Orthodontics

Orthodontics was the first specialty created in the meadow of dentistry. Orthodontics deal with the treatment of malocclusions. Malocclusion is an anomalous alignment of the teeth and the way the upper and lower teeth fit together. When a person’s teeth or jaws do not fit together properly, orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct the problem. When left untreated, these orthodontic problems can cause forms of speech difficulty, premature wear of the teeth, and increased chance of injury to the teeth and jaw joints.

It’s never too late to begin orthodontic treatment, but in all cases and age groups, earlier is better than later. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, kids should have an initial orthodontic screening at age seven with the typical treatment of common orthodontic problems beginning around age nine to fourteen. There are exceptions where certain conditions are easier to treat when they’re caught at an early age when a child’s natural growth processes are in full force.

COMMON ORTHODONTIC PROBLEMS:

• Crowding – Crowding occurs when teeth have insufficient room to erupt from the gums. It is the most common reason for braces. Not only is crowding unattractive, but it has also been linked to periodontal problems and dental decay because it is harder to clean overlapping teeth’s surfaces.
• Spacing – Spacing is another popular reason for braces. The opposite of crowding, spacing is most commonly caused by excessive jaw room for the size of the teeth. Spacing problems are a common aesthetic concern.
• Underbite – An underbite is characterized by the lower jaw extending too far out, causing the lower front teeth to sit in front of the upper front teeth.
• Overbite – Overbite is the dental terminology defining a particular teeth formation where the upper front teeth extend too far out over the lower front teeth, sometimes causing the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. Problems often associated with an overbite include a “gummy” smile, protruding lips, and receding lower jaw or chin.
• Crossbite – This malocclusion occurs when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth caused by misaligned jaw growth. In order to close the mouth, patients typically move their lower jaw forward when closing.

TYPES of ORTHODONTICS APPLIANCES: 

All orthodontic appliances work essentially the same way: by applying light, constant force to move teeth into proper alignment. Methods used to apply such forces can vary. Ongoing innovations in the field have made Orthodontics a common solution for the alignment of teeth in line with a current emphasis in aesthetic smiles within the adult population.  The newer, less visible orthodontic appliances have been designed to blend more easily into an adult’s social and professional lifestyle.

Types of orthodontic appliances include:

• Traditional Metal Braces – Perhaps this is what typically comes to mind when picturing someone in braces: small metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth with a thin wire running through the brackets.
• Clear Braces – Instead of highly noticeable metal brackets, ceramic braces are hardly visible, except for the thin wire running through. Ceramic brackets are more susceptible to breakage than metal brackets.
• Clear Aligners – As an alternative to the fixed orthodontic appliances mentioned above, clear aligners are removable. They are actually a series of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth. Each tray is part of a series of trays that move the teeth in succession until they are in the proper position. Your trays are designed with the help of specialized computer software that generates a virtual model of your tooth and bites.

Our Orthodontics services are listed below: