Orthodontic treatment is a type of dental care focused on correcting teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. Orthodontic treatment helps to create a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment involves the use of devices such as braces, aligners, and retainers to:
- Straighten teeth
- Correct bite issues
- Align the teeth and jaws properly
What are various ways of doing this?
The methods used in interceptive procedures include removable or fixed devices. Removable devices can be removed by the child or parent for cleaning in cases where the pediatric dentist wants the device to be worn only part of each day. However, fixed devices are attached to the teeth and adjusted or removed only by your pediatric dentist.
Certain dental problems which require early intervention are- cross bite, open bite, deep bite, crowding of front teeth, oral habits such as mouth breathing, thumb/ finger sucking , tongue thrusting, bruxism and nail biting.
The Orthodontic Treatment Process
When you visit the dentist, they might give you a fluoride treatment. Here’s how it works:
- Initial Consultation
- Applying the Appliance
- Monitoring Progress
- Regular Adjustments
- Retention Phase
Why is Orthodontic Treatment Important?
- Improves Oral Health
- Enhances Appearance
- Boosts Self-Esteem
- Prevents Dental Issues
