See the Orthodontist – Give Your Smile a Boost
Introduction
 For many, their smile can be a point of poor self-esteem. Those twisted teeth, that overbite, or that broken smile are all areas that may cause emotional issues, and can cause more oral health problems. Problems of the teeth and mouth do not have age barriers, they aren’t specific to any certain group of people, and the reality of it is they can affect anyone.
Luckily, there is an answer.
A simple visit to the orthodontist may be all that is required to give your smile a boost. In many cases a simple orthodontic procedure may be all that is needed to beautify that smile. With your straighter, whiter, smile you’ll be ready to face whatever life throws at you with confidence!
At any age, a visit to the orthodontist can be a start to correcting those long-suffered self esteem issues. When it comes to your children, regular orthodontic screenings may prevent simple problems from becoming much more serious.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a specialized type of dentist. About 6% of dentists in North America have completed the required training to become an Orthodontist. The procedures that an orthodontist is trained to perform vary from those of your common general dentistry practitioner.
Although they are qualified to perform general oral procedures, they specialize in diagnosis, correction, and prevention of irregularities of the teeth and mouth. This includes diagnosing and correcting misaligned teeth (often called malocclusions), and many other procedures.
Most people associate the orthodontist with dental braces. However – although corrective oral appliances are one method of fixing oral problems – the orthodontist also specializes in cosmetic dentistry, and is sometimes qualified to perform corrective surgeries.
Common Orthodontic Procedures
In order to further understand what an orthodontist does, and the orthodontic procedures that he/she may perform, let’s look at some common problems and their corrective measures. If you suffer from any of these oral health issues, it may be time to make an appointment.
Many orthodontic problems are caused by genetics (hereditary problems passed down from parents). That may not always be the case however. Trauma to the teeth or jaw, bone structure, tooth decay, and problems with a child’s baby teeth are all common reasons to visit an orthodontist.
It isn’t just self esteem that may be affected by malocclusions, and other oral problems. They can also affect the way you speak, the way you chew, and can even cause problems with sleeping and breathing.
Common Orthodontic Problems and Corrective Procedures
A bad bite or malocclusion occurs when teeth do not meet as they should. This can occur with one upper and lower tooth, or with many of them. A bad bite can lead to many other types of dental problems, growth problems, and even jaw and joint problems.
Since there are many different kinds of malocclusion let’s look at some of them, and at some problems that they may lead too. We will also cover common orthodontic procedures that may be used to correct them:
Spacing
Spacing is a malocclusion, in which, too much space leads to gaps between teeth. Spacing may be a result of a number of other issues, such as missing teeth, or abnormal attachments to the gums. It can lead to gum problems, and prevent proper functionality of your teeth if not corrected.
Orthodontic procedures to correct spacing may include: dental braces, retainers, or other oral appliances.
Underbite
An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude past the upper teeth. Commonly this is caused by over-growth of the bottom jaw, or slow growth of the upper jaw. It can also be cause by missing teeth, or other factors. An underbite may lead to problems eating, joint and jaw problems, and may cause premature wear of the teeth.
To correct an underbite the orthodontist may use dental appliances to modify jaw growth, extract teeth, or in extreme cases corrective jaw surgery may be required.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there isn’t enough room in the upper or lower jaw for the teeth to come in. This often causes crooked, misaligned teeth, and other problems. It can lead decay, gum disease, and prevent proper function of the teeth.
Depending on the severity of the crowding, a number of orthodontic procedures may be used to correct crowding. First the orthodontist will create space, using extractions, spacers, or arches. After space is created, dental braces may be required to correct misalignments.
Protrusion (Overjet)
Protrusion occurs when the lower teeth are too far behind the upper teeth. This is usually caused by an improper balance of the molars, or an imbalance between the upper and lower jaws, but may also be caused by missing teeth, thumb sucking, among other issues. Depending on the severity, an overjet may lead to premature wear, and will likely prevent proper tooth function.
To correct a protrusion, the orthodontist may use dental appliances to modify growth, and restore balance between the upper and lower jaws. They may also extract teeth to make room for the upper jaw to move.
