How to Determine If You Need Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that deals with the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of irregular teeth and jaws. Teeth that are crooked are much harder to clean, which means they are more susceptible to decay and gum disease. A person who has crooked teeth may exert more stress on their muscles when chewing, resulting in headaches, shoulder pain and TMJ syndrome. Teeth that are crooked can also affect a person’s appearance and self-esteem.

How does a patient know if they need orthodontic treatment?

When the patient visits a dental clinic, the dentist may conduct a number of tests, including special x-rays, clinical exams and creating plaster models of the teeth to determine if the patient needs orthodontic treatment. A patient who has any of the following issues may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

1. Overbite

This is sometimes called buck teeth. Overbite is a condition in which the patient’s upper front teeth extend too far forward and stick out over their lower teeth.

2. Underbite

This is a condition in which the lower front teeth of the patient are too far forward or if the upper front teeth are too far back. This condition gives the patient a "bulldog" appearance.

3. Open bite

This involves a space between the surface of the teeth on the front or side. In such situations, the back teeth bite together normally, but the front or side teeth do not.

4. Crossbite

This condition involves upper front teeth that do not come slightly in front of the lower teeth when the patient bites them together normally.

5. Spacing

This is a situation where there are very many gaps and spaces between the patient’s teeth. Extra spacing can be natural or due to missing teeth.

6. Crowding

This condition involves having more teeth than the dental ridge can comfortably accommodate.

7. Misplaced midline

This is a situation where the center of the patient’s upper front teeth does not line up with the center of their lower front teeth.

How does orthodontics work?

Fixed and removable orthodontic appliances work by shifting the teeth, retraining the muscles and affecting the growth of the jaw. The appliances place gentle pressure on the patient’s teeth and jaws. The severity of the case helps determine the most effective orthodontic approach.

Fixed orthodontic appliances include braces and fixed space maintainers. Braces help move teeth gradually to the proper position. Dentists recommend fixed space maintainers when a baby loses a baby tooth prematurely. These space maintainers keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.

Removable orthodontic appliances include aligners, removable space maintainers, jaw repositioning appliances, removable retainers and headgear.

Wrapping up

Orthodontics treatments help patients maintain a straight smile. It can improve a person’s bite, comfort levels, speech function and self-esteem. They also make teeth easier to clean, reducing the risk of periodontal disease and cavities. If you think you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment, talk to your dentist about your oral problems and discuss the orthodontic approach that is most effective for your particular case.

Want to know the best part?

Call (408) 842-2818 today to reach Gilroy Dental Associates.