Orthodontics is not just about straightening teeth. In order for the teeth to bite together properly the jaws need to be in the correct position; otherwise strain can be placed on the joints and muscles, which may lead to problems later.
Nowadays, orthodontists, dentists who specialize in this field, work to align the jaws, the teeth and therefore the facial profile of the patient. Have you ever seen someone who shows too much gum? Or someone who looks like their lower jaw sticks out too far forward? Well, this is where having early intervention can help to create more esthetic facial outcomes. Left untreated, often jaw surgery is the only way for correction.
For early involvement to prevent problems, the American Academy of Orthodontists recommend having a screening as early as seven years of age. Orthodontists use appliances (and we don’t mean TVs) to help expand the jaws and this in turn allows the jaws to grow in a more favorable position. The aim is to balance the teeth, muscles and the jaw joints so that they function efficiently
Open Wide
Wearing a brace can take a little while to get used to but, fortunately, the mouth adapts quickly. Progress will only be made if the removable appliances are worn twenty-four hours a day, and removed only for cleaning and contact sports. The appliance will be checked and adjusted every four to six weeks. It takes time to remodel bone and adapt muscle patterns but by following instructions, and with help and support, a lot can be achieved.
Routine dental check-ups and hygiene visits should still be carried out six monthly during treatment. If the appliance is removable it should be taken out after meals for cleaning. A travel brush can be supplied for this purpose. Sweet, sticky or hard food should be avoided, as should sugary drinks (including fruit juice between meals) and chewing gum.
Say Cheese
At the end of treatment with the appliances the upper and lower jaws should be in their correct position. A short second stage of treatment using fixed braces (train tracks) is often required to finally align the teeth. Once the teeth are in the correct position the fixed braces are removed and a removable retainer is worn until bone around the teeth has stabilized. These retainers are made of clear plastic and are worn mostly at night for a minimum period of twenty-four months. It’s an evitable journey for most of us who just are not born with straight teeth or more importantly nicely aligned jaws.
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