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Getting It Straight - A Brief Guide to Orthodontics
This article explains that orthodontic problems affect more than just the appearance of your smile. Crooked, crowded, and gappy teeth can lower self-confidence and also increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, and abnormal tooth wear. It emphasises that orthodontic treatment is suitable for adults as well as teenagers and that modern options are far more discreet than traditional metal braces. The article outlines the main orthodontic issues, collectively known as malocclusions. These include overcrowded teeth, gaps (diastema), overjet, open bite, crossbite, overbite, and underbite. Each condition is explained in simple terms, along with the potential functional and health problems they can cause, such as difficulty chewing, speech issues, excessive wear on teeth, headaches, and jaw disorders like TMJ. Treatment options are then discussed, with a focus on Invisalign. Invisalign uses clear, removable aligners to gradually move teeth into their correct position. Unlike fixed braces, the aligners can be removed for eating and cleaning, making them a convenient and hygienic option. When worn for at least 22 hours a day, Invisalign can significantly improve many alignment issues, sometimes in as little as six months. The article explains the treatment process, beginning with digital impressions of the teeth. These scans are used to plan the entire course of treatment and create a series of custom-made aligners. Each new set of aligners applies gentle pressure to guide the teeth closer to their ideal position over time. The article concludes by encouraging readers with misaligned teeth to book a consultation to find out whether orthodontic treatment is suitable for them and to take the first step towards a healthier, more confident smile.
Getting It Straight - A Brief Guide to Orthodontics
Crooked, crowded, and even gappy teeth can all cause problems. Not only are these issues of self-esteem damaging confidence killers, but they’ll also probably cause later dental concerns such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain.
Regardless of your age, orthodontic treatments can help. But say the word “orthodontics,” and many people’s thoughts will often jump straight to images of teenagers wearing metal ‘train track’ braces. Fortunately, there are more subtle options that are equally as effective.
But when we talk about orthodontic problems, what exactly are we referring to?
Let’s take a look at some of the phrases associated with orthodontics and how we treat them here at Harley Private Dental.
What Type of Issues Does Orthodontic Treatment Address?
While you may think that orthodontics is purely focused on straightening wonky teeth, there’s a bit more to it than that.
The clinical term for a misaligned tooth is malocclusion. These are the various types:
- Overcrowded teeth: This common problem is often caused by the jaw being too small or the teeth being too large.
- Gaps (diastema): Again, another common issue that relates to the ratio of jaw size in comparison to the teeth is diastema.
- Overjet: If your top front teeth protrude over the lower set horizontally, it can have a negative impact on your ability to chew or speak.
- Open bite: If you have an anterior open bite, both your upper and lower teeth at the front will slant out and won’t touch when your mouth is closed.
- Crossbite: The natural position of your teeth spreads the pressure while chewing across the entire mouth. If you’ve got a crossbite, your teeth won’t meet as they should when closed, resulting in excessive wear and tear on some teeth.
- Overbite: Here the upper front teeth protrude over the lower set. This can be caused by thumb sucking, nail biting, using a dummy after the age of three, or genetic factors.
- Underbite: When the lower teeth sit further forward than the upper set, it can lead to a chronic jaw issue called TMJ disorder, as well as speech issues and headaches.
How Do We Treat Orthodontic Issues?
To address many malocclusions, we’ll use a popular aligner system called Invisalign. Unlike traditional braces, Invisalign is removable. This means you can enjoy your favourite meals and brush your teeth effortlessly. As long as you wear the almost-invisible aligners for at least 22 hours each day, you could dramatically improve your misalignment issues in as little as six months.
We’ll start the process by taking some digital impressions of your teeth. This information will be used to plan your exact course of treatment and to create custom-made aligner trays that will guide your teeth into their new position.
Over the course of your treatment, we’ll provide you with several sets of aligners. Each one is slightly different from the last. Every new set will exert small amounts of pressure onto your teeth, coaxing them and correcting your malocclusions toward perfection.
You’ll Find it Hard to Keep a Straight Face
We want to help you smile like never before! If you’ve got misaligned teeth, arrange for a consultation today and we’ll let you know if you’re a suitable candidate for orthodontic treatment.
