Which problems does an orthodontist treat and how?

Whenever an individual faces any issues with the alignment of teeth or biting the food, then the only solution they have is the Los Angeles Orthodontics. Basically an orthodontist is a professional who works on the biting and alignment problems that a person faces. An orthodontist is clearly different from a dentist.

Essentially an orthodontist holds a specialization over and above the basic dental knowledge. They have the necessary knowledge and skill to help patients facing problems like alignment of teeth, issue with bite, etc. On the other hand, a dentist basically helps patients with the general oral health. Root canals, cavity, teeth whitening and many similar problems, all require the guidance of a dentist. 

It is always a common recommendation to visit your dentist every two to three months. However, not much is in talk about when to visit an orthodontist. Generally, parents must take their children for the first visit to the orthodontist at the age of 7. During this time, an orthodontist can suggest which problems are present or may occur in future. This gives the benefit of staying away from major dental treatments that may become necessary in the future.

Common orthodontics problems:

There are many issues that an orthodontist can treat irrespective of the age group of the patient. Some of the most common orthodontics problems are as follows:

• Overjet

This is a common problem that you may witness in many people. In orverjet, the front tooth usually protrudes outwards. This is different from overbite problem of teeth. In this the horizontal distance between teeth increases. The overjet problem also makes an individual conscious of his or her appearance and hence require immediate attention from the orthodontist.

• Underbite 

The underbite condition arises when the lower teeth of an individual extends farther ahead of the upper teeth. There can be different levels of underbite and it arises mainly due to misalignment of the jaw. This problem of underbite can become severe and may also cause trouble for an individual in speaking normally.

• Overlapping teeth

Crowding or misalignment of teeth can also cause the problem of overlapping teeth. The problem of overlapping may exist with many individuals but it gets severe with some of them. Serious overlapping teeth issue comes with a higher risk of other dental health problems like tooth decay, cavity, etc.

• Crooked teeth

When the milk teeth break and permanent teeth is growing, it may sometimes grow in a crooked manner. Crooked teeth is not uncommon, but many people become extremely conscious of crooked teeth. Having crooked teeth hampers their confidence and does not even allow them to laugh properly in public places.

• Crowded teeth

When all your teeth cannot fit normally in the jaw then tend to crowd themselves in one particular place. This not only affects the appearance but also comes with long term problems of tooth cavity etc. It occurs when the teeth is larger than the available space. 

• Rotated teeth

When the tooth rotates arounds the long axis at 90 degrees it changes the complete direction of the teeth. The problem of rotated teeth is intense because regular brushing may also be incapable of properly cleaning the teeth. Tooth rotation problem requires treatment at the right time.

• Impacted teeth

There can be situations where your tooth may get stuck in the gum and may not grow out properly. This problem can be due to less space or overcrowding of teeth. Impacted teeth can become uncomfortable and painful if not treated properly.

Orthodontics treatments:

In order to treat the above mentioned problems, an orthodontists may use any of the following treatments:

• Braces

There is no one who has not come across the most common orthodontics treatment of using braces. Children in school will definitely know someone or the other who has braces on or is planning to get them soon. In the treatment of braces, the dentist uses a combination of brackets, wires and bands to gradually move the teeth at the required position. Initially braces were available only in metallic form but now the choice of ceramic braces is also available. 

• Clear aligners

This is an advancement above the braces treatment. In this there is no need for brackets, wired and bands to move the teeth. Clear aligners trays help in changing the position of teeth gradually.

• Retainers

While braces and clear aligners move the teeth to the right position, there is also need to give them in position after the treatment. To achieve this, retainers are a common way that helps keep the teeth in the right place after the treatment ends.

• Palate expanders

This is a treatment common at a young age. As the child is growing, the palate expands to help in widening the child’s upper jaw. It is not a very common treatment like the braces of clear aligners. 

Bottom line:

To conclude, visiting an orthodontist at the right time helps you in treating severe dental issues. An orthodontist not only provides you healthy teeth but also helps in getting that perfect smile. When your teeth are in line and healthy, it gives you the confidence to step out in the public with that infectious smile.