Orthodontics

Orthodontic

Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on aligning your bite and straightening your teeth You might need to see an orthodontist if you have crooked, overlapped, twisted or gapped teeth. Common orthodontic treatments include traditional braces, clear aligners and removable retainers.

Who offers orthodontic treatment?

In most cases, orthodontists perform this type of treatment. An orthodontist is a doctor who receives two to three years of additional training after graduating from dental school. They focus on improving your bite. They don’t perform general dentistry treatments like fillings, crowns or bridges.

When should I take my child to the orthodontist?

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

Types of orthodontic problems include:

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.

Risks / Benefits

What are the advantages of orthodontics?

The cosmetic benefits of orthodontics are clear. But these treatments offer functional and health-related advantages as well:

What are the disadvantages of orthodontics?

The main disadvantage is short-term:

You’ll have to follow treatment guidelines closely and be patient until you reach your goal. For some people, orthodontic treatment takes less than one year. For others, it can take up to two years or longer. Because every person has their own unique needs, treatment times look different for everyone. Ask your orthodontist what to expect.

If you don’t clean thoroughly around your orthodontic appliances, you also have a greater risk of cavities. Be sure to follow your orthodontist’s oral hygiene recommendations.

 

Recovery and Outlook

How long will my results last after orthodontic treatment?

If you wear your retainer as directed, your results should last the rest of your life. However, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth could drift back into their old positions over time.

When should I see an orthodontist?

Schedule an appointment with an orthodontist any time you’re concerned about the appearance, health or function of your teeth.

If you think your child may need to see an orthodontist, ask your dentist for recommendations. Orthodontists generally see children as young as 7.

FAQ

Will I need to have my teeth taken out to make room?
How is treatment carried out?
What is a removable brace?
What is a fixed brace?
What is a functional brace?
What are the brackets made of?
What is orthodontic treatment?
Why should I have orthodontic treatment?
At what age should I have orthodontic treatment?
Who carries out orthodontics?
What does it involve?
Will I need to have my teeth taken out to make room?
How is treatment carried out?
What is a removable brace?
What is a fixed brace?
What is a functional brace?
What are the brackets made of?
What is headgear?
What are 'invisible braces'?
What are elastics?
How long will it take?
What happens when the teeth are in the right position?
Will it hurt?
How many visits will it take?
How successful will it be?
Can orthodontics damage my teeth?
Is orthodontic work permanent?
How do I go about getting orthodontic treatment?