Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. The goal of orthodontic treatment is to improve both oral health and the aesthetics of your smile. By addressing issues with how your upper and lower teeth meet, known as malocclusion, orthodontics can reduce the risk of future dental problems. It is a common and beneficial treatment for many.
Common Reasons for Orthodontic Treatment
Individuals often seek orthodontic care for various dental and jaw alignment issues that can impact chewing, speech, and self-confidence. Common concerns include crowded teeth, where insufficient jaw space leads to overlapping or crooked teeth. Conversely, excessive spacing or gaps between teeth can occur due to missing teeth or a larger jawbone.
Beyond individual tooth positioning, malocclusions, or problems with how the upper and lower teeth meet, are frequent reasons for treatment. An overbite occurs when upper front teeth excessively overlap lower front teeth, potentially causing wear and chewing difficulty. An underbite, the opposite, involves lower teeth protruding past upper teeth, affecting facial balance and speech.
A crossbite is another common issue where some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, potentially leading to uneven tooth wear and jaw pain. An open bite, characterized by a gap between upper and lower front teeth when back teeth are closed, can make biting into food challenging and affect speech. If left unaddressed, these conditions can also increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Exploring Your Treatment Choices
When considering orthodontic treatment, patients have several appliance options, each with distinct features. Traditional braces, a widely recognized option, consist of metal or ceramic brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by a thin archwire. These fixed appliances apply continuous, mild pressure to gradually shift teeth into their correct positions, with the archwire adjusted during regular appointments. Metal braces are known for durability and effectiveness, while ceramic braces offer a less noticeable appearance as their brackets are clear or tooth-colored, though they may be more prone to staining or breakage.
A popular alternative is clear aligners, such as Invisalign. These removable appliances use a series of custom-made, transparent plastic trays that progressively move teeth into alignment. Each aligner tray is worn for about two weeks before replacement, and they must be worn for approximately 20-22 hours daily, removed only for eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Clear aligners offer a discreet aesthetic and can be more comfortable due to their smooth plastic design. While effective for many cases, clear aligners are more suitable for mild to moderate alignment problems, whereas traditional fixed braces can address more complex dental issues.
Daily Life During Orthodontic Care
Living with orthodontic appliances requires adjustments to daily routines, particularly concerning oral hygiene and dietary habits. Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is important, as braces create areas where food particles and plaque can accumulate, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Patients with braces should brush their teeth after every meal using a soft-bristled or electric toothbrush, angling the brush at 45 degrees to clean around the brackets and wires, and focusing on the gumline. Flossing daily is also necessary, often requiring specialized tools like floss threaders or interdental brushes to navigate around the wires and clean between teeth.
Dietary modifications are important to protect the appliances and ensure smooth treatment progression. Patients should avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods like nuts, popcorn, gum, and hard candies, as these can damage brackets or wires. Crunchy foods such as raw carrots or apples should be cut into small, bite-sized pieces to prevent excessive pressure on the braces. Opting for softer foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, soups, and pasta can help minimize discomfort and protect the appliances.
Patients may experience initial discomfort or soreness in their teeth and gums for a few days after braces are placed or adjusted, due to applied pressure. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage this discomfort, and rinsing with warm saltwater can provide relief and promote healing of any mouth sores. If a bracket becomes loose or a wire pokes, applying a small piece of orthodontic wax over the irritating part can create a protective barrier until a professional addresses the issue.
Ensuring Lasting Results
After the active phase of orthodontic treatment is complete and appliances are removed, retainers are used to preserve the newly achieved tooth alignment. Teeth have a natural tendency to shift back towards their original positions, a phenomenon known as relapse, if not properly stabilized. Retainers apply consistent pressure to hold teeth in their corrected positions while surrounding bone and tissues adapt and stabilize over time. This post-treatment retention ensures the long-term success of the treatment.
There are two types of retainers: removable and fixed. Removable retainers, such as Hawley retainers made of metal wires and an acrylic base, or clear plastic retainers (Essix retainers) that fit snugly over the teeth, offer flexibility as they can be taken out for eating and cleaning. Fixed retainers, also known as permanent or bonded retainers, consist of a thin wire bonded to the back of the front teeth, providing continuous, discreet support. The orthodontist will provide a wear schedule, often recommending full-time wear initially, followed by nighttime wear for an extended period, which can be indefinite to maintain results. Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are also important to ensure the retainer fits correctly and that the teeth remain in their desired alignment.