Orthodontics is a line of dental treatment which is more corrective. Teeth which are irregular in their placement can be corrected with orthodontic procedures. Though this treatment is recommended for young children, even adults can go in for these. In simple terms and for most people this treatment involves the use of braces. Speaking, it is a lot more than just braces.
In real time terms, Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry which corrects teeth and jaws which are not positioned properly. Crooked teeth which do not fit well are more difficult to keep clean. Also, there is more of a chance of them being liable to get infected or not with tooth decay. These teeth also are subject to getting the periodontal disease and other related infections.
With orthodontic treatment, people get very healthy teeth and gums and even a better looking facial structuring. Also, teeth, once they are aligned properly, can last longer and provide a healthier lifestyle to those who have them.
Which conditions require orthodontics?
Overbite: this is also called a condition of buck teeth. In this, the upper front teeth are too far forward over the lower teeth.
Underbite: this is a bulldog kind of a look which a person has. This is due to the lower teeth which are too far forward as compared to the lower setting which is too far backward.
Crossbite: when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting.
Open bite: space between the biting surfaces of the front and side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
Misplaced midline – this is when the center of your upper front teeth do not line up with the center of the lower front teeth.
Spacing – gaps or spaces between teeth exist. This is as a consequence of missing teeth or teeth which do not fill up the mouth, so to say.
Crowding – when there are too many teeth on the dental bridge.
Which types of appliances exist in orthodontic treatment?
Braces – this is a commonly fixed appliance.
Especially fixed appliances – these are used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting.
Fixed space maintainers – these are used to keep the space open till the permanent tooth comes in after a baby tooth is lost.
Which all removable devices exist?
Removable space maintainers – these function like fixed space maintainers.
Jaw repositioning appliances – are referred to as a split.
Lip and cheek bumpers – are structured to keep the lip and the cheeks away from the teeth.
Palatal expander – this is used to widen the arch of the upper jaw.
Removable retainers – these are worn on the roof of the mouth and prevent shifting of teeth.
Headgear – these slow the growth of the upper jaw and hold the back teeth where they are while the front teeth are pulled back.
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