Orthodontic treatment is slowly becoming popular as more people become aware of its importance. Not only does it improve dentition, but it also helps patients regain their good appearance and smile.
By definition, orthodontic treatment is a special form of dental treatment that rectifies jaw and tooth issues. It aims to ensure that these two continue to function properly. Orthodontic treatment focuses on aligning teeth for the occlusion process. Occlusion refers to the process where lower and upper teeth meet during biting and chewing of food.
Orthodontic treatment is common in adults and children above the age of 13. It is not done in children who are still shedding their baby teeth. Most doctors prefer carrying out the process in young adults because their bones and teeth are not fully developed and can be repositioned easily. However, with the modern advancement in technology, the Brooklyn orthodontist can carry out the procedure on any patient despite their age.
Examples of orthodontic treatments include alignment of crowded and crooked teeth, underbites, overbites, and misaligned jaws. Gaps and spaces between teeth can also be eliminated using the procedure.
Orthodontic treatment comes with several benefits. Read on to learn more about them:
Improved dental aesthetics
This is the most common advantage of orthodontics. It is also one that can be seen. The treatment procedure improves the function and position of jaws and teeth. As a result, the appearance of a person improves significantly.
The gums and bones also appear healthier, and biting becomes more convenient for the patients.
Better Oral Hygiene
Proper aligning of the teeth and jaws improve the dental health of an individual. It also facilitates easier cleaning of the oral cavity. This results in better oral hygiene among the patients, which means that they will experience less decay and fewer infections.
Orthodontic treatment relieves the jaw joint of any pressure from the teeth. Crooked teeth and gum exert unnecessary strain on the jaw joint. This often results in unexplained dental conditions. With good orthodontic treatment, this pressure reduces or can be eliminated.
Improved Communication
Individuals suffering from bite problems may also have an issue pronouncing certain words. Undergoing an orthodontic procedure corrects any speech problems, by improving pronunciation.
Improved Digestion
Dental issues such as malocclusion make it difficult for individuals to chew food properly. Due to this, swallowing may also become a problem. With the right orthodontic method, this problem can be corrected, resulting in improved digestion.
Better Self-esteem
People who face problems such as crowding or misalignment of teeth may get embarrassed when smiling or talking. This feeling alone can cause them to develop less regard for themselves. Once orthodontic dentistry is carried out, the patient may become more confident about themselves. Their ability to socialize with others gets restored too.
Those who are interested in orthodontics need to consult their dentists. However, you need to understand that not all dentists can carry out orthodontic dentistry. It is important to find out if your regular dentist does it. If they do not, you might need to look for referrals to the right specialist.
During your first visit, the orthodontist examines your bite and then scans your teeth to establish the right treatment. Ordinarily, full orthodontic procedures last between 18 months and three years. The period required varies depending on the age and condition of a patient. In some cases, the dentist might need to extract a few teeth to create room for the ideal treatment.
Individuals who have crooked teeth and jaws are the best candidates for orthodontics. Children suffering from such conditions may grow up feeling embarrassed or being teased by their peers. Early orthodontic treatment options may be used to correct such conditions. Some of the most common early orthodontic procedures include braces, face masks, palatal expanders, and headgears.
Crowded teeth, as well as crooked ones, can be generational. Some people have a family history of the condition. Parents who believe that their children may inherit the problem need to see a dentist early enough for assessment and treatment. Children may develop teeth problems due to accidents, early extraction of baby teeth, and thumb sucking. The good news is that these problems have a solution.
Go for It Early Enough
Doing it early enough eliminates the formation of excessive gaps and reduces the likelihood of developing teeth damage. Work with a Brooklyn orthodontist to enjoy all these benefits today.