What Is Orthodontics, Anyway?

You’ve heard the word 'orthodontics', but what does it mean, and how can an orthodontist help you? Today, our Grande Prairie orthodontists explain the basics of this dental specialty.

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty within the field of dentistry that focuses on treating irregularities in teeth (especially irregularities involving improper positioning, occlusion and alignment) and jaws.

Conditions such as overcrowded or crooked teeth, jaw misalignments, overbites or underbites can cause oral health issues and lead to severe problems with speech, eating and quality of life issues.

In these cases, orthodontists will recommend orthodontic treatment to slowly and gradually reposition teeth so they are straighter, leaving the patient with a more symmetrical smile.

Whether orthodontic problems arise as a result of genetic or hereditary factors, or as a result of bad habits or injuries, it is critical to treat them as soon as possible. Resolving problems with a "bad bite," gaps between teeth, or a misaligned jaw can reduce a patient's oral health risks, improve tooth function and appearance, and improve quality of life.

What are some common orthodontic treatments?

Depending on your orthodontic issue, your dentist or orthodontist may recommend one (or a combination) of these orthodontic treatments to help correct it:

Orthodontic braces
Headgear
Clear aligners
Removable appliances
Oral surgery
Retainer

To achieve proper results, each of these treatment methods will necessitate a three-pronged effort on the part of the orthodontist, the dentist, and the patient.

What are the benefits of orthodontic treatments?

People of any age can benefit from orthodontic treatment. If your teeth are positioned improperly or misaligned, your risk of gum disease and tooth decay increases.

Your teeth may also be more difficult to floss, which can lead to poor oral hygiene as you get older – which can negatively affect your oral and overall health.

Effective orthodontic treatments can:

Fix improper bites
Improve oral function (including speech and eating)
Straighten crooked teeth
Properly align your teeth and jaw
Close gaps between teeth
Ensure crowded teeth are appropriately spaced

How do I know if I need orthodontic treatment?

You may experience difficulty eating, chewing foods, or speaking if your jaw is misaligned or you have crowded, crooked, protruding, or missing teeth. If the problem is related to TMJ (temporomandibular joint) Disorder, patients may also experience pain, muscle tension, or painful symptoms in their jaw.

Your dentist may also review your dental history, or mention issues with your bite or jaw during a regular oral examination, and refer you to an orthodontist who can meet your needs by developing a custom treatment plan.

How long does orthodontic treatment take?

Because each patient is different, your orthodontist will estimate the duration of your treatment based on your specific case.

The severity of your orthodontic issue, your age, the treatment method used and other factors can influence how long your treatment will take. Generally, you’ll visit your dentist or orthodontist regularly for a period of months or years.

Adults typically require more time to treat than adolescents or children. Most people will have to wear orthodontic braces for about two years. Your orthodontist will give you specific instructions to help you achieve the desired results from your treatment.