About Orthodontics
Posted on: 22 March 2017
What are Orthodontists?
Orthodontics deals with treating irregularities in the alignment of the teeth. A lot of people don't have straight teeth that conform to the best position, but modern treatment can grant them a perfectly aligned smile in due time. Orthodontists are the doctors who work to treat these issues without surgery. Dentists perform check-ups, fillings, crowns, and dental surgeries, while orthodontists deal only with issues related to improper teeth alignment. They also have to undergo a few more years of school compared to a dentist.
What is Malocclusion?
Orthodontists, like Rosenzweig Orthodontics, often use corrective appliances, worn in the mouth, to treat malocclusion, which are unnatural patterns in the bite or imprint of the teeth. Some types of malocclusion are mentioned herein for better understanding.
- Gaps refer to areas of extra space in the teeth. A tooth may have leaned in another direction from the closest tooth, or it may have surfaced through the gum at a position that is too far away from the nearest tooth. Gaps can also happen if a tooth was removed.
- Under-bite is when a person bites down and the upper jaw rests behind the lower jaw. This can make eating difficult. Ideally, the jaws should be of equal length.
- Over-bite is a position where, when a person bites down, the lower jaw rests behind the upper jaw. This is sometimes painful, and prevents you from having a normal smile.
- Overly Crowded Teeth can also cause bite irregularity and can be treated with dentistry and orthodontics.
Common Corrective Appliances
- Braces are worn over your teeth every day for a period of a few months to a few years after the orthodontist puts them on. Every now and then, they will have to be adjusted. Braces help teeth grow in the right direction and realign teeth that have become out of place. Many young people have to wear braces and it is worth it for a great smile once the contraption has done its job.
- Retainers are made of wire or plastic and are usually worn after braces have done the main job. When you get your braces off, the orthodontist will give you your retainer as well as instructions on how often and how long to wear it. The retainer helps the teeth stay aligned and in proper place as they settle into the jaw bone.
- Metal Wires are sometimes used in orthodontics either as an add to braces or retainers or sometimes by themselves. Wires may help hold teeth in their proper position or may help guide them into a better direction. When used with braces, the arch wire is a source of force to make the teeth slowly move in the appropriate way.
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