The Complete Guide to Orthodontics: Treatments, Benefits, and Innovations

Dentistry is a specialized branch of medicine that primarily focuses on the teeth, gums, throat, jaws, sinuses, and other parts of your facial structure. Of all the super specialties, orthodontics is a revolutionary and rehabilitating branch, gaining momentum since it helps improve teeth alignment to enhance your bite and smile.

Specialists at the Fairfield, ME dental office offer orthodontic procedures to straighten your teeth, thereby improving your smile and overall oral health. 

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a super speciality in dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating improper or bad bite (malocclusion). The way your teeth align has an impact on your oral health, since it controls chewing and speech. By improving the alignment, and occlusion, orthodontists can greatly reduce your risk of oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and surface erosion. 

Who is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who is specially trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and jaw discrepancies. They help correct existing conditions and are skilled in detecting problems that may arise in the future. Orthodontists help enhance your smile, which is associated with good oral health. They play a crucial role in enhancing your overall well-being. 

What are the common orthodontic flaws? 

There are several types of orthodontic problems, including:

• Overbite 
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Overlapping teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Rotated teeth 

How does orthodontics benefit you? 

Orthodontic procedures are popular among millions irrespective of age and gender since they offer a variety of benefits. These include: 

• Aligning the teeth in a proper position, making them easier to clean
• Straightening the teeth can improve chewing and speech
• Easing or alleviating pain related to TMJ disorder
• Reducing your risk of oral issues like tooth cavities and gum disease 
• Improving your smile and facial aesthetics 

What are the common procedures involved in orthodontics?

Orthodontists offer a series of essential oral appliances that provide a unique function and address specific orthodontic concerns. These include the following:

Braces

• These appliances include fixed metal brackets and archwires that help shift your teeth into the desired position over time.

Clear aligners

• These are a series of clear, removable custom-made plastic trays that help shift your teeth to the desired alignment.

Retainers

• These are removable or fixed custom-made appliances that keep your teeth from drifting out of their proper position, after orthodontic treatment.

Palate expanders

• These are often used in children to widen the upper jaw, by creating extra space without the need for tooth extractions or other surgical procedures. 

Orthodontics serves as a specialized field within dentistry, pivotal in assisting patients to attain improved oral health and aesthetic harmony. This transformative practice enhances both dental function and overall quality of life.