in their new position for the long term.
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Difficulties of getting used to
Food can get caught in the wires, flossing and brushing can take more time, and after the monthly adjustments sometimes the teeth are a little sore. Tooth discomfort can be controlled by taking an analgesic, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and others) or aspirin if necessary. The use of lighter and more flexible wires has greatly lessened the amount of soreness or discomfort during treatment.
Because treatment has become more socially acceptable, social embarrassment may be less of a concern.
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