Orthodontics

Orthodontics ....making a crooked tooth go straight

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that involves the straightening of teeth.

Mostly orthodontic work is thought of as being performed on youth, but it is not restricted to teenagers!  Some of our clients receive ortho work as young children, while we have lots of adults receiving treatment, with two ladies in their seventies!   It's never too late  to have orthodontic work to straighten your teeth.  So ...if you have ever wondered about having  nice, even straight teeth, get a referral and have a chat to an orthodontist.  They will put you straight about the facts of putting your teeth straight! 

Self-confidence: The increase in self-confidence that results from having straight teeth is well worth the inconvenience of having the work performed.

Appearance:  In our modern society, people like to look nice, and a straight smile adds to our general appearance.  Conversely, crooked teeth can detract from an otherwise pleasant appearance.

Function:  Poorly aligned teeth can cause problems in eating, chewing and masticating of food.  When the teeth do not line up properly, or perhaps do not meet at all, proper chewing and digestion are not always possible.

Damage to teeth and gums:  Poorly aligned teeth can become traumatised and damaged due to premature clashing or grinding.  Teeth and Gums can be damaged permanently when they don’t come together properly.  Over eruption of one or more teeth can really prejudice the long-term survival of teeth so affected.

Treatment: Specialists usually provide orthodontic treatment.  However, occasionally a regular dentist may attempt to correct a simple malocclusion.  This would often be performed using a removable plate of some kind.    The more complex treatment usually involves having wires or brackets bonded (glued) onto the teeth.  Both types of treatment use some kind of force to move the teeth into more desirable positions.  Generally orthodontic treatment is not harmful to the teeth or gums, although occasionally the end results are not what either the dentist or the client wants.

The end result may not meet the patient’s expectations.

Relapse may occur after the active treatment has been completed.

The patient may not wear the retainer after the treatment has been completed.

Patient oral hygiene may be poor during the active treatment phase.  This can result in caries (decay) or decalcification (white spots) on the teeth.

Patient compliance may be low with the wearing elastics, or headgear.

For more information click here:  a good orthdontist