Orthodontists from smilebar.com are specialists that help people to align their jaws and teeth properly. This results in a nice smile and makes it easier for people to chew.
Your dentist or parent might recommend that you consult an orthodontist for problems with your jaws and teeth. These problems can be caused by genetics, thumb sucking habits, or losing baby teeth prematurely.
Procedures
The goal of orthodontics is to reposition the jaw and teeth for proper function. This improves the aesthetic of a smile, which can help boost self-confidence and social skills. Also, it is possible to treat issues which may interfere with chewing and speaking. Orthodontists are trained to identify such problems and use a variety of procedures to correct them.
Adults, children, and teenagers can all receive orthodontic care. Orthodontists can be recommended by a dentist. They will conduct a thorough examination of the teeth, jaws and mouth to determine the most appropriate treatment. This usually includes X-rays and creating a mold or impression of the bite. This allows them to see a person’s bite, the size of their teeth and how they meet.
The most common procedure is dental braces, which are metal or ceramic squares that attach to each tooth. The teeth are then forced into alignment using a set or springs and wires. Aligners are invisible or clear braces that some people choose. There are also headgear or facemasks which fit over the teeth and braces and apply pressure outside the mouth.
It is also possible for orthodontists to remove teeth, and this is typically done when it is necessary for a patient’s treatment plan. They may have to extract primary or baby teeth to create space for adult teeth, or they may need to remove wisdom teeth if they are impacting the eruption of the other teeth.
Many orthodontists specialize in a procedure called dentofacial orthodontics, which involves bringing facial bones into alignment. This can help a person achieve a more harmonious appearance, and it can reduce the risk of injury to the teeth or lips. It can also correct breathing difficulties resulting from abnormal jaw growth or a narrow palate. Some orthodontists specialize in repositioning the jaws of infants, who have enlarged tonsils and other birth defects that can affect their airway.
Treatment Time
Orthodontic treatments are a long term commitment. You should wear your retainers until your orthodontist says it is necessary. Many patients discover that their teeth return back to their original positions once their braces have been removed. This is known as relapse, and it can lead to complications like jaw fractures. Retainers can help prevent relapse, and keep your smile in position.
The exact length of time your orthodontic treatment takes depends on your needs and severity. A patient with mild crowding and spacing may be treated within a year. More severe cases require more time. Additionally, patients who have a missing tooth or have jaw growth imbalances will generally have longer treatment times than those with no major problems.
Your orthodontist will perform a thorough examination and review your records before beginning treatment. This will include intraoral photographs, a lateral cephalogram, and a panoramic radiograph. These images are used to help identify any hidden problems and develop the best plan for your case. In some cases, an x-ray may be required to determine if there are any problems with the roots or status of your mouth.
In some cases, an orthodontist might recommend that you begin treatment early. This is often the case with children between the ages of 9 and 14, when both baby teeth and adult teeth are present. Early treatment can prevent more complex problems, such as crowded or crooked teeth.
Once treatment has begun, you’ll have to visit your orthodontist regularly. Your orthodontist may use a variety of appliances during your appointment to move your teeth in the right direction. Most patients wear braces between 12-18 months.
In addition to your visits with your orthodontist you will need to maintain good dental hygiene and follow instructions for wearing your braces and caring for them. If you don’t, it can lead to extended treatment times and unsatisfactory outcomes. To get the smile that you deserve, it’s important to follow your orthodontists instructions.
Retainers
It’s important to wear your retainer after braces or clear alignments come off. It’s an insurance policy to prevent teeth from shifting back into their original position if they don’t have something to hold them in place. You can choose between removable and fixed retainers. Your orthodontist gives you detailed instructions on how to use the retainers once your treatment has been completed.
Removable retainers can be made from plastic or a mixture of materials. They are designed to fit over upper and bottom teeth and can be removed by you when needed. Your orthodontist might also recommend that you use a retainer case to keep your removable retainer clean and safe when not in your mouth. These cases are available in your orthodontist’s office and on the internet. They protect the retainer against accidental damage and prevent people from forgetting it. If you’re going out to dinner, it’s a great idea to take your retainer along with you in case you have to re-wear the device. The carrying case will also serve as a visual aid.
A permanent retainer is cemented onto the back of the teeth. Your orthodontist will attach the retainer with a special dental adhesive and will likely also seal it to ensure that no bacteria can get inside. Some people with permanent retainers find it helpful to use a threader to make it easier to floss and reduce their risk for gum disease and cavities.
You must continue to follow the instructions of your orthodontist on how to care for your retainer in order to maintain its effectiveness and ensure that it lasts as long a possible. You will have to undergo another round orthodontic treatment if you don’t.
Office Visits
Visiting an orthodontist office on a regular basis is a crucial step in maintaining healthy teeth. The main reason for this is that the dentist can detect any potential problems and address them before they become more serious. Moreover, the dentist can help patients develop a better oral hygiene routine. A good smile can also boost someone’s confidence and self-esteem in their social life.
Most people receive their regular dental visits every six months, where they have a checkup and cleaning done. However, these visits do not cover all of the issues that a person may have with their teeth and jaw alignment. A person’s appearance can be affected by crooked or misaligned teeth and jaws.
The orthodontist can correct these issues using braces and other devices. This will help the patient to better chew food, improve digestion, and articulate different words. Orthodontists can also help patients smile with confidence.
The first visit will include a consultation with the orthodontist and an examination. The doctor will take an x-ray of the patient’s teeth to identify any problems that may be present. Then, the doctor will discuss with the patient how the treatment plan will progress.
