Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating “bad bites” (malocclusion). Common orthodontic treatments include braces, clear aligners and retainers.

The way your teeth fit together has a significant impact on your oral health. By improving the way your upper and lower teeth meet, you can reduce your risk for a host of oral health issues, including cavities, gum disease and excessive wear (erosion).

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, children should have their first orthodontic visit no later than the age of 7. While many children won’t need treatment at this age, it’s a good time to find out if there are any issues to watch out for. Often, children who need early orthodontic treatment can reduce their need for extensive dental procedures in the future.

Almost everyone can gain some benefit from orthodontics. But some people need treatment more than others. Many people seek orthodontic treatment because they want to improve the appearance of their smile. But in addition to cosmetic benefits, orthodontics offers improved chewing function and better oral health.

Types of orthodontic problems include:

• Overbite, when your upper teeth stick out over your lower teeth.
• Underbite, when your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth.
• Overlapping teeth.
• Crowded teeth.
• Crooked teeth.
• Rotated teeth.
• Impacted teeth (which are partially or fully trapped in your jawbone).

To qualify for orthodontic treatment, you shouldn’t have any serious dental issues like extensive decay or gum disease. Placing braces on diseased teeth can have a serious negative impact on your oral health.

If you have cavities or gum disease, see a dentist for treatment. Once you manage those conditions, ask your dentist if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

What are examples of orthodontic treatment?

There are several treatments that fall under the specialty of orthodontics. Some of the most common include:

Braces : Braces gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions over time using a combination of brackets, bands and wires. There are different types of braces depending on your needs, including traditional metal braces and clear (ceramic) braces.

Clear aligners : Clear orthodontic aligners are a popular alternative to braces. Well-known brands include Invisalign® and ClearCorrect®. Rather than using brackets and wires to straighten your teeth, these systems use a series of custom-made, clear aligner trays. You wear each set of trays for one to two weeks before switching them out for the next set in the series. Over time, the clear aligners shift your teeth into their proper positions.

Retainers : If you wear braces or clear aligners, you’ll need a retainer once your orthodontic treatment ends. A retainer is a custom oral appliance that keeps your teeth from drifting out of their proper positions. Your orthodontist can tell you how often you’ll need to wear your retainer to maintain the results of treatment.

Palate expanders : Orthodontists recommend some treatments during childhood. This is because a child’s facial bones are still developing and they’re much easier to move and manipulate. A palate (palatal) expander helps to widen a child’s upper jaw. Most children don’t need palate expanders. But under the right circumstances, these devices can create extra space without the need for tooth extractions or other procedures.