ORTHODONTICS........
What
is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth
and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and
teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep
clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay
and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing
muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck,
shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked or not in
the right place can also detract from one's appearance.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment
include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and
teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
A specialist in this field is called
an orthodontist. Orthodontists receive two or more years
of education beyond their four years in dental school in
an ADA-approved orthodontic training program.
How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?
Only your dentist or orthodontist
can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics.
Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and
dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster models of
your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an orthodontist
or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are recommended,
and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
If you have any of the following,
you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:
Overbite, sometimes
called "buck teeth" — where the upper front teeth
lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth.
Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance
where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth
too far back
Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not
come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting
together normally
Open bite — space between the biting surfaces
of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite
together
Thumb
sucking
Sucking the thumb (or fingers) can deform nearby teeth and
supporting bone.
Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the
teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not
"fill up" the mouth
Crowding — when there are too many teeth
for the dental ridge to accommodate
Deep
bite
The upper front teeth cover the lower
teeth. A deep bite can cause excessive wear of the front
teeth and gum damage behind the upper front teeth
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How Does Orthodontic
Treatment Work?
Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable,
are used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect
the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing
gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your
problem will determine which orthodontic approach is likely
to be the most effective.
Fixed appliances include:
Braces — the most common fixed appliances,
braces consist of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are
fixed around the teeth or tooth and used as anchors for
the appliance, while brackets are most often bonded to the
front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed through the brackets
and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch wire puts
tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their proper
position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about
the desired results, which may be achieved within a few
months to a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter
and show far less metal than in the past. They come in bright
colors for kids as well as clear styles preferred by many
adults.
Special fixed appliances — used to control
thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are
attached to the teeth by bands. Because they are very uncomfortable
during meals, they should be used only as a last resort.
Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth
is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep
the space open until the permanent tooth erupts. A band
is attached to the tooth next to the empty space, and a
wire is extended to the tooth on the other side of the space.
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Removable appliances include:
Aligners — an alternative
to traditional braces for adults, serial aligners are being
used by an increasing number of orthodontists to move teeth
in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without
metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually invisible
and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
Removable space maintainers — these devices
serve the same function as fixed space maintainers. They're
made with an acrylic base that fits over the jaw, and have
plastic or wire branches between specific teeth to keep
the space between them open.
Jaw repositioning appliances — also called
splints, these devices are worn on either the top or lower
jaw, and help train the jaw to close in a more favorable
position. They may be used for temporomandibular joint disorders
(TMJ).
Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed
to keep the lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Lip and
cheek muscles can exert pressure on the teeth, and these
bumpers help relieve that pressure.
Palatal expander — a device used to widen
the arch of the upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that fits
over the roof of the mouth. Outward pressure applied to
the plate by screws force the joints in the bones of the
palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal area.
Removable retainers — worn on the roof
of the mouth, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth
to their previous position. They can also be modified and
used to prevent thumb sucking.
Headgear — with this device, a strap is
placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal
wire in front, or face bow. Headgear slows the growth of
the upper jaw, and holds the back teeth where they are while
the front teeth are pulled back.
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Why
Straighten Teeth?
Straight teeth help an individual
to effectively bite, chew and speak. Straight teeth contribute
to healthy teeth and gums. Properly aligned teeth and jaws
may alleviate or prevent physical health problems. Teeth
that work better also tend to look better. An attractive
smile is a pleasant “side effect” of orthodontic treatment.
An attractive smile is a wonderful
asset. It contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and
self-image—important qualities at every age. A pleasing
appearance is a vital component of self-confidence. A person's
self-esteem often improves as orthodontic treatment brings
teeth, lips and face into proportion. In this way, orthodontic
treatment can benefit social and career success, as well
as improve a person’s general attitude toward life.
Asymmetrical
jaws
You may be surprised to learn that straight teeth are less
prone to decay, gum disease and injury. Straight teeth collect
less plaque, a colorless, sticky film composed of bacteria,
food and saliva. Decay results when the bacteria in plaque
feed on carbohydrates (sugar and starch) we eat or drink
to produce acids that can cause cavities. Plaque can also
increase the risk for periodontal (gum) disease. When teeth
are properly aligned, and less plaque collects, these risks
decline. And when teeth are properly aligned it is easier
to keep teeth clean. As for injuries to teeth, protruding
upper teeth are more likely to be broken in an accident.
When repositioned and aligned with other teeth, these teeth
are most probably going to be at a decreased risk for fracture.
Untreated orthodontic problems may become worse. They may
lead to tooth decay, gum disease, destruction of the bone
that holds teeth in place, and chewing and digestive difficulties.
Orthodontic problems can cause abnormal wear of tooth surfaces,
inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue
and the bone that supports the teeth, or misalignment of
the jaw joints (see photo above), sometimes leading to chronic
headaches or pain in the face or neck. Treatment by an orthodontist
to correct a problem early may be less costly than the restorative
dental care required to treat more serious problems that
can develop in later years.
