An orthodontist is a specialist in the movement of teeth and the guidance of dental, jaw and facial development (dentofacial orthopedics). They are uniquely trained to identify problems that may lead to future health issues like gum disease or a large space between your teeth called a diastema.

Orthodontists also help transform smiles by straightening and aligning teeth. This is achieved by using metal braces or clear aligners.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

When you’re visiting a new doctor, it’s normal to feel nervous. Especially when it’s something as important as your child’s orthodontic care. But if you take a deep breath, remember that the first consultation is just a fact-finding mission and there are no commitments at this point.

During the appointment, staff will review patient information including medical and dental histories and personal details. They’ll also collect a series of photographs and X-rays to gain a full understanding of your child’s teeth, mouth and jaw structures.

Typically, a panoramic X-ray is taken, which gives a view of the entire mouth. They may also use a cephalometric X-ray, which shows one side of the head and upper portion of the skull. The images will be used in conjunction with a thorough exam of your child’s teeth and bite to determine if they require orthodontic treatment. The orthodontist will also make notes about the current condition of your child’s teeth.

Treatment Options

Orthodontic treatment is a great option to correct various dental hitches, including teeth crowding, crossbites, and improper tooth and jaw growth. It is also effective for improving a person’s general smile appearance.

One of the primary goals of orthodontics is to achieve proper occlusion, which refers to how well your upper and lower teeth fit together when you bite and chew. Having a healthy occlusion ensures that you can easily reach and clean all parts of your mouth, reducing the risk of oral health problems such as gum disease and cavities.

Orthodontists offer several treatment options for fixing misaligned teeth and jaws, such as braces, clear aligners, palatal expanders, headgear, and other devices. The best choice for you depends on the severity of your dental issues, lifestyle and budget. Cost is an important factor, but aesthetics should also be considered when choosing a treatment plan. For example, yearly materials and less noticeable braces can help you save money on treatment and maintain a more appealing smile throughout the duration of your care.

Braces

Braces apply constant pressure over time, gradually shifting your teeth and bite into better alignment. This can correct a number of issues, including crooked teeth, overcrowding, or an open bite.

The main components of traditional braces are small brackets that are bonded to the front side of each tooth (usually stainless steel) and a wire that is connected to these brackets. There are also ligatures, small rubber rings that help to hold the arch wires in place. These are usually changed at each adjustment appointment. There are also self ligating brackets that don’t require ligatures but these are less common.

The arch wires help guide the movement of your teeth and can be made from a variety of materials. Today’s wires are much more flexible and comfortable than those of a generation ago, but they still need to be regularly tightened to create the desired results. If a wire becomes broken, contact your orthodontist immediately.

Invisalign

Invisalign is an alternative to braces that uses clear plastic aligners to shift your teeth into place. It is generally less noticeable than traditional braces and can be used for adults as well. However, it is not appropriate for everyone. You may require another treatment method to address more serious alignment issues.

Crooked teeth and misaligned bites can affect your speech, causing lisps or other speech impediments. Invisalign shifts your teeth to their optimal positions, helping you speak clearly and confidently. It also improves the aesthetics of your smile and enhances facial symmetry.

Your orthodontist might use rubber bands in conjunction with your clear aligners to speed up and improve your treatment. These are known as elastics, and they put additional pressure on the teeth to help correct an overbite. Often, we will use them on the upper and lower canines or on the lower molars. Depending on your unique situation, we might decide to use them in other places as well.