Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the alignment of teeth and jaws to improve a person's smile and oral health. Orthodontists use a variety of treatments, such as braces, retainers, and other appliances, to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment can help improve the appearance of your smile, as well as your overall oral health. Orthodontists use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat dental and facial irregularities.
They use x-rays, photographs, and impressions of the teeth to create a detailed picture of the patient's mouth. They also use specialized instruments to measure the size and shape of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use these measurements to create a customized treatment plan for each patient. Orthodontic treatment can help improve the appearance of your smile by straightening crooked teeth, closing gaps between teeth, and correcting an overbite or underbite. It can also help improve your overall oral health by making it easier to brush and floss your teeth properly.
Orthodontic treatment can also help reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontists provide a variety of services to their patients. These services include:
- Braces: Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. Braces are used to straighten crooked teeth and close gaps between teeth. They are made up of brackets that are attached to the teeth with wires or bands.
The brackets are connected to each other with an archwire that is tightened periodically to move the teeth into their desired position.
- Retainers: Retainers are used after braces have been removed to keep the teeth in their new position. Retainers are usually made of plastic or metal and fit snugly over the teeth. They are worn for a period of time after braces have been removed to ensure that the teeth stay in their new position.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is an alternative to traditional braces. It uses clear plastic aligners that fit over the teeth like a mouthguard.
The aligners are changed every two weeks to gradually move the teeth into their desired position.
- Jaw Surgery: Jaw surgery is sometimes necessary for more severe cases of misalignment. Jaw surgery can be used to correct an overbite or underbite, as well as other jaw irregularities.
