Orthodontics

Orthodontics is an advanced area of dentistry. The name comprises Greek terms ‘orthos,' which means straight or correct, and 'dontics,' which means teeth. Hence, the term 'orthodontics' refers to aligning crooked teeth or malocclusions. Dentists specializing in orthodontics treat the incorrect alignment of the face, jaws, and teeth.

Orthodontics Treatment

The goal of orthodontic treatment is to maximize the potential of your teeth. In addition, orthodontic treatments aim to develop and fix improperly positioned teeth and jaws. A detailed visual analysis of a patient's smile is the first step in creating a treatment plan. Your dentist then prepares diagnostic records. Sometimes, these records contain bite impressions, x-rays, and further scans of the jaw joints. The dentist will also explore if a patient requires tooth realignment therapy.

In addition, the dentist creates a predicted treatment strategy by reviewing diagnostic records. For example, if the dentist needs to change the symmetry of the face, then he may need to collaborate with an oral surgeon. They may remove one or more teeth in an overcrowded mouth to create space for the realignment procedure. After diagnosing and planning, the teeth and jaw arches are moved using a removable or fixed orthodontic appliance to achieve the appropriate alignment.

Orthodontic services can resolve the following issues:

  • Crossbite
  • Crowding
  • Dental malocclusion
  • Impacted teeth
  • Overbite
  • Spacing
  • Underbite
  • Upper front teeth protrusion

Orthodontic Treatment in Adults

A beautiful smile can make people more confident in their jobs and society. That’s why orthodontic treatments are the best solution for adults who want to improve the health and appearance of their teeth.

Thanks to modern technology, orthodontic treatment is a viable option for any adult, just as it is for children and teenagers, with a much more comprehensive range of discreet options. In addition, one in five orthodontic patients is adults, demonstrating plenty of suitable treatment options for adults.

Pediatric Orthodontics Treatment

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends scheduling a consultation with an orthodontist for children who are 7 or above. Although not all children require treatment at this young age, early diagnosis of specific orthodontic issues allows a child to develop naturally beautiful and healthy teeth.

Orthodontic treatment's primary goals are to prevent and correct improper biting. Numerous factors, including early tooth loss in children, genetics, and poor dental hygiene practices, may contribute to such aberrations. For example, developmental problems and thumb sucking.

Orthodontic abnormalities can develop as early as birth, throughout toddlerhood, or in the first years of development. Crooked teeth affect self-esteem and make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene. However, straight teeth can reduce the likelihood of dental decay and childhood periodontal disease.

Most children have misaligned jaws or overlapped teeth. Therefore, an orthodontist recommends using wires, rubber bands, braces, brackets, and other orthodontic tools. Braces are among the most popular ways to straighten teeth because they exert pressure on the jaws and teeth to shift them into the proper positions. They also improve children’s speech as well as correct crooked bites.

The ideal age for this treatment is seven years. Unfortunately, primary and permanent teeth are present in children at this age. By tracking the development of the jaw, the face, and the replacement of permanent teeth through routine check-ups, a pediatric orthodontist can determine the best time for treatment.

Dentists vs. Orthodontists

A dentist is a medical professional with specialized training in treating nerves, teeth, and jaw issues. Orthodontists are dentists, but their expertise focuses on improving teeth alignment and occlusion. These professionals also study how your teeth come into contact with one another and how they bite.

What are the Similarities between Dentists and Orthodontists?

Orthodontists and dentists are committed to oral health and maintaining a healthy mouth. However, it's crucial to keep in mind that while all orthodontists are dentists, only some dentists are orthodontists. That's because orthodontists have additional training and expertise. However, they can still work in dental offices and perform the same tasks as dentists.

What are the Differences?

A dentist assists you with your overall dental care. That includes handling gum disease and tooth decay issues and performing procedures like crowns and root canals. However, an orthodontist can help you with issues like teeth alignment, crowding, underbite, and overbite. Qualified and experienced orthodontics at your Shreveport dentist can address all these issues in your next appointment.

Benefits of Orthodontics

Orthodontics offers advantages beyond enhancing aesthetic appeal. The benefits of choosing orthodontic treatments include:

  • a boost in self-esteem
  • improved chewing and clarity of speech, thanks to better dental function
  • fewer chances of developing dental cavities, gum diseases, and gum injuries
  • less possibility of malocclusions or overbites

What are the Goals of Orthodontic Therapy?

  • To treat biting issues
  • Making cosmetic adjustments to help you smile better
  • To prevent dental infections and diseases

In addition, orthodontics can treat a variety of dental malocclusions, such as:

Crowded teeth: Teeth, crowded together or poorly aligned, may be too big for the mouth. That results in both a bad bite and an ugly appearance. The upper canine teeth crowd together the most frequently.

An open bite: That’s when the lower ends of your upper front teeth fail to meet the upper ends of the lower front teeth. This will result in inadequate chewing.

Deep overbite: When the bottom front teeth tend to touch the roof of the mouth due to misalignment of the top and bottom teeth, the gums and palate may suffer occasional harm. Gum disease, tooth loss, tooth wear, and other problems could result from this.

Crossbite: When the ends of the teeth do not contact, this happens. Poor chewing, unattractive look, and quickly erodible teeth are the results.

Increased overjet: Occurs when the top teeth erupt, usually when sucking with the thumb or finger. Uneven jawbone growth could also be a possible reason.

Reverse overjet: The lower jaw is visible over the upper jaw. It can result in worn teeth in addition to poor physical appearance.

Spacing: Unnatural tooth spacing can be caused by underdeveloped, undersized, or absent teeth.

What are the Methods that Orthodontic Specialists Adopt?

Children, teenagers, and adults can have their teeth straightened with either fixed or removable braces. As a child grows, these can be adjusted and may straighten the teeth.

Your Shreveport dentist can determine whether you need orthodontic treatment by reviewing your dental history, creating a plaster model of your teeth, and taking dental X-rays. If your dentist suggests orthodontic treatment, they will refer you to an orthodontist who can create a customized treatment plan.

Typically, orthodontic treatment methods involve using tools that can straighten your teeth. Braces, aligners, retainers, headgear, and Invisalign® are a few examples of orthodontic appliances. These tools must be looked after and maintained to get the desired effects. To ensure you achieve the best results from your treatment, your orthodontist will provide detailed instructions.

Final Thoughts

We are just a phone call away if you are looking forward to scheduling an appointment with professional orthodontics at your Shreveport dentist. Get in touch with Loud Family Dentistry, where our professional orthodontists will examine your teeth and suggest the best possible solutions for treating your gum issues and aligning your teeth.