Orthodontic Dentistry and Dentofacial Orthopedics
Orthodontic dentistry is more than just a way to straighten teeth; it’s an essential part of overall oral health and function. Crooked, misaligned teeth and bites not only impact the appearance of a smile, but they can also lead to increased wear and tear on teeth, difficulty chewing and speaking, and other serious dental conditions.
While general dentists, or family dentists, have a broad scope of practice and are qualified to treat many dental issues, there are some problems that require more specialized training. This is where orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics come in. Orthodontic treatment involves a combination of braces, retainers and other appliances to align teeth and correct the bite. The success of orthodontic treatment depends on the skill and diligence of the orthodontist as well as the patient (and parents, if applicable) in following instructions and keeping appointments.
Some people think that they should wait until their children have all of their adult teeth to visit an orthodontist, but it’s actually important to visit an orthodontist for a consultation before the age of 12. This is because orthodontists are trained to see potential issues with a child’s jaw and tooth development and can make recommendations that will prevent future problems, like overbite, underbite, or crowded or overlapped teeth.강남교정치과
Most people are familiar with traditional metal braces, which consist of brackets that are affixed to the front of each tooth and wires that run through them. These wires apply gentle pressure to the teeth over time, moving them into their proper position. There are different types of braces, including self-ligating brackets that use small elastic bands to help close gaps between the teeth, and clear or ceramic brackets that can be less noticeable.
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Other orthodontic appliances include removable retainers, which can be used to treat certain minor issues, such as preventing thumb sucking or helping to correct slightly crooked teeth. They can also be useful in reducing the effects of clenching or grinding the teeth, and can be especially helpful for patients with an impacted or missing tooth, as they allow the orthodontist to remove the impacted or trapped tooth before attempting to repair it with surgery.강남치과
For more severe orthodontic issues, headgear may be necessary. This is a horseshoe-shaped appliance that attaches to bands on the upper back teeth, with the rest of the device wrapping around the head. The orthodontist will add tubes to the bands on the upper teeth and connect them to the headgear, which can be removed when eating, drinking and playing sports. This type of device is most often used on teenagers, but can be effective for adults as well. Most dental insurance plans cover orthodontic appliances, including braces and clear aligners such as Invisalign. You can purchase a dental plan through your employer, or you can go through the health insurance marketplace to select a private individual or family plan that offers dental coverage. Be sure to read your dental plan documents thoroughly to understand what is and is not covered, as there are sometimes exclusions.