Orthodontic Dentistry

Orthodontic Dentistry

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists requires professional skill in the design, application and control of corrective appliances, such as braces and retainers, to bring teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment and to achieve facial balance.

The results of orthodontic treatment can be dramatic — beautiful smiles, improved dental health and an enhanced quality of life for many people of all ages. Outstanding results are also dependent on maximizing the coordination of care between you and our practice.

Types of Orthodontic Treatments

Signs for Early Orthodontic Examinations

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty in chewing or biting
• Mouth breathing
• Crowding, misplaced or blocked out teeth
• Jaws that shift or make sounds
• Biting the cheek or roof of the mouth
• Teeth that meet or bite abnormally or not at all
• Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
  
  

Benefits of Early Detection for Orthodontic Treatment

A check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7 for children who enable the orthodontist to detect and evaluate problems (if any), advise if treatment will be necessary, and determine the best time for that patient to be treated. Patients who have clear indications for early orthodontic intervention, early treatment presents an opportunity to:

• Guide the growth of the jaw
• Regulate the width of the upper and lower dental arches
• Guide incoming permanent teeth into desirable positions
• Lower risk of trauma (accidents) to protruded upper incisors (front teeth)
• Correct harmful oral habits
• Reduce or eliminate abnormal swallowing or speech problems
• Improve personal appearance and self-esteem
• Potentially simplify and/or shorten treatment time for later corrective orthodontics
• Reduce likelihood of impacted permanent teeth
• Preserve or gain space for permanent teeth that are coming in

Healthy teeth can be moved at almost any age. Many orthodontic problems can be corrected for adults as children. Orthodontic forces move the teeth in the same way for both a 75-year-old adult and a 12-year-old child. However for adults, complicating factors such as lack of jaw growth, may create special treatment planning needs.