Orthodontics: Get Your Teeth Improved

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a part of dentistry that helps in the treatment of patients with improper teeth positioning. It is also called as malocclusion and previously it was known as orthodontia. It includes the controlling and treating of facial growth (dentofacial orthopedics) and also the development of the shape of the jaw. A specialist of orthodontics is called an orthodontist. If you have any dental problems and want to set a denture then you can consult with an orthodontist. They are experienced in this field and they can easily improve your dental settings.

Cosmetic dentistry is another part of orthodontics is used to treat when a patient wants to improve the appearance of the teeth. An orthodontist uses many dental devices like headgears, braces, plates, etc. for:

• Closing the wide gaps present between the teeth.
• Straightening crooked teeth.
• Aligning the tips of the teeth.
• Improving eating and speech.
• Preventing long-term excessive trauma or wear.
• Improving the long-term health of the teeth as well as gums.
• Treating improper bite.

What Is Malocclusion?

Malocclusion refers to misaligned, crooked teeth or can be said as a fault in the top set of teeth and bottom set of teeth’s relation. This is generally caused by an injury to facial bones or teeth, thumb sucking and many other unknown reasons. Frequent finger sucking results in deformation of the teeth and its supporting bone.

Malocclusion is not a disease but a deformation in the body that doesn’t affect physical health however it impacts on the shape of the face of the person. Even due to this problem, patients can also suffer from depression. If the case is severe, then patients cannot even eat the normal foods and they can suffer from speech problems.

Some of the other problems that an orthodontist treats are:

• Front Teeth Protrude- People with protruding teeth can get injured in sports or by falling. Orthodontic treatments improve the appearance of the patient as well as protect the teeth from damage.
• Impacted Teeth- The tooth emerges partially from the gum or doesn’t emerge at all.
• Crowding – In some cases, the patient’s jaw is narrow and doesn’t have space to fit all teeth, so the orthodontist removes one or more teeth adjust space.
• Asymmetrical Teeth – The teeth keep showing even after the mouth is closed because the lower and upper teeth don’t match.
• Reverse Bite – The upper teeth come inside the lower ones when the teeth are clenched.
• Deep Bite – The upper ones come over the lower ones when the teeth are clenched.
• Underbite – The lower teeth are too forward, and the upper ones are too back.
• Open Bite – An opening remains between the lower and upper teeth when the teeth are clenched.
• Spacing – Gaps and spacing between the teeth.
• Crossbite – When the teeth are clenched, at least one of the upper teeth doesn’t come down in the form of the lower one.

The orthodontist usually commences the treatment after the child is about 12 years old. According to Australian people, the oral health of the child is better than adults also compared to other countries. Dental health is more important to kids than adults.

Some of the removable appliances an orthodontist uses for treatment are:

• Aligners – Used instead of braces usually for adults who are virtually invisible.
• Headgear – A strap attached to a metal wire going across the back of the head.
• Removable retainers – Placed on the roof of the mouth to prevent the movement of teeth to its original position.