ORTHODONTICS
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a specialized field that addresses various teeth irregularities, such as misalignment, crowding, spacing issues, or irregular bites. Correcting these issues not only enhances your smile's appearance but also improves your overall health, as misaligned teeth are harder to clean.
Who can benefit from orthodontics?
Anyone with misaligned, missing, or crowded teeth may benefit from orthodontic treatment. Misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusion or bad bite, can lead to health issues like muscle tension, cavities, and gum disease. Moreover, malocclusion can affect eating and speaking. Various types of malocclusions include underbites, overbites, open bites, gaps between teeth, crossbites, and crowded or overlapped teeth.
• An underbite:: when the lower teeth overlap the upper teeth;
• An overbite: when the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth;
• An open bite: when there is a gap between the upper and lower front teeth;;
• Gaps between teeth;
• A cross-bite: when the upper front teeth do not align properly with the lower front teeth;;
• Crowded or overlapped teeth.
How long does treatment take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment varies depending on age, chosen technique, and the severity of malocclusion. Treatment typically takes longer for adults compared to children and involves regular visits to the dentist or orthodontist. While braces are commonly used for correction, other techniques such as headgear, retainers, and oral surgery may also be employed.
