An orthodontist is a dental specialist who treats problems with the alignment of teeth and jaws. They use different appliances to apply pressure to the teeth.

Braces are their specialty. They can close gaps and correct crooked or twisted teeth. They also treat misaligned bites and jaw problems.

Teeth Straightening

Many people want straighter teeth, and the right orthodontist can help. Straightening techniques use external force and pressure to gradually move crooked, misaligned or overcrowded teeth into their correct positions. It can also help prevent gum disease and tooth decay by making it more difficult for plaque to hide.

Braces are usually used to straighten teeth, but there are other options available that may better suit your needs. Traditional braces are made of metal bands, wires and brackets that apply pressure to the teeth to guide them into their proper positions. Invisalign is another option that uses clear plastic trays instead of fixed braces to straighten teeth.

Your orthodontist assesses your case using a physical examination, digital scans, photographs and X-rays. They will then develop an individual treatment plan for you.

It’s best to get braces in childhood or adolescence, when the jaw bones are still growing and flexible. However, it’s not too late for adults who need orthodontic treatment. Even as adults, teeth and jaws can continue to shift. This is why it’s so important to visit your orthodontist frequently to monitor progress and make any necessary changes to your treatment.

If you choose to straighten, your orthodontist can create a treatment plan tailored to your goals and needs. The exact length of your treatment will depend on the type of straightening method you choose, as well as your unique situation and how quickly your teeth respond to treatment.

Orthodontists are better equipped to handle the job than people who try to do it themselves with at-home kits. These professional treatments may be more effective than at-home remedies and can last longer. They can also help protect against serious medical problems like heart disease and gum diseases by promoting healthier gums. Teeth that are straightened properly are easier to maintain, which makes them less susceptible to tooth decay and cavities.

Jaw Alignment

A properly aligned mouth is not only important for a beautiful smile, but also for good oral health. It’s also essential for proper digestion and chewing as well as for clear speech. A misaligned jaw and crooked teeth can cause pain, discomfort and even damage to the jaws over time. An orthodontist can evaluate your jaw alignment and recommend treatment to correct these issues if necessary.

Jaw misalignment occurs when your upper and lower jaws do not align properly with your mouth closed. This problem can occur due to several factors, ranging from genetics to childhood habits like thumb sucking or prolonged pacifier use. This causes the jaws and teeth to grow incorrectly, as they are under pressure. Other causes include tooth loss or injury, abnormal tooth growth and dental problems like gum disease.

Most commonly, jaw misalignment is characterized by clicking or popping sounds when you open or shut your mouth. Other symptoms include pain or tightness around the jaw or face area and difficulty biting or chewing food. Misaligned jaws can also cause headaches. Migraines that start at the temples spread throughout the head. Ringing in the ears.

Orthodontists can treat the most common jaw misalignments such as an underbite, which occurs when your lower front teeth are in front of your top teeth, and an overbite. Your orthodontist can also assess your skeletal system to determine whether you need surgical orthodontics to correct the problem.

Properly aligning your teeth and jaws can improve your comfort, reduce your risk of tooth decay and gum diseases, and help you have fewer problems with the temporomandibular joints, or TMJ. A properly aligned bite can also promote an even distribution of chewing force, which can prevent fractures of the teeth and jaw joint. Your smile will look better and your overall oral health will improve when your jaws are aligned.

Tooth Expansion And Extraction

Orthodontists will often use braces or other treatment methods if a tooth is severely crowded. In some cases however, an orthodontist might recommend a tooth extraction to make room in the mouth. If this is the case, it is important for patients to understand why and how this is done.

There has been a long held philosophy in orthodontics that malocclusions (crooked teeth) are genetic and that people are born with too many or too few adult teeth to fill their dental arches. It has also been argued that if there are too many teeth in the arch then some will need to be removed to ensure adequate room for the remaining teeth.

This is a logical and backed up by some good research. It is important to remember that there are several good reasons not to extract healthy teeth in order to achieve a more attractive smile and a better-aligned jaw.

There are several treatment options available that can achieve better orthodontic results without extractions. Orthodontists can correct crowding or misalignment issues without removing any teeth by using expansion devices to create more space in the oral cavity and low friction self-ligating brackets that allow for greater movement of the teeth.

If you are considering having a dental extraction, it is important to consult a skilled orthodontist. They will consider the impact on your facial appearance and always try to find a better option. In addition, it is crucial that patients are aware of the recovery process and should follow any orthodontist’s instructions regarding post-extraction care in order to minimize discomfort and speed up healing.

Invisalign

Invisalign uses clear plastic aligners instead of traditional braces to straighten your teeth. The treatment involves gradually shifting the position a patient’s tooth over a period months or years. An orthodontist with training and experience in the use of Invisalign can help a patient decide if this is the right option for them.

Before starting Invisalign, a dentist will either complete a 3D digital scan using iTero or a traditional impression of the patient’s mouth with putty. The dentist will also take X rays to determine the alignment of the patient’s jaw and teeth. The doctor will then create a customized treatment plan and 3D-print the first set clear aligner trays. Once the trays are ready, patients should wear them for up to 22 hours each day, removing them only when eating or brushing their teeth. The doctor will monitor the patient’s progress regularly and make adjustments if needed.

Invisalign aligners, unlike traditional braces, are easily removable. This allows patients to continue eating the foods they love while keeping their gums and teeth as clean as possible. It also means a person can avoid the dietary restriction associated with conventional braces. This may cause a person to gain weight, develop toothaches, or have problems with their TMJ.

If a person does not follow the instructions about wearing and removing their trays, it is likely that it will take longer to move their teeth into their desired positions. It is therefore important to listen to the orthodontist’s advice and to visit your doctor regularly during treatment. Invisalign has been proven to be an effective treatment for crooked smiles. Many patients who have used the system are happy with their results.

Orthodontists have the training to diagnose and treat many dental issues, ranging from simple alignments to more complex bite problems. An orthodontist is able to help if you are worried about the health or appearance of your smile. Contact a local practice and book a consultation to learn more about the orthodontist’s help.