The Basics of Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with abnormalities of the teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to align your teeth and jaws in a way that will provide proper function, aesthetics, and prevent future dental problems.

Most people need orthodontic care when their teeth or jaws are misaligned. This can cause debilitating health issues, such as speech defects, improper bites (malocclusion), gum disease, abnormal wear of tooth enamel, and headaches and migraines.

The right  orthodontist las vegas can correct many of these issues. They are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of bite, jaw and tooth alignment issues.

They also have training on how to prevent these issues from occurring in the future. They know how to guide the growth of your child's jaws, which can help their permanent teeth come in correctly and avoid the need for braces in later life.

A good orthodontist will take X-rays, photos and digital diagnostic records to determine the extent of the problem and develop an effective treatment plan. The orthodontist will then use a variety of treatments and devices to move your teeth and jaw into their optimal positions.

For children, the most common method of orthodontic treatment is with braces. These are a combination of brackets and archwires that are placed on the teeth to slowly shift them into better position. They can be metal, ceramics or clear ("invisible") materials.

To achieve the best results, a patient needs to follow the orthodontist's guidelines and avoid certain foods that could harm their braces. They should also see their orthodontist regularly for adjustments to ensure the teeth are being properly guided into place.

Regardless of which type of orthodontic treatment is chosen, your orthodontist will recommend retainers after treatment to keep the teeth in their new position. They can be removable or fixed, depending on your orthodontist's recommendations.

Once the teeth are in a more desirable position, they will need to be kept in that place until they re-align naturally. This can take some time.

There are several ways to accomplish this, including a headgear or facemask that fits around the teeth. The  las vegas orthodontist will design these devices to further encourage the underlying bones into their desired position.

In severe cases, surgery may be needed to realign the jaws. This is called an orthognathic surgery, and it often requires an orthodontist to work with an oral surgeon.

While the majority of orthodontic patients are kids, adults have more options than ever before for straightening their teeth and getting a healthier smile. Using innovative technologies such as clear aligners and invisible lingual braces, adult orthodontics can be discreet and easier on the eyes than traditional braces.

The average adult will wear braces for about one and a half to three years. The length of the treatment and how quickly your teeth and jaws respond to the pressure from your appliances can depend on various factors, such as your age, habits, and bone density. Your orthodontist will also take into account whether you have any dental diseases like extensive decay or gum disease, which will need to be addressed before your treatment begins. Check out this post for more details related to this article:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontics  .