What an Orthodontist Can Do 

An orthodontist is a medical professional who helps prevent, identify, and treat abnormalities related to teeth and the jaw structure. A skilled orthodontist will have treated patients of various ages who have dental complications that cause pain or discomfort. Orthodontists are knowledgeable in correcting misalignments of the jaw and teeth. When the mouth and surrounding areas are not placed where they should be, it can lead to further difficulties such as chewing problems, trouble maintaining clean teeth, and speech impairment. If you have a dental-related issue, then please do not hesitate to contact an orthodontist for more information. 

Here is a list of a few of the most common problems that an orthodontist may treat on a regular basis: 

Overcrowding

When the space within a jaw bone is limited, adult teeth cannot grow into proper alignment with the rest of the teeth. An orthodontist can straighten these teeth through braces, extractions, a palatal expander, broadening arches, or clear plastic aligners. Overcrowding is one of the most frequently seen cases at orthodontic clinics. Those who are struggling with overcrowding have no reason to be embarrassed or shy about seeking treatment, as this is often a correctable problem. 

Anteroposterior Deviations

Underbites and overbites are examples of anteroposterior deviations. With underbites, the lower teeth are positioned more forward in comparison to the upper teeth. Then on the contrary, overbites are when the upper teeth are set farther forward than the lower set of teeth. Both of these issues can cause problems with articulating language and chewing. 

Aesthetics

Some people may look in the mirror and smile and feel that something needs to be corrected in order to achieve a more aesthetic look. An orthodontist can create a treatment plan to restructure the jaw and teeth to create the type of smile the patient is hoping for. 

Ways that an orthodontist may realign complications of the mouth, jaw, and teeth can include a single or combination approach of the following: 

Headgear and Face Masks

An overbite or underbite may be corrected through the use of headgear or face masks. An orthodontist may recommend that a patient uses these tools along with wearing braces. This gear and mask fitS around the head and connects to the braces, further encouraging the jaw and teeth into the desired alignment. 

Dental Braces and Retainers

Braces are made of ceramics, metal, or a clear material. When braces are used, brackets are affixed to the individual teeth and a wire connects each bracket to another, gently moving the teeth into proper positioning over time. When clear material braces are used, they are not glued to the teeth. Instead, these translucent aligners fit onto the teeth and are changed out for a new set every so often. Retainers may be needed after the braces treatment has concluded to ensure the teeth do not move back into their original placement. 

To find out more about what treatment an orthodontist may suggest for your dental problem, you can contact one today to book a consultation with an orthodontist, like an orthodontist in San Clemente, CA, today. 

Thanks to John Redmond Orthodontics for their insight into how orthodontists can help with your smile.