Orthodontist: More Than Just Braces

Straightening your teeth means seeing an orthodontist but is that really all he or she does? Braces are one of the most common reasons for seeing out this specialist, but there are other reasons that would compel you to come in. Some have to do with preventative measures for small children. Others have to do with making sure that teeth don't move and stay in their current position.

Braces
Today braces are a popular choice for many patients and their orthodontist. Because of the effectiveness and the results that can be seen, they are placed on the teeth as soon as possible. The amount of time they need to stay on depends on the type of straightening being done, a person's bite, and the progress seen by the practitioner.

Braces can come with traditional metal wiring. These need to be adjusted at regular intervals to make sure that the teeth are continuing to move in the right direction. It can be uncomfortable to have the braces tightened, but is an important part of the process. Today people can also chose to wear Invisalign braces, which are clear and can be removed if needed. The molds changes as the teeth are ready for the next stage of movement.

Retainers:
Once the teeth have shifted it is possible to wear a retainer in order to keep them in place and prevent them from moving back. Also, if teeth are headed in the wrong direction a retainer can prevent them from continuing. An orthodontist evaluates an individual's bite and teeth and makes a decision about the effectiveness of a retainer. Retainers can be worn all the time (except when someone is eating) or just at nighttime while a person sleeps.

Bite Evaluations:
It can be uncomfortable if your bite is off. You try to close your mouth and it just doesn't quite fit together. It may be that the front row of teeth is too pronounced. It could be that the bottom teeth come under and over the top teeth. A specialist steps in and takes a look at what is causing the problem. For children around seven years old and older it is possible to take preventative action to keep the teeth and even the jaw from moving in the wrong direction.

Bite evaluations can also point out crowding of teeth in the mouth. It may be necessary to have a tooth extracted or removed in order to make room for the others. An orthodontist can perform this removal on his or her own. In some cases when wisdom teeth come in they are the reason that teeth begin to feel overcrowded. Their removal prevents the other teeth from pressing together and potentially overlapping.