An orthodontist is a type of dentist who treats and cares for teeth and jaw irregularity problems. It is better to start an orthodontic treatment from an early age as jaw irregularity cause problems in biting, chewing, and even conversing. Moreover, this treatment makes your teeth less prone to decay or other dental issues.
Many people assume that a dentist is the same as an orthodontist, but it is not true. Though both doctors are related to dental care, they are different. A dentist takes care of your teeth and gums by preventing bacterial spread in the mouth. On the other hand, an orthodontist treats an irregular jaw and creates a proper ‘bite.’
Importance of an orthodontic treatment
Even though orthodontics in adults can be treated, treatment from an early age is better. By the age of 7, children begin to lose their milk teeth and grow adult teeth. Their entire mouth structure is completed by the age of 14, approximately. You can find any jaw or teeth irregularity by that time and go for orthodontic treatment. Here’s why it is important.
- Jaw irregularity leads to an improper or strained way of biting or chewing, which can be cured by an orthodontist. Teeth and jaw work better when they are aligned. This makes it easier to brush and keep your mouth clean.
- Many people also suffer from buck teeth or protruding teeth which not only results in a bad bite but also insecurity issues of not having a good smile. An orthodontist can treat them and realign your teeth which will give you a good bite and a good smile. This can boost self-esteem, especially in a child.
- Moreover, crooked or protruding teeth can make your jaw weary and even lead to headaches. Orthodontics can cure it and give you straight teeth that not just look and feels better but are also less prone to decay or other dental diseases.
Common orthodontics treatments
Given below are some common orthodontics treatment methods0
- Traditional braces
These are a series of brackets attached to a wire that is secured to your teeth to get them aligned. The orthodontist will tighten or loosen the wire link over time, based on your teeth’ position. It is the most popular orthodontic treatment in children and adults alike.
- Lingual braces
These are the same as traditional braces; only they are attached to the back of the teeth instead of the front. These braces do not have any impact on speech, unlike the traditional ones.
Some braces can be fixed or removable. A fixed brace can only be removed by an orthodontist and is for exceedingly crooked teeth. A removable brace is usually made of thin wires and can be removed easily for cleaning purposes.
- Retainers
This is removable equipment for people who have just their teeth aligned. Retainers are used to maintain the alignment of teeth, and you need to wear them at certain times to have a good bite.
- Headgear
Sometimes you need to wear headgear attached to your braces, especially in the evening or night, to keep your front teeth aligned.
- Invisalign
These are also called ‘invisible braces.’ They are clear plastic molds that straighten teeth without using braces. They are removable but should be worn for at least 22 hours a day to have a set of straight teeth. They also change in two weeks, depending on the alignment of your teeth. But this treatment is mainly for adult teeth and not for children.
- Elastics
These are special rubber bands that are sometimes attached to your brace to align crooked teeth.
You can get rid of orthodontics treatment effortlessly by getting an appointment with a good orthodontist. However, remember to check that they are AOB certified.