Orthodontics

As well as treating miss positioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns, orthodontics may also address the modification of facial growth, known as dentofacial orthopedics.

A very common occurrence is abnormal alignment of the teeth and jaws. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, nearly 50% of the developed world’s population has severe malocclusions that require dental treatment. However, when medically necessary orthodontics are considered, the figure decreases to less than 10%. As far as the health benefits of orthodontic treatment are concerned, there is insufficient conclusive scientific evidence. There has, however, been a significant improvement in quality of life among patients who have completed orthodontic treatment compared to patients who have not undergone orthodontic treatment. Dental braces and other appliances are used to gradually adjust tooth position and jaw alignment during treatment, which may take several months to a few years. If the malocclusion is severe, jaw surgery may be incorporated into the treatment plan. In addition, pre-adult bones may be more easily adjusted before adulthood, so treatment usually begins before adulthood.

What Are the Signs I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

You may need orthodontic treatment if you have any of the following dental problems:

• Overbite – The upper front teeth appear to stick out over the lower front teeth.
• Underbite – The lower teeth appear too forward, while the upper teeth appear too backward.
• Crossbite – When you close your mouth, your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth.
• An open bite is characterized by a vertical gap between the front lower and upper teeth when biting down.
• Misplaced midline – Your upper and lower front teeth do not line up properly.
• There are random gaps or spaces between your teeth in this case. Your teeth don’t seem to fill your mouth.
• Crowding – When there is not enough room in your dental ridge for all your teeth, it causes crowding.