Cross Bite
When the side teeth of the upper jaw come inside of those on the lower jaw, it is called a cross bite. A cross bite can occur with one tooth, more than one, or with all of the teeth on the upper jaw. It can lead to improper jaw development, inability to chew properly, gum disease, and premature wear or bone loss.
The orthodontic procedures used to correct a cross bite vary depending on the number of teeth it affects. Dental braces may be used to correct one or two teeth in a cross bite. Larger problems may require a specialized retainer, or intra-oral appliance to expand the arch of the upper jaw.
Overbite
An overbite occurs when the front upper teeth are two far forward and the cover up the bottom teeth. Overbite may also be called deep bite. It can lead to joint problems, biting of the lower gums, improper tooth function, and other problems.
A variety of dental appliances and orthodontic procedures may be used to correct an overbite. This may include braces, retainers, or other methods.
Open Bite
When the upper and lower teeth do not meet, it is called an open bite. Often open bite is caused by bad habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, but may also be caused by abnormal jaw growth.
The most common orthodontic procedures to correct open bite include: dental braces, tooth extraction, and orthognathic surgery.
Midline Discrepancies
When a patients teeth do not align correctly with their facial features it is referred to as a midline problem. Although this is mostly a cosmetic problem, it can lead to other dental issues.
To correct a midline discrepancy, tooth extraction, braces, intra-oral appliances, or other methods may be uses.
Missing Teeth
A missing tooth can greatly affect booth tooth function, and the look of your smile. The orthodontist may build a bridge or a dental implant to correct missing teeth.
Speech Difficulties
Many times problems with tooth alignments can lead to issues with the way we speak. Although this primarily affects children, it can also be prevalent in adults as well. When we speak we use more than just out tongues and mouth, proper enunciation is often a result of the tongue and teeth together. Having your child visit the orthodontist may be the start of correcting common speech problems.
Corrective Jaw Surgery (orthognathic surgery)
Along with being qualified to diagnose orthodontic problems, and create dental appliances, some orthodontists also perform corrective jaw surgery. Orthodontists who are not qualified to perform this surgery will have relationships with dental surgeons who are, such as an oral maxillofacial surgeon, and will work closely with the surgeon to ensure corrective measures are taken.
 Surgery may be required for a number of different dental problems. It may also be performed as part of a cosmetic dentistry process. Since the orthodontist deals with the straightening of teeth, on occasion surgery is required to align the jaws.
When other orthodontic procedures, such as dental braces, are not a suitable fix, orthognathic surgery may be the answer. These surgeries may be performed alone, but are more often a part of a larger orthodontic plan that includes other elements such as dental braces.
Cosmetic Dentistry
Another part of orthodontics is cosmetic dentistry. This can be performed by itself, or as a part of a larger orthodontic procedure, such as re-surfacing teeth after braces are removed.
For some cosmetic dentistry procedures, such as tooth whitening, you may more often see your general practice dentist. Others like oral implants, bridges, and other cosmetic procedures are usually performed by an orthodontist.
Many orthodontists make cosmetic dentistry a big part of their business. Implants, dental veneers, teeth whitening, bonding, and certain types of fillings all fall under the category of cosmetic dentistry. Some of these procedures can really go a long way in beautifying your smile.
When to See The Orthodontist
There really is no age limit to when you can first visit the orthodontist. In fact Adult Orthodontics, including adult braces, is increasing in North America; having said that, however, the best time to correct most orthodontic problems is in childhood.
What Age to Start Your Child with Visits to Your Orthodontist
 According to the American Association of Orthodontists, some children may benefit from orthodontic screenings by the age of 5 or 6. They recommend that all children have regular screenings beyond the age of 7.
There are two main reasons why your child should see the orthodontist for regular screening.
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Orthodontist may see problems where your regular dentist doesn’t. Even if you think your child has perfect teeth, the orthodontist is much more likely to notice irregularities in the teeth or jaw. By getting your child checked out while they are young, early corrective procedures may save them from undergoing more intensive orthodontic procedures down the road.
