Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of malocclusions and other irregularities in the jaw and face. The specially trained dentists who correct these problems to restore good oral health, functionality and beautiful smile are called orthodontists.
Orthodontics was first aimed at correcting orthodontic problems in children and teenagers. Presently, a third of patients visiting orthodontists for treatment are adults. People across all ages can be successfully treated through orthodontic treatment.
Malocclusions or improper bite affects people across all ages with consequences such as affected ability to chew, speech problems and facial symmetry. A severe malocclusion may lead to serious health challenges such as TMJ, digestive problems, periodontal disease, and tooth decay. Getting early orthodontic treatment at Wellington Village Orthodontics in Ottawa will increase the success of treatment and avoid expensive restorations.
Problems Treated through Orthodontics
Orthodontics helps to treat a wide range of problems even completely realigning all your teeth. In some cases, the orthodontist works closely with a maxillofacial surgeon. Some of the problems treated through orthodontics are:
- Overcrowding – there is an insufficient space in the jaw to fit all adult teeth in an overcrowded mouth. Problems caused by overcrowding include displaced, rotated and totally misaligned teeth
- Overbite – the problem is characterized by the protrusion of the upper jaw (maxilla) relative to the lower jaw (mandible). People who have an overbite have a toothy smile since the chin appears as it has received.
- Underbite – underbites are also referred to as negative underjet which is the protrusion of the mandible in relation maxilla. People with underbites have a prominent chin. Both underbites and overbites are caused by genetic factors and developmental delays.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
Following a diagnosis and depending on the results of bite impressions, panoramic x-rays and visual examination, the orthodontist will choose the best treatment from a number of techniques.
Fixed dental braces are recommended for correction of even the most severe cases of misaligned teeth. Fixed braces consist of ceramic or metal brackets attached to each tooth and an archwire threaded through the brackets to gradually move teeth into desired positions.
Wellington Village Orthodontics also employs other treatment techniques to treat different orthodontic problems in people across all ages here in Ottawa.
