Orthodontic Treatments

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects improperly positioned teeth and jaws. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, and they are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease. The extra stress on the chewing muscles can also lead to headaches.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a better smile, and teeth that are more likely to last for your lifetime. When your adult teeth start coming in, your dentist may suggest orthodontics treatment. Orthodontic treatments can also be carried out when you are an adult. Orthodontic treatments are usually carried out by a specialist, and you may need to be referred to a different dental clinic.

The following can be improved with orthodontic treatment:

• Over bite - The upper front teeth stick out too far in front of the lower teeth.
• Under bite - The lower front teeth are too far forward, or the upper front teeth are too far back.
• Cross bite - The upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting.
• Open bite - Excess space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
• Misplaced midline - 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.
• Crowding - Not enough space for all of your teeth.

Orthodontic treatments work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws over an extended period of time, often over months and years. This pressure slowly moves and adjusts the positions of the teeth. Some teeth may need to be removed in cases where crowding is a problem. Fixed braces are commonly used to adjust the tooth positions and correct minor dental alignment issues, but there are many different accessories which your dentist may prescribe to improve your dental health.

• Braces.
• Special fixed appliances.
• Fixed space maintainers.

• Aligners.
• Removable space maintainers.
• Jaw repositioning appliances.
• Lip and cheek bumpers.
• Palatal expander.
• Removable retainers.
• Headgear.