An orthodontist is a dental specialist who treats misaligned teeth and jaws. The orthodontist will examine your teeth, gums, and bite and ask about your medical history. They will also take X-rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth. A Durham orthodontist can use the information gathered during the consultation to diagnose any orthodontic issues and develop a treatment plan.
To determine the best course of treatment, an orthodontist must first evaluate and diagnose the patient. This could include X-rays, photographs, teeth impressions, and a thorough examination of the mouth and jaw. The orthodontist will be able to diagnose any orthodontic issues and develop a personalized treatment plan based on this information.
Some common orthodontic problems that an orthodontist may treat include:
Braces
Braces are an orthodontic treatment to straighten misaligned teeth and improve the smile’s appearance. They consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by a wire, which applies gentle pressure to the teeth to move them into the correct position over time.
Braces can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic and can be either traditional or clear. The length of treatment varies depending on the severity of the misalignment and the desired outcome, but it usually takes anywhere from one to three years.
In addition to straightening the teeth, braces can correct bite problems and improve the jaw’s overall function. Braces are typically removed once the teeth are in the proper position, and patients may be required to wear a retainer to maintain their results.
Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic treatment that uses clear plastic aligners to straighten the teeth. Unlike traditional braces, which use metal brackets and wires, Invisalign is virtually invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing.
Invisalign works by gradually repositioning the teeth over time, with patients receiving a new set of aligners every two weeks. The length of treatment varies according to the severity of the misalignment and the desired outcome, but it typically takes nine to fifteen months.
Retainers
This is a custom-made device worn in the mouth over the teeth. It helps to make your teeth look new and in the right position after bracing. Even after the braces are removed, your teeth may not be firm enough. The firmness will occur when your bones, gums, and muscles get used to the changes. You should avoid everyday habits such as chewing and grinding that put force on your teeth and can cause them to move.
Using retainers to keep your teeth in the correct position after orthodontic treatment is advisable. After a few months of full-time retainer wear, most patients will switch to only wearing their retainers at night.
Overbite correction
Overbite occurs when the top front teeth extend beyond the bottom front teeth. Many people have a slight overbite. Tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain can all result from a severe overbite. Avoiding thumb-sucking and using a pacifier can help your children overcome an overbite.
The following treatments may be recommended for an overbite:
- Jaw repositioning devices are used during growth spurts to reposition the jaw.
- Braces are used to move all of the teeth into proper alignment gradually.
- Permanent or baby teeth are extracted to make way for adult teeth.
If you have any orthodontic problems, contact your orthodontist at MyOrthodontist.