Orthodontics is one branch of dentistry. It involves diagnosis, prevention and treatment of positional defects and irregularities of teeth such as crowded teeth, protrusive teeth, excessively or irregularly spaced teeth.
Why Orthodontics?
Orthodontic defects may lead to chewing and biting problems, tooth decay, tooth loss, gum diseases, chipped teeth, speech impairments and jaw problems etc. Even crowded and crooked teeth make dental cleaning difficult. So to save your teeth from all these problems, orthodontics is necessary.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment:
- It straightens and gives an appropriate shape to your teeth.
- It gives you a beautiful smile that you always dreamt about!!!
- It brings your teeth, lips and jaws into proper alignment.
- It improves your teeth’s function.
- It makes teeth cleaning easy.
- It boosts your self confidence.
Caring your appliance:
- Carefully follow the cleaning and flossing instructions suggested to you.
- Maintain a hygienic dental and oral health.
- Carefully follow the instructions suggested on how to use, when to use, how many hours to use the headgear.
- Don’t use the headgear during playing sports and games.
- Be sure to attend the check up schedules suggested to you.
When to contact your orthodontist after the treatment?
- If you face any difficulty in wearing your appliance or if it breaks or loosens
- If you experience persistent sensitivity
- If you develop any unusual symptoms
What is the right time for Orthodontic Treatment?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every parent should take their child for an orthodontic screening examination by the age of 7. Orthodontic treatment works best at an early age. If a patient is treated early, he/she can easily avoid surgery and other serious corrections later in life. This does not mean later age treatment is not effective. This treatment usually gives successful and best results at any age.
Risks Involved with Orthodontics
While considering this treatment, it is important on your part to know the risks involved with orthodontics. However the possible risks are very rare. If you opt for this treatment, discuss clearly the advantage and disadvantages of this treatment and be sure to know whether the treatment is beneficial to your overall health on not. Here is some information about it.
- It may give rise to problems like gum diseases, tooth decay and permanent markings on your teeth incase the patient consumes foods containing excessive sugar or neglects or does not properly follow the cleaning procedures. Even it can harm and delay the treatment results.
- In rare cases the length of the roots of the teeth may be shortened during the treatment which is called as Root Resorption. It does not have any considerable consequences; it may affect the longevity of the teeth.
- Chances are there that the headgear can affect the face and eyes, if a patient improperly handles it.
- Some biological processes like changes in the growth of jaws, unusual tooth formations can affect or alter the treatment results which are beyond an orthodontist's control.
Important Note:
- If you have any medical conditions or allergies or if you are taking any drugs, inform your orthodontist before the treatment.
- General medical problems may affect orthodontic treatment. Inform your orthodontist in case of any changes in your medical health.
