May 04, 2023 4 min read
Orthodontics is a dental specialty which concentrates on adjusting misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment provides improved dental health, speech and chewing, and increased self-confidence.
And, in case you were wondering, in Latin “ortho” means right or correct and “dontics” mean teeth–so, orthodontics=corrected teeth!
In this article we will cover what is Orthodontic treatment, the various types of treatments that are available, the advantages of Orthodontic treatment, and what patients can expect during the treatment process.
WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT?
A branch of dentistry called Orthodontic treatment is used to deal with irregularities of the mouth and teeth. An experienced orthodontist will use various methods to align your teeth appropriately during this type of treatment.
In some cases, they will also try to position your jaw properly. Many different problems can benefit from orthodontic treatment. This involves overbites, teeth gaps, and crowding.
Orthodontic treatment typically includes braces and other devices attached on the teeth to gradually move them into the proper position.
Most patients typically require the treatment for 12 to 24 months, though specific aesthetic treatments can be completed in less time. After the procedure, the Orthodontist may recommend wearing a retainer to keep your new teeth and bite in position.
THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Braces
Metal brackets and wires connected to the teeth make up traditional braces. They exert a small amount of pressure to shift the teeth into the intended position. Although they are the most noticeable type of Orthodontic treatment, they are also the most effective for complex cases.
Retainers
During the last stage of treatment, a retainer is worn and may be permanent or removable. The teeth are kept in position while the bone and gum are moved. You can straighten your teeth forever by wearing a retainer consistently for most of your lifetime.
Invisalign
Each patient receives a unique set of transparent, removable aligners called Invisalign. The teeth are progressively moved into the desired position as they work. Because they are almost invisible, Invisalign aligners are a common option for adults who want to straighten their teeth without the appearance of traditional braces.
BENEFITS OF ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
IMPROVED DENTAL HEALTH
Successful Orthodontic treatment is essential when teeth are crowded or too far apart because it can be challenging to keep them clean. This increases the chance of gum disease and tooth decay. With orthodontic treatments, there is less potential for food particles to accumulate, possibly reducing the risk of plaque and cavities.
Patients who get Orthodontic treatment frequently experience improved dental health with decreased chances of oral health issues.
BETTER SPEECH AND CHEWING
Misaligned teeth can affect not only the appearance of your smile but also your ability to speak and chew properly. When teeth are crooked or misaligned, they can create problems with biting and chewing, leading to difficulties breaking down food and potentially causing digestive issues. In addition, a poor bite can lead to bruxism, night grinding, which is a leading cause of gum recession as well as enamel loss.
In addition, misaligned teeth can also impact speech, particularly when it comes to pronouncing certain sounds. This can be particularly problematic for children, affecting their language development and ability to communicate effectively with others.
Orthodontic treatment can correct these problems by properly aligning the teeth and jaws, making it easier to speak and chew. By improving teeth alignment patients can experience increased comfort and efficiency when biting, chewing, and speaking.
This can lead to improved communication skills and better quality of life, as patients can enjoy a wider variety of foods and engage in social situations without discomfort or embarrassment.
INCREASED SELF-CONFIDENCE
Occasionally, insecurity about your looks might cause you to conceal your smile. This sense of unease can hinder the expression of your subtle joys, making communication challenging. If you are prone to covering your lips while speaking or laughing in the presence of others, you might even refrain from smiling in photographs.
Orthodontic treatment can significantly enhance your quality of life.
BENEFITS OF EARLY ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT IN KIDS
Orthodontic treatments are not just for teenagers who want braces. While more and more adults are now wearing braces, early Orthodontic treatment for kids has several benefits.
Early treatment allows orthodontists to correct dental issues while they are manageable by utilizing the child's natural growth process.
This may occasionally eliminate the need for more severe treatments down the road, like jaw surgery. Additionally, early treatment can help a child's bite and reduce the chance of cavities and other dental issues.
We suggest an early assessment to select the best treatment and timing. It enables healthcare providers to assist in achieving better outcomes in less time. Early intervention can give children and their parents significant advantages in this situation. You can save both work and money.
WHAT PATIENTS CAN EXPECT DURING ORTHODONTIC TREATMENT
Patients can expect to visit their Orthodontist regularly to adjust their braces or aligners during orthodontic treatment. Treatment time can vary depending on the severity of the case, but generally, it takes anywhere from 12 to 36 months.
Throughout this period, it's imperative for patients to diligently adhere to their orthodontist's guidelines. These may include maintaining exemplary oral hygiene, abstaining from specific foods, and correctly utilizing rubber bands or other orthodontic appliances as instructed.
Read more 12 Foods that make your Teeth White.
CONCLUSION
Orthodontic treatment offers many benefits for children and adults, including improved dental health, better speech and chewing, and increased self-confidence. Several types of Orthodontic treatment are available, including braces, retainers, and Invisalign.
Even though the treatment process can be time and energy consuming, as well as costly, the outcome is most often well worth it. Patients can enjoy a straighter, healthier smile for years, along with improved oral health, by investing in Orthodontic treatment.
