Not everyone is blessed teeth with normally positioned . A few decades back it was
impossible to realign teeth, with advancement in dentistry this is now possible
to change the positions of teeth to suit one's aesthetic needs. The branch of dentistry
dealing with this is called orthodontics and a specialist in the subject is an orthodontist.
An orthodontic treatment provides:
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Dento facial appearance : Improves the appearance of the teeth. Poor dental
appearance has a profound psychosocial effect on children,as they are teased for
their misplaced teeth.
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Occlusal function : Sometimes the contact between the upper teeth and lower
teeth is inappropriate causing difficulty in biting food. This causes poor occlusion.
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Braces, metal, metal bands, ceramic or plastic bonds, wires or springs are used
for the treatment.
- Sometimes one or more teeth are removed if the problem is of overcrowding.
- Teeth are adjusted, reshaped, bonded or capped as required.
- Surgery is required on rare occasions.
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Retainers (used to stabilise the teeth) may be required for an indefinite time to
maintain the new position of teeth.
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In children and teens, the first step is to remove certain teeth to make room for
other to grow.
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Braces are then attached to position teeth. They also facilitate the movement of
the jaws in children.
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Teeth tend to move forward as one ages. So retainers are inserted in the oral cavity
the stability of teeth.
-
Braces can straighten teeth in adults too. Though surgery is required to straighten
one's jaw.
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Treatments are expensive. So enquire about the cost structure before the treatment
begins.
- Treatment may lasts from 6 months to 2 or more years.
- Tooth decay.
- Discomfort during treatment.
- Irritation of mouth and gums caused by appliances.
- Difficulty in chewing or speaking during treatment.
