What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatments works by using appliances, braces and aligners to move teeth that are crooked or that do not fit together right. By fixing these problems, orthodontics can also help keep your mouth healthy.
Why should you go for braces or aligners
- Teeth that are overlapping and “ crowded” are be harder to clean, putting you at risk for cavities and gum disease.
- Many times the overlapping teeth cause decay in the adjacent tooth too
- Teeth that are protruding are often prone to injuries
- Spacing in between teeth leads to early bone loss, and loss of support for the teeth, they are often lost earlier
- Jaw growth discrepancies may affect the jaw joint causing a chronic pain or Temporo mandibular disorder
- Teeth alignment problems cause decay, bad breath and gum disease.
So these malaligned – improperly arranged teeth can cause health problems therefore it is necessary to get them aligned and the sooner it is done the better
Teeth alignment also affect the facial appearance.
When should treatment begin?
Normally the orthodontic treatment is begun between the ages 10 and 14. This is when a child’s head and mouth are still growing and teeth are easier to straighten, treatment duration will be 8 months to 16 months based upon the severity of the condition. Certain jaw growth problems can be handled simply in mixed dentition period, before the permanent teeth erupt – hence the treatment can begin at eth age of 6 !
But it’s can be done at any age – better late than never.
In some children with mouthbreathing habits, thumb sucking – the habits can be broken with orthodontic appliances.
Types of Braces
There are different types of braces. The most common are metal or ceramic braces attached to the front surface of the teeth. “Lingual” braces attach to the back of teeth. They are hidden from view.
- Metal Braces / Traditional Braces
- Less Visible Braces – Ceramic Braces (Tooth Coloured Braces)
- Ceramic Braces
- Invisible Braces – Lingual Braces
- Self Ligating Braces
- Clear Aligners
- Speedy Braces