2. Many problems are easier to correct when your child is growing. A child may use braces to correct common problems in a much shorter period of time than an adult. By the same token, jaw irregularities that may require surgery later in life, can often be corrected without it by modifying a child’s jaw growth.
Orthodontic screenings should continue right through the teen years. This is the easiest way to ensure your child doesn’t develop problems as they make their way into adulthood.
Adults Orthodontics (braces) is increasing in America
 Although childhood is the best time to begin orthodontic treatment, many adults today are also seeking out the help of an orthodontist to correct their oral health problems. In fact, where a few decades ago, most orthodontic patients were under the age of 20 – today 20% of an orthodontists patient list are likely adults.
In many cases the procedures that an orthodontist will use on an adult are the same as those used on children and teens. Adult braces, retainers, spacers, and bridges are all common treatments for adults.
Visiting an orthodontist may be the best way for you to rid yourself of that feeling that your smile isn’t worth showing off. Many adults have lifelong self esteem problems corrected with a simple orthodontic procedure.
Corrective Braces and Retainers
An orthodontist is qualified to perform many types of dental procedures. These may range from simple fillings, to orthognathic surgery. The largest part of what most orthodontists do, however, is make oral appliances to correct misalignments and other problems.
The list of oral appliances that an orthodontist may use is actually quite large. It includes items like: space maintainer, retainers, bionators, sleep guards, coil springs, palatal expanders, and more. The most common one is orthodontic, or dental, braces.
Types of Dental Braces
Metal Braces
The most common type of braces is made of stainless steel. These are also the most economical of the different types of braces.
Ceramic Braces
Less visible than their stainless counterparts, ceramic braces have gained in popularity. Ceramic braces usually require a longer treatment, and can be more expensive than metal braces. With the decreased visibility they are a popular choice for adult braces.
Clear Braces
Another popular choice is clear braces. Again these types of braces may require longer treatment, but the decreased visibility makes them popular among adults.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are placed on the inside of the teeth rather than being exposed with a smile. Although this makes them less visible, they can be quite uncomfortable, and make speaking difficult for some.
Invisalign Braces
A new kind of dental braces that are gaining in popularity are the invisalign braces. This removable type of brace is called an aligner, and it straightens the teeth with a series of clear pop-in mouthpieces. These are largely popular as adult braces, since no wires are needed, and they can be removed when needed.
Braces: precautions and after-Care
After you have visited your orthodontist, and began your plan to beautify that smile, it is necessary to learn to care for your new braces properly. For the most part your oral care won’t change a lot. There are certain foods to avoid, and proper brushing, rinsing, and flossing are required.
Foods to avoid
When wearing braces most foods are okay, but there are certain foods that will loosen braces, and others that you shouldn’t eat while wearing dental braces on your teeth.
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Hard Crunchy Foods can be tough on your braces. Apples, carrots, nuts, and other crunchy foods can knock your braces off.
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Sugary foods such as chocolate and candy should be avoided. Braces make it harder to keep your teeth clean, and the sugars can cause tooth decay around the brace itself.
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Sticky foods such as toffee, caramel, and bubblegum can both get stuck on your braces and work to pull them off.
How to brush
Your brushing technique needs to change while you are wearing braces. When brushing you should first brush up from the bottom, and then down from the top on each tooth. Working in this way you ensure that you get all of the braces and teeth clean. You should then use a proxabrush that is meant to clean between the braces.
When wearing braces you should brush after every meal (even when you aren’t you should).
How to floss
Flossing isn’t really all that different from before. Where the difference comes in is, the braces make it slightly more difficult. Since you have a wire around the braces you cannot just floss between teeth. Instead insert the floss down through the wire, and then work it in between your teeth. Be sure not to put too much force on the arch wire.
How to rinse
When you’re wearing braces you should also rinse with each brushing. This will help to ensure that all of the sugars and bacteria are removed from around the braces. If you have braces on all your teeth, make sure to use a side to side, and then back and forth swishing motion. |
