Orthodontic Treatment: How Can It Help You?

A section of dentistry treating malocclusion which is a condition where the teeth are not properly positioned when closing the mouth is known as orthodontics. Malocclusion can result in an improper bite. An orthodontist specializes in straightening the teeth.

The Orthodontic Treatment offered by an orthodontist clinic can be corrective for improving the appearance of a person but generally, it also aims to improve the oral function as well.

Varieties of Orthodontic Treatments

Upon scheduling an orthodontist appointment the professional will be aiming to perform tasks to achieve the following:

• Aligning the tips of the teeth.
• Closing wide gaps between the teeth.
• Enhancing speech and chewing ability.
• Straightening crooked teeth.
• Providing a remedy for an improper bite.
• Boosting long-term health of the teeth and gums.

The treatment provided can improve not just the appearance of the teeth but also lead to better chewing and speech functionality and protect the teeth from decay and damages in some cases.

Orthodontists use a range of medical dental devices for achieving the goals mentioned including braces, headgear, and plates.

Orthodontic Devices

Orthodontic treatment in Markham may use fixed or removable appliances according to specific cases they encounter. Following is a description of the devices used by orthodontists.

Fixed Appliances

Fixed Appliances are the most common devices used in orthodontics. They are adopted when precision is of utmost importance. Fixed Appliances will not restrict people from eating and drinking normally except for some foods that need to be avoided like hard Candy, carbonated drinks, sticky foods, and gum. People participating in contact sports must inform their orthodontist because they will require special shields.

Some examples of fixed Appliances are the following:

Braces

These comprise of brackets, bands, and wires and the bands are firmly fixed around the teeth to serve as anchors for the appliance and the brackets are attached to the front of the teeth. Wires shaped as arches pass through the brackets and are attached to the bands. When the archwire is tightened pressure is applied to the teeth and with time the pressure moves the teeth gradually into the desired position.

Patients will be required to visit the orthodontist every month to adjust and tighten the braces. The duration of the treatment can be between several months to years. Clear and colored braces are available to suit the individual needs of every patient.

Fixed Space Maintainers

When children lose baby teeth a space maintainer will prevent the two teeth from both sides of the gap from moving into space until the permanent tooth erupts. One tooth is fixed with a band next to the space and a wire passes from the band to the other tooth.

Removable Space Maintainers

These appliances are alternatives to fixed space maintainers.

Special Fixed Devices

These help control tongue thrusting and thumbsucking. These devices are uncomfortable when eating and are only used if inevitable.

Removable Orthodontic Appliances

Minor problems can be treated with removable orthodontic appliances and are helpful to inhibit thumbsucking or to correct slightly crooked teeth. This device should only be removed for cleaning, eating, and flossing. At times the orthodontist may advise the patient to remove them when being involved in certain activities like playing wind instruments or cycling.

Examples of removable devices include aligners that are an alternative to braces and are helpful for adults. Aligners can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing the teeth and are virtually invisible.

Retainers that are used after orthodontic treatment to prevent the teeth from moving back into their original positions. Retainers are available in two varieties out of which one is made from metal and acrylic and the other from translucent plastic.

Appliances provided by orthodontists must be well cared for because some appliances can pose difficulties when cleaning the teeth and flossing them. Breakages of the bands and brackets are common and will need patients to set an emergency orthodontist appointment when they encounter such difficulties.

Dentists usually specialize in the wider area of oral health to prevent infections and deal with the teeth, jaw, nerves, and different aspects.

An orthodontist exclusively deals with the straightness of the teeth and biting problems. Patients are advised to vet the chosen professional to understand whether he or she is qualified to perform orthodontic treatment before going ahead.