How To Know If U Need Ortho TT

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws
that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not
fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are at risk of being
lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, and cause
extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches,
TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are
crooked or not in the right place can also detract from one's
appearance.
The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a

more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a
lifetime.
A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists

receive two or more years of education beyond their four years in
dental school in an ADA-approved orthodontic training program.
How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?

Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can
benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a
full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, plaster
models of your teeth, and special X-rays and photographs, an
orthodontist or dentist can decide whether orthodontics are
recommended, and develop a treatment plan that's right for you.
If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for

orthodontic treatment:
 Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper

front teeth lie too far forward (stick out) over the lower teeth
 Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth

are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back
 Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly

in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally
 Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front

and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together
 Misplaced midline— when the center of your upper front
teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth
 Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of

missing teeth or teeth that do not "fill up" the mouth
 Crowding — when there are too many teeth for the dental
ridge to accommodate
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, are
used to help move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of
the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the
teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will determine which
orthodontic approach is likely to be the most effective.
Fixed appliances include:
 Braces — the most common fixed appliances, braces consist

of bands, wires and/or brackets. Bands are fixed around the teeth
or tooth and used as anchors for the appliance, while brackets are
most often bonded to the front of the tooth. Arch wires are passed
through the brackets and attached to the bands. Tightening the arch
wire puts tension on the teeth, gradually moving them to their
proper position. Braces are usually adjusted monthly to bring about
the desired results, which may be achieved within a few months to
a few years. Today's braces are smaller, lighter and show far less
metal than in the past. They come in bright colors for kids as well as
clear styles preferred by many adults.
 Special fixed appliances — used to control thumb sucking or

tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by
bands. Because they are very uncomfortable during meals, they
should be used only as a last resort.
 Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth is lost

prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open
until the permanent tooth erupts. A band is attached to the tooth
next to the empty space, and a wire is extended to the tooth on the
other side of the space.
Removable appliances include:
 Aligners — an alternative to traditional braces for adults,

serial aligners are being used by an increasing number of
orthodontists to move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances
work, only without metal wires and brackets. Aligners are virtually
invisible and are removed for eating, brushing and flossing.
 Removable space maintainers — these devices serve the

same function as fixed space maintainers. They're made with an
acrylic base that fits over the jaw