All you need to know about getting dental braces with an orthodontist.

 Orthodontic Treatment - Part 1

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention and correction of misaligned teeth and jaws. It also focuses on modifying facial growth, also known as dentofacial orthopedics. 

Orthodontic treatment is a way of straightening or moving the teeth to improve teeth appearance and function by employing dental braces or aligners (invisible or transparent braces).  It also works on the long term health of your teeth, gums and jaw joints, by spreading the biting pressure over all your teeth. 

Importance of Orthodontic Treatment 

For people who have crowded or crooked teeth, dental braces  will correct the teeth by moving them into a better position thus improving teeth appearance and teeth bite. A similar mechanism occurs for people with either underbites overbites. 

So at what age should one consider an orthodontic treatment? 

Childhood is generally the best time to undergone an orthodontic procedure though in some special cases, upon the advise of an orthodontist, it may be advisable to have all teeth erupted before wearing braces. Nothing should however preclude one from having an orthodontic procedure if the opportunity was missed during ones childhood. 

Who needs to wear braces or aligners?

A qualified dentist or orthodontist will determine ones candidature. Based on the diagnosis, recommendation and treatment plan will be developed. People with the following will normally require an orthodontic treatment:

1. Misplaced midline - when the center of ones upper front teeth dont line up with the center of the lower teeth;

2. Spacing - teeth gaps as a result of missing tooth/teeth. This can occur naturally;

3. Crowding - when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate;

4. Overbite - when upper teeth do not align with lower teeth;

5. Crossbite - where lower teeth and upper teeth are misaligned. This includes buccal crossbites and underbites;

6. Openbite - when there is space between the biting surface of the front teeth and lower teeth.