What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is one of the many types of dentistry. Orthodontics comes from the Greek words orthos, which means “right” or “straight,” and odons, which means “teeth.” Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that focuses on figuring out why teeth aren’t straight and how to fix them. Once upon a time, orthodontic treatments were mostly for teens and pre-teens, but now around 30% of orthodontic patients are adults.
Well-aligned teeth make it easier to clean them, improve oral hygiene, make it easier to speak clearly, and make you smile more. Even though orthodontic treatment can be helpful at any age, the American Dental Association says that a first orthodontic evaluation should be done around age 7. The problem can be fixed faster and better if orthodontic treatment starts as soon as possible.
What kinds of problems can be treated with orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that can be used on its own or in combination with maxillofacial or cosmetic dentistry.
Here are some of the most common things that our orthodontists in Maidenhead treat.
Anteroposterior deviations: The difference between two jaws that are closed is called an anteroposterior deviation or discrepancy. An overbite is when the upper teeth are closer to the front of the mouth than the lower teeth. An underbite is when the upper teeth are further back than the lower teeth (where the lower teeth are further forward than the upper teeth).
Too many teeth in a small space is a common orthodontic problem. It happens when there isn’t enough room in the mouth for adult teeth to grow and develop normally.
Problems with looks – A single tooth that isn’t straight can make an otherwise beautiful smile look bad. The orthodontist can move this tooth back into place with ease and accuracy. Orthodontists can also work to change the shape and form of the lips, jaw, or face.
Orthodontics Solutions in Maidenhead
Orthodontics is a technically advanced field that offers many high-tech ways to fix misaligned teeth and other problems with appearance. Most of the time, the orthodontist will use a visual exam, panoramic X-rays, and study models (bite impressions) to figure out what the problem is.
Once a problem has been found, there are several ways to treat it with orthodontics.
Here is a look at some of the most common ways to treat:
Fixed orthodontic braces: A metal or ceramic dental base is attached to each tooth, and a dental wire is put through each base. By making small changes to the wire on a regular basis, the orthodontist can slowly move the teeth into place. When the results are where they need to be, the fixed dental braces are taken off completely.
Removable appliances: Orthodontists often use a wide range of removable appliances, such as headgear to fix overbites, Hawley retainers to improve the position of the teeth even as the jawbone heals, and face masks to fix underbites.
Invisalign® is a newer type of clear dental aligner that can be taken out and put back in. Because Invisalign® is removable, it doesn’t get in the way when you eat, and it works the same way as traditional metal dental braces. Not everyone is a good fit for Invisalign®.
For more information about our team of orthodontists in Maidenhead, please get in touch and ask for an initial assessment.
