Orthodontic

What is orthodontic treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving teeth, to improve the appearance of the teeth and how they work. It can also help to look after the long-term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth.

Why should I have orthodontic treatment?

Many people have crowded or crooked teeth. Orthodontic treatment will straighten the teeth or move them into a better position. This can improve their appearance and the way the teeth bite together, while also making them easier to clean.

Some people have upper front teeth that stick out and look unsightly. These ‘prominent’ teeth are more likely to be damaged, but orthodontic treatment can move them back into line. Or the way the upper and lower jaws meet can cause teeth to look unsightly and lead to an incorrect bite. Orthodontic treatment may be able to correct both of these problems.

When the teeth don’t meet correctly, this can put strain on the muscles of the jaw, causing jaw and joint problems and sometimes headaches. Orthodontic treatment can help you to bite more evenly and reduce the strain.

What Does An Orthodontist Do?

Orthodontists work on a specific set of dental problems, meaning they treat misalignments in the teeth and other related irregularities. Some of the conditions that they treat include the following:

As you can see, these are specific types of dental conditions other than the usual problems general dentists deal with. Orthodontists will also use specialized methods to change and adjust the position of the teeth. These include apparatus such as braces, retainers and Invisalign.

So, what does an orthodontist do, and what do they focus on? The overall goal of an orthodontist is to improve a patient’s bite. Not everyone is born with straight teeth, and an orthodontist will ensure that patients get evenly spaced straight teeth. In addition, the upper teeth must align with the opposing teeth along the jaw.

Results:

The results of orthodontic treatment, such as teeth straightening and bite correction, are generally long-lasting. However, maintaining the outcomes depends on factors like wearing retainers as advised by the orthodontist. Proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups also contribute to the longevity of results. Individual experiences may vary, so it’s essential to follow post-treatment instructions for optimal and sustained outcomes.

Longevity:

The longevity of orthodontic results can be influenced by various factors, including the type of treatment, patient compliance, and post-treatment care. In general, if patients consistently wear their retainers as prescribed by the orthodontist, practice good oral hygiene, and attend regular dental check-ups, the results of orthodontic treatment can last for many years. However, teeth may still undergo natural changes over time, emphasizing the importance of ongoing oral care.