An orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth and aligning jaws. Smilebar.com offers other oral care treatments such as dental x-rays, tooth decay repair and gum disease treatment. They recommend good oral hygiene to avoid tooth decay during treatment. They will also advise people to avoid fizzy drinks and sticky foods.
Orthodontists can be dentists
Orthodontists specialize in treating children, teenagers and adults who have crooked teeth or jaw problems. These problems may be due to genetics, developmental disorders or premature loss. Orthodontic treatments involve straightening teeth and aligning jaws in order to correct the problem. The teeth are straightened by using metal braces, aligners in clear or other devices. The orthodontist will also make retainers for the teeth to maintain their new position.
Unlike general dentists, orthodontists have completed a specialty training program in orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics. This specialization takes 24 to 36 months and covers the movement of teeth, jaw bones and soft tissue. Orthodontists are also better equipped to detect problems early because they have a greater understanding of growth.
Malocclusions are misalignments between the teeth and the jaw. They can cause many problems, such as speech disorders, dimpling gums, and difficulty eating and swallowing. Malocclusions can include an underbite or overbite, overlapping of teeth, and extra or missing teeth. Malocclusions are also caused by gum disease, accidents, thumb-sucking, and bad habits.
Orthodontists can correct these problems using a variety of non-intrusive methods and appliances. They perform a thorough exam of the mouth, jaws and teeth. They also take panoramic X-rays as well as study models (bite imprints). After this, they recommend the best treatment plan for the patient’s unique condition.
Dentists take a broader approach to dental care. They treat gum disease, tooth decay and replace failing teeth using bridges or veneers. They also teach patients about proper oral hygiene.
They can diagnose and correct misalignment problems of the jaws and teeth
You should consult an orthodontist immediately if your jaws are misaligned or if your teeth are crooked. They diagnose and treat these issues using a variety of methods. Some of these methods include braces, jaw surgery, and other corrective devices. They also provide advice on proper oral hygiene and dietary considerations, which are essential for achieving successful treatment. In some cases, they may even collaborate with other dental specialists to address complex issues.
Orthodontists diagnose jaw misalignment by performing a detailed examination of the patient’s mouth and teeth. They use X-rays and computer pictures to get a clearer view of the patient’s bite and bone structure. This information allows them to determine if the patient has crowded teeth or crooked ones, or if their jaw is underdeveloped or overdeveloped. They can also detect an open or closed bite, which affects how the upper and lower teeth come together.
The most common treatment for misalignment of the jaw is orthodontic braces. These devices are made up of metal, plastic or ceramic square bonds that are attached to the teeth using wires and coils. Orthodontists can also use a facemask and headgear to align the teeth and jaw. In some severe cases, orthodontists may recommend jaw surgery to correct an overbite or underbite.
The majority of patients receive orthodontic treatment when they are children, once their permanent teeth appear. It is never too late to visit an orthodontist. Adults may also benefit from orthodontic treatment, particularly if their crooked teeth or crowded smiles are causing oral health problems, such as tooth decay or gum disease.
In addition to treating misalignment of the teeth and jaws, orthodontists can also help with other dental problems, such as speech problems or breathing issues. Breathing problems can be caused by an under- or overdeveloped jaw, and can lead to snoring or sleep apnea. A misaligned bit can also affect the ability to speak and eat normally. In some cases, orthodontists can also prescribe a retainer to prevent the corrected teeth from moving back to their original position after the treatment is finished.
They use braces to straighten teeth
Straightening teeth is a common procedure in which braces are used to shift the teeth slowly into their correct positions. The treatment can be done with traditional metal braces or clear braces like Invisalign. The goal of both is to shift the teeth into their proper positions, which will help with bite issues like overcrowding and gaps.
The wire is wrapped around the teeth and tightened at regular times to apply constant pressure. The pressure caused the bone to resorb and/or build in response the new position of a tooth. This will assist with moving the teeth into the proper positions. The treatment is generally painless, but it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and avoid foods that may get stuck in the braces. If food does become trapped, an orthodontist can use a fluoride mouthwash to clean the area and prevent cavities or gum disease.
Orthodontics can correct a variety of problems including crooked or abnormal teeth. Overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites can cause many problems, such as speech impediments or discomfort when chewing. Orthodontists have special training in fixing these problems and can repair them quickly using braces.
Once the braces have been placed, the orthodontist begins by applying a thin metal wire that applies a very gentle pressure to the teeth. This wire is tightened every 4-8 week to create new pressure and guide the teeth into their new position. As the teeth are moved, the orthodontist will also tighten the archwires and add elastic bands to provide additional guidance.
Braces can also be used to close the gaps between teeth or to prepare for future orthodontic procedures. Spacers are rubber bands that fit in between teeth to allow the orthodontist adjust the distance between molars. The orthodontist can also use ligatures, which are small elastic clips that attach to the archwire and hold the brackets together.
After the orthodontist is satisfied that the teeth have been properly straightened, they will remove the braces. The patient wears retainers to maintain their new position. Depending on the severity of the misalignment, the treatment can take up to two years.
After treatment, they may recommend retainers
After a patient’s braces come off, an orthodontist will recommend retainers to help their teeth settle into their new positions. This is a crucial step to preserve the hard work you put in to achieve your beautiful, straight teeth. Your teeth will return back to their previous positions without a retention device, undoing any work done by braces. Retainers are used to help your gums and bone tissues adjust. It can take months, or even years, for your teeth to be in their new position.
Orthodontic treatment is an investment of time and money, and you want to keep that smile for as long as possible. Besides wearing a retainer, it is also important to brush and floss regularly and follow your orthodontist’s instructions for when to wear your retainer and how often. You can get removable retainers or permanent ones, and you should ask your orthodontist what type is best for you. Removable retainers are easier to clean, but they can be lost or damaged if you don’t take care of them properly. Permanent retainers are permanently bonded to the teeth and can be removed only by an orthodontic specialist. They can be more expensive than removable retainers, but they are durable and will not break or get lost.
It’s normal for your teeth to shift slightly in the years after your braces are removed, but how much they shift depends on how regularly you wear your retainer. When you’re not wearing your retainer, it’s best to store them in a box or case. Also, avoid eating foods like ice that can damage the retainer. Store your retainers away from pets as they may chew them.
Your orthodontist can use a variety methods to realign teeth, such as dental braces, clear alignment, headgear and palate expanders. In some cases, they may need to remove healthy teeth in order to create space for crowded or misaligned teeth. Additionally, they may have to insert a crown in order to cover an exposed or cracked tooth or repair one.
