What You Need to Know About Orthodontics

  


Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that focuses on correcting misalignment of the teeth and jaw. In addition to improving the appearance of your smile, orthodontics also helps improve your oral health and quality of life.

 

The first thing you need to know about orthodontics is that it is a medical profession and requires extensive post-doctoral training. After earning a dental degree, orthodontists complete an additional two years of post-doctoral, specialty training in orthodontics at an accredited university or school.

 

During that time, orthodontists learn to recognize and treat various types of dental and facial disorders and conditions. In addition to the usual problems of crooked, discolored, or misaligned teeth, orthodontics is tasked with treating a wide variety of bite issues (also called malocclusions).

 

When your teeth are properly aligned, it is easier to brush and floss your teeth effectively, which can lead to healthy gums and a reduced risk of tooth decay and cavities. A straight, aligned smile can also help you speak more clearly and comfortably.

 

In addition to the common metal braces, there are a few other types of orthodontic appliances used in treatment, including clear “invisible” braces, removable retainers, and headgear. Each type of appliance has a different purpose and works differently to move teeth into better positions.

 

Braces - The most common form of orthodontic treatment is the traditional metal brace, which includes brackets bonded to each tooth and archwires that fit into slots in the brackets. Maryland orthodontics are used to gently move the teeth into their desired position.

 

Ceramic braces - A newer, less visible alternative to the traditional metal brace is ceramic. This type of brace is similar to the traditional metal brace in that it consists of brackets and archwires, but it is made of clear ceramic material instead of metal. The ceramic brace is usually more comfortable and less noticeable than the metal brace, and it may be a good choice for people who have a busy lifestyle.

 

Plastic brackets - Another type of brace is the plastic bracket, which is a very light, flexible, and comfortable option for many patients. They can be colored to match the color of your teeth, but their soft edges might make them less durable than other types of braces.

 

Separators - Before you start treatment, your orthodontist will place tiny rubber bands or springs between your back teeth. These separators create space for your molar band, which anchors your braces in your mouth.

 

Retainers - After removing your braces, you'll need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their proper position. This is an important step in your orthodontic treatment, and it helps to ensure that the teeth continue to move into the correct position when you go back to normal eating habits and oral hygiene.

 

A misaligned bite can be difficult to correct. It can also lead to several complications in the long run, including TMJ problems and an increased risk of oral health concerns. That's why it is so important to get your bite corrected early in life. Check out this related post to get more enlightened on the topic: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/braces-orthodontics_b_4476732.