Unlocking Straight Smiles: Your Guide to Orthodontics

Introduction

Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that aims to correct the alignment of your bite and improve the straightness of your teeth. If you have teeth that are crooked, overlapped, twisted, or have gaps, it may be necessary for you to consult with an orthodontist. 

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that specifically deals with the identification and management of malocclusion, commonly known as “bad bites”. Orthodontic treatments such as braces, clear aligners, and retainers are commonly used to address these issues. It is important to improve the alignment of your teeth as it can greatly contribute to ensuring good oral health by reducing the likelihood of cavities, gum disease, and excessive wear on your teeth.

Who should see an Orthodontist?

Orthodontics can provide benefits for almost everyone, although the level of treatment needed may vary. While many individuals seek orthodontic treatment to enhance their smile’s appearance, it also offers advantages such as improved chewing function and better oral health.

Some of the most common orthodontic problems are:

• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Impacted teeth
• Rotated teeth
• Protruding front teeth
• Overbite
• Reverse bite
• Asymmetrical teeth
• Underbite
• Spacing
• Crossbite 

Fixed Orthodontic Appliances

The devices commonly used in orthodontics are essential for achieving precision. While fixed appliances allow individuals to eat normally, certain foods and drinks like carbonated drinks, hard candy, gum, and sticky foods should be avoided. Individuals participating in contact sports should inform their orthodontist to receive special gum shields potentially. Here are some of the fixed orthodontic appliances:

• Special fixed appliances – These are designed to address issues like tongue thrusting or thumb sucking. While they may cause discomfort, particularly during meals, they are only used when necessary.
• Braces – Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands. Bands are securely fixed around the teeth and serve as anchors, while brackets are typically attached to the front of the teeth. Arch-shaped wires pass through the brackets and are connected to the bands. As the arch wire is tightened, it applies tension to the teeth, gradually moving them into the correct position. Regular visits are necessary for adjustments or tightening of the braces, and the duration of treatment can range from several months to several years. Both clear and coloured braces are available.
• Removable space maintainers – They offer an alternative to fixed-space maintainers. They serve the same purpose but can be taken out when needed. 
• Fixed-space maintainers – They are used to prevent the movement of teeth when a child loses a baby tooth, ensuring that the adult tooth can come through properly. This is achieved by attaching a band to one tooth next to the space and connecting it to the other tooth with a wire. 

Removable Orthodontic Appliances

Removable Orthodontic Appliances are a treatment option for minor dental issues, such as thumb-sucking prevention or correcting slightly misaligned teeth. These appliances should only be taken out for cleaning, eating, or flossing, and sometimes, the orthodontist may advise their removal during specific activities like playing a wind instrument or cycling. 

• Palatal Expanders- to widen the upper jaw
• Headgear- to slow down upper jaw growth and maintain tooth position
• Lip and Cheek bumpers- to relieve pressure on the teeth
• Aligners- which are virtually invisible and can be removed for oral hygiene and eating
• Retainers- to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions

There are two types of removable retainers: 

1. Hawley retainers made of metal and acrylic
2. Clear plastic retainers that resemble Invisalign aligners

Permanent retainers, bonded to the back of the teeth, are often recommended for lower anterior teeth to prevent relapse. In some cases, both a permanent retainer and a clear plastic aligner may be recommended.

• Splints- Splints, also known as jaw repositioning appliances, can be inserted in either the upper or lower jaw to aid in proper jaw closure. These appliances are frequently utilized for temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), a condition that can result in muscle pain and dysfunction related to jaw movement. 

Regardless of the specific device or treatment, it is inherently critical to ensure instructions provided by healthcare professionals are intricately followed, and good oral hygiene practices should be followed and maintained to achieve optimal results.

Tips to keep in mind when seeing an orthodontist

• Lip balm will be essential for your comfort throughout the treatment, starting from the very first day when the orthodontist applies the brackets to your mouth. This process can take a few hours, during which you won’t be able to moisturize your lips. 
• It is possible that you may experience a slight lisp when you have braces to straighten your teeth. The attachment of metal brackets will inevitably affect your speech. However, there is no need to worry as you will quickly adapt to speaking with the additional hardware. 
• Having braces is an adjustment, especially since you may have never had anything attached to the front of your teeth before. However, you will quickly get used to them. In a matter of weeks, you won’t even remember what you looked like before braces. 
• The application of braces is not a pleasant experience. The process itself can take up to two hours and may cause some pain and discomfort for the patient.
• There are some tools that can assist with flossing, such as flossing threaders or water flossers. These can help you navigate around the brackets and effectively clean your teeth. 
• You may not have realized it, but people of all ages use braces to achieve the smile they desire. Once you have braces, you will realize that there are many others going through the same process as you.
• Tightening braces can cause some discomfort, but the pain will gradually subside. It’s important to note that the experience may vary for each individual, so if you’re considering braces, it’s crucial to be informed. 
• Orthodontic wax is typically applied to the brackets on your teeth to prevent your lips from rubbing or getting abrasions, providing immense relief, especially during the early stages of treatment. Make sure to consult your dentist on the correct method of applying wax, and remember to remove it before eating. 
• Braces efficiently transform the appearance of your teeth and smile. Within just the initial month, you will notice a noticeable improvement in the alignment of your teeth. 
• While the duration of orthodontic treatment can differ from eight months to two years, many patients find that time flies by, especially if they embrace the process and eagerly anticipate the final outcome. Most individuals become so accustomed to their braces that they are surprised when it’s already time for them to be removed.
• The braces’ components will slightly protrude from your lips, enhancing their visibility. However, it’s important to be aware that these brackets may occasionally cause cuts on your lips, so it is advisable to keep some orthodontic wax at home. 
• Dealing with food and food particles stuck in your braces can be one of the most challenging aspects of wearing them. Unfortunately, it is common for a piece of food to remain lodged in your braces for an extended period, only to dislodge hours later. This can be particularly unpleasant, especially for adults in professional settings. 

Conclusion

Orthodontics is often sought after by individuals who wish to enhance the aesthetics of their smiles. However, it is important to note that orthodontic treatment not only improves the appearance but also enhances oral health and functionality. Orthodontists provide a diverse array of treatments tailored to meet individual needs.

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