subject: Orthodontic treatment - A great way to boost one's self-image [print this page] Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which corrects the teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly and as such can play a key role on improving overall oral health. The important benefits of orthodontic treatment includes a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last for the entire lifetime. Orthodontics also helps to create a balance and harmony between the teeth and face for a beautiful, healthy smile.
A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists receive two or more years of specialized education beyond their four years of dental school.
Sometimes the need for orthodontic treatment is obvious (e.g. "crooked teeth"), but other conditions that warrant orthodontic treatment may be less obvious (e.g. a "deep bite"). An orthodontist can diagnose orthodontic conditions needing intervention and explain the benefits of orthodontics. Based on a set of diagnostic tools ( including a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs) an orthodontist will decide whether orthodontics is appropriate for you and, if so, develop a treatment plan.
Many different types of appliances (orthodontic, not kitchen!) are used to move the teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the jaws. Both fixed and removable appliances are utilized in orthodontics. Appliances work by placing discrete pressure on selective points which, over time, gradually move the teeth or modify the bite arch in a controlled manner. Orthodontic treatments are commonly performed for the following cases: Overbite, Underbite, Crossbite, Openbite, Misplaced midline, Spacing and Crowding.
Fixed appliances include:
Braces -- the most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires or brackets.
Special fixed appliances -- used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands.
Fixed space maintainers -- an important appliance commonly used for children. If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the gap created may cause adjacent teeth to move. A space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.
Removable appliances include:
Aligners, Removable space maintainers, Jaw repositioning appliances, Lip and cheek bumpers, Palatal expander, Removable retainers, Headgear.
Orthodontics strives to improve the bite by helping the direct forces placed on the teeth. Properly aligned teeth help minimize excessive stress on bones, roots, gum tissues and the temporomandibular joints. In addition, medical mumbo jumbo aside, orthodontics can provide a pleasant smile, which in turn can give a boost to one's self-image.
For more details, please visit Dr. Sinh Ta's website at www.drsinta.com
Orthodontic treatment - A great way to boost one's self-image
