Do I need braces?
Orthodontic treatment involves different appliances and devices to correct the bite and straighten your teeth. When teeth are aligned, they are also easier to clean. After your teeth have been moved into the proper position, a retainer will be used to prevent any future shifting.
People may need orthodontic treatment for different reasons.
- To correct crooked, crowded, or misaligned teeth
- Correcting a bad bite, or malocclusion, to address jaw pain or discomfort when chewing by properly distributing biting pressure to the correct surfaces.
- Improving oral health by making brushing and interdental cleaning easier
Options for Orthodontic Treatment:
There are different orthodontic appliances that can be used. Some are used to correct how the two jaws come together or expanding the palate, whereas others may straighten the teeth.
Traditional braces, with fixed brackets on each individual tooth, or removable clear aligners are often used to straighten the teeth. This treatment involves gentle pressure to move the teeth into alignment over time.
It is best to complete orthodontic treatment while a child is growing, because the bone is easier to adapt into proper alignment. Having treatment between ages 8 and 14 helps produce optimal results (ADA, 2024). Adults can also have orthodontic treatment, and the orthodontist will evaluate the bone and prognosis of treatment. In fact, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients is an adult (AAO, 2023).
Not correcting an abnormal bite could result in further oral health problems, including: (ADA, 2024)
- Tooth decay
- Gum disease
- Tooth loss
- Affected speech and/or chewing
- Abnormal wear to tooth enamel
- Jaw problems
Treatment plans for orthodontic treatment will vary based on your specific situation. For most people it takes 1 to 3 years to complete. After treatment, you will then wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new position.
Read More: Braces | MouthHealthy - Oral Health Information from the ADA
Leave a comment