When Should You Visit an Orthodontist? What Do They Do?

When Should You Visit an Orthodontist? What Do They Do?

Apr 01, 2021

Orthodontics, as a branch of dentistry, focuses on the issues concerning the jaws and tooth structure, which in the overall affects the smile. This involves dental problems such as crooked teeth, misaligned teeth, and an overcrowded mouth.

Orthodontists are specialists with special training to give you a professional smile makeover. Their specialty is the diagnosis and treatment of these issues. The article describes which oral issues qualify as orthodontic issues and what treatments can better your oral health.

Various Orthodontic issues

Crossbite

Crossbites occur when the upper teeth sit inside your lower teeth when you close your mouth. It’s also called a misaligned bite and can cause wear down of teeth or enamel chippings. They can alter the cosmetic teeth’ appearance and even cause lip pain when you bite down.

A posterior crossbite refers to when the crossbite occurs in the back teeth, which causes teeth grinding, jaw problems, and poor facial development.

Crowding

Teeth crowding is the most common reason for people to seek orthodontic services. Your teeth get crowded when there is not enoughmouth space to house all the teeth. Tightly packed, crowded teeth are hard to floss, which contributes to tooth decay if ignored.

Younger patients suffering crowded teeth should see an orthodontist soon enough to ensure a proper eruption of teeth as they grow.

Tooth Gaps

Some people have unnatural gaps between their teeth, which is a result of abnormal tooth spacing. Too much tooth spacing is as challenging as crowded teeth. Between the two front teeth is where bad tooth spacing mostly occurs, although it can happen anywhere between teeth.

The problem with too much spacing is that it can cause tooth decay and gum problems. When too much gum is exposed to bacteria, it can easily decay.

Bite

Also called malocclusion, improper bite happens when the lower and upper jaws do not meet correctly when you bite down. This can affect the shape and appearance of the teeth and the face. There are several types of improper bites, namely open bite, overbite, and underbite.

You should visit an orthodontist within a month of noticing you have a bite problem. Improper bites can prematurely wear down your teeth,causing more dental problems as you grow age.

Other orthodontic tooth issues are improper eruptions and impacted. These equally need the attention of the dentist in Westwood, NJ, as do poor bite problems.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Braces

These exist in different types and are classified according to the material and design. At Starry Dental,we have metal braces,clear, self-ligating, and many more. They are the most common type of orthodontic treatment, and unlike in the past, when worn, people are less likely tonotice that you have them.

Braces can also be fixable or removable. Fixed braces are used to direct the teeth to the specified position decided.

Invisalign

Invisalign is a corrective unique tooth aligner that’s widely used in modern orthodontics. They come with several benefits such as the user-friendly design, invisibility, and their perfect results. Another good thing with invisible aligners is they are removable at any time. However, they are a costlier option compared to others.

Headgear

The dentist in Westwood, NJ, uses the headgear treatment to correct the back teeth alignment and correct the front teeth positioning in the process. Again, headgear is worn at night while you sleep since youcannot engage in other activities when wearing it. You should wear it as directed by the orthodontist; otherwise, the front teeth might protrude.

Retainers

Retainers in orthodontics are used in the final treatment stages. Retainers can be fixed or removable. When used, retainers hold the teeth in position while the gums and bones move to a new position. If you wear retainers for a good portion of your life, your crooked teeth will straighten up.

Teeth Removal

Tooth removal is rarely used as a treatment but can be necessary at times. When done, it enhances and corrects tooth subsequent teeth placement.

Orthognathic Treatment

This surgery is used on people with abnormally positioned jaws or those with extreme jaw divergence. The treatment aims at repositioning either one or both jaws. Still, when jaws are not well-positioned regarding the skull, orthognathic treatment is performed.

Orthodontic mini-implants

This is a smile makeover treatment introduced in the 21st century and comprised of short-lived anchorage devices. They control teeth movement during the orthognathic treatment when mini-implants are fixed in the teeth’ pedigrees.

Still, your surgeon can have them on the mouth roof then connects them to an intact brace so the teeth move as required.

Call Now Book Now