Everything about orthodontics!

Have you ever smiled in front of a mirror and thought, "Oh, how nice it would be if my teeth were a little straighter?" A beautiful smile is something that gives us all a lot of confidence. Sometimes, there are many of us who are a little worried because our teeth are crooked, protruding, or even overlapping. So today we are going to talk about the best solution for this, which is teeth straightening treatment.

Simply put, what is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating problems with the way your teeth and jaws are positioned, known as "malocclusion." Simply put, it's about correcting the way your upper and lower teeth fit together, or your 'bite.'

Just think, if your teeth don't fit together properly, how many problems can it cause for your oral health? Food can get stuck between your teeth, cavities can form, gum disease can occur, and teeth can wear out quickly (erosion) is much more likely. So straightening your teeth is not only a beautiful thing, but it also protects your oral health. The most commonly used treatments for this are braces, clear aligners, and retainers.

Who is doing this treatment? Is it a specialist?

Yes, most of the time this treatment is done by a specialist dental surgeon . We call him an Orthodontist. After graduating from general dentistry, this Orthodontist undergoes two or three more years of specialized training in correcting the position of the teeth and jawbones.

Most importantly, these specialists do not perform routine dental treatments like fillings or crowns on your teeth. Their sole focus is on correcting the position of your teeth and your bite.

What is the best age to take my baby to an orthodontist?

This is a question that many parents have. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, it is a good idea to have your child see an orthodontist at least once before the age of 7 .

Now you may be thinking, "Oh, do we still need braces at 7 years old?" No, most of the time, treatment is not needed at that age. However, at that age, the doctor can examine the child's jawbone growth and the way the teeth come in, and identify if there is a possibility of a problem in the future. If there is any such problem, sometimes a small treatment done at a young age can prevent a major, complex treatment that will have to be done in the future.

What are the most common dental problems?

There are several major problems that require orthodontic treatment. Let's see if any of these sound familiar to you.

Are there people who should not have orthodontic treatment?

Yes, this is a very important point. Before starting orthodontic treatment, your teeth and gums must be healthy. If you have a lot of cavities or severe gum disease, this treatment cannot be done.

Imagine, what would happen if you put braces on teeth that are already diseased? It would only make the problem worse. So, if you have such problems, you should first see your regular dentist and get those cavities filled, gum disease treated, etc. Only after all that is done should you think about orthodontic treatment.

What are the treatments?

There are now a variety of ways to straighten your teeth. The best method is chosen based on your needs and your doctor's recommendations.

Braces

This is the most traditional method we are all familiar with. It involves attaching small brackets, wires, and sometimes rubber bands to the teeth, gradually moving the teeth into the correct position.

• Metal Braces: These are the most common.
• Ceramic Braces: These are tooth-colored and therefore not easily visible. These are very suitable for older people who are concerned about their appearance.

Wearable Clear Aligners

This is a very popular new method now. `(Invisalign®)` is a famous brand of this kind. Here, wires are not used. Instead, you are given a set of clear plastic aligner trays that are made specifically for your teeth. You have to wear one tray for a week or two. Then you switch to the next tray. In this way, your teeth gradually straighten. The biggest advantage of these is that you can remove them when eating and brushing your teeth and they are not easily visible to others.

Retainers

After straightening your teeth with braces or clear aligners, the treatment is not over. Those straightened teeth will try to move back into their old positions. A retainer is used to stop that. This is also a device made specifically for your teeth. Your doctor will tell you how long you should wear it for and how many times a day.

Palate Expanders

These are usually used on young children. If the child has a narrow palate and there is not enough space in the upper jaw, this device can be inserted to gradually widen the jawbone. This will allow for space for impacted teeth in the future without having to extract them.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatment?

In addition to giving you a beautiful smile, these treatments also have many benefits for your health.

Are there no disadvantages to these treatments?

The main disadvantage is that it takes time and commitment . Some people complete treatment in less than a year. Others may take two years or more. It varies from person to person. You can talk to your doctor and ask how long it will take for you.

Another thing is that you need to be very careful about your oral hygiene during treatment. Especially if you have braces, if you don't clean around those brackets properly, there is a high chance of developing cavities. Therefore, you need to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

How long do the results last?

This is the best news. If you wear your retainer exactly as your doctor says, the results you get will last a lifetime . However, if you stop wearing your retainer, your teeth can start to move back into their old positions after a while. So you need to be very careful about that.