How Orthodontic Treatment Can Improve Your Smile

If you're concerned about your smile, orthodontic treatment can help you get the straight teeth you want and improve the health of your teeth. Orthodontics can correct issues such as overcrowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, misaligned jaws, and bite problems.

Your smile is the first thing people see when you talk or smile, and it's a major factor in your self-esteem and confidence. If you have crooked teeth or jaws, you may have to deal with tooth pain and discomfort, gum disease, or even headaches. Getting your teeth and jaws into ideal alignment can boost your confidence and relieve stress.

The American Dental Association recommends that an initial evaluation for orthodontic treatment should be started no later than the age of seven. This allows orthodontists to identify potential issues and take action before they become worse.

When you come in for your consultation, your orthodontist will examine your smile and use 2D or 3D X-rays and molds to create a comprehensive treatment plan that aims to address the specific problems you're having. This can involve moving teeth with metal braces, clear aligners, or other appliances.

There are many types of orthodontic treatments, and the type you need depends on the nature of your problem. In some cases, a minor adjustment can be made in just a few months, while more serious corrections can take several years. Learn more about ceramic braces here.

In addition to straightening your teeth, orthodontics can also fix bite problems that affect chewing and speaking. For example, a protruding upper front tooth that is out of line can make it difficult to speak clearly and chew evenly, while an incorrect bite can cause your teeth to wear down faster.

Orthodontists can treat these issues as well as several other common problems. These include:

Overcrowding and crowded teeth (known as malocclusion) can be caused by missing teeth or other problems with the growth and development of adult teeth. These problems can lead to tooth decay, periodontal (gum) disease, and poor oral hygiene.

An orthodontist can correct overcrowding and crowded teeth with special devices called orthognathic plates, which are attached to the front of your teeth. These devices can make room for your teeth to grow properly and reduce the chance of overcrowding in the future.

Alternatively, orthodontists can remove teeth to make space for your teeth to grow into their proper position. This is a less invasive option than metal braces and can often be done under local anesthetic.

The orthodontist will then use a series of appliances to move the teeth and fix the bite. Some of these appliances include fixed brackets, bands, and wires that are bonded to the teeth.

Others are removable appliances that you can change when you brush, floss, and eat. You'll need to remember to take these appliances out for food and cleaning and to avoid certain foods or drinks while wearing them.

In most cases, orthodontists recommend that a retainer is worn after your treatment ends to keep your teeth from shifting back into their former positions. These are custom oral appliances that can be either removable or fixed, and your orthodontist will let you know how often you'll need to wear them after your treatment. For better understanding of this topic, please click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontics.