Orthodontics

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.

Who benefits from orthodontics?

Almost everyone can gain some benefit from orthodontics. But some people need treatment more than others. Many people seek orthodontic treatment because they want to improve the appearance of their smile. But in addition to cosmetic benefits, orthodontics offers improved chewing function and better oral health.

Common orthodontic problems

Types of orthodontic problems include:

• Overjet, when your upper teeth stick out over your lower teeth.
• Underbite, when your lower teeth stick out further than your upper teeth.
• Overlapping teeth.
• Crowded teeth.
• Crooked teeth.
• Rotated teeth.
• Impacted teeth (which are partially or fully trapped in your jawbone).

What happens during orthodontic treatment?

The orthodontist will probably talk to you and examine your mouth and face. You might be asked to have x-rays or have plaster models of your teeth made.

They will discuss the treatment they recommend. Treatment often involves using appliances called braces to straighten crooked teeth or to correct problems with the bite.

There are many different types of braces, including the traditional metal type. Other types include clear or tooth-coloured braces, braces worn on the inside surface of the teeth and clear, removable ‘aligners’.

Who shouldn’t have orthodontic treatment?

To qualify for orthodontic treatment, you shouldn’t have any serious dental issues like extensive decay or gum disease. Placing braces on diseased teeth can have a serious negative impact on your oral health.

If you have cavities or gum disease, see a dentist for treatment. Once you manage those conditions, ask your dentist if orthodontic treatment is right for you.

PROCEDURE DETAILS

What are examples of orthodontic treatment?

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.

What are the benefits and risks of orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment can help improve appearance as well as bite. It can also help if you have problems with speaking, breathing and chewing. Having straight teeth can prevent damage from a bad bite, prevent tooth wear, and improve the mouth’s health.

However, orthodontic treatment takes a long time and can be costly. As with anything new, it may take you some time to adjust to wearing braces and to learn how to take care of your appliance. Orthodontic treatment is not suitable if you have unhealthy teeth and gums. If you have braces, it is very important to clean your teeth properly and avoid too much sugary food and soft drink as this may lead to white spots on your teeth or tooth decay.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Does getting braces hurt? What about wearing them?

Having braces put on is generally painless. Some people experience minor aches and pains in the first couple of days or so, as they adjust to wearing their appliances; periodic adjustments may sometimes cause soreness as well, though it typically lasts only a short time. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to alleviate any discomfort, but are usually unnecessary.

• How long will treatment take?

It’s different for each person, but generally the active stage of treatment (that is, wearing braces or other appliances) may take from 6-30 months. After that, a retainer is worn.

• Can I get braces if I’m missing some teeth?

It can be possible for you to have successful orthodontic treatment if some teeth are missing, depending on your circumstances and your treatment goals. Orthodontic treatment may be able to close the space of a missing tooth, or may be able to create or save sufficient space for a replacement tooth/teeth. Consult an orthodontist to discuss what is right for you. Your orthodontist may need to work with your primary care dentist and/or other dental specialists to help you achieve your treatment goals.

• What is bonding?

Bonding is the name used for the process of attaching brackets to teeth using an adhesive.

• My orthodontist says I have a malocclusion? What is that?

“Malocclusion” is the term used in orthodontics to describe teeth that do not fit together properly.  From Latin, the term means “bad bite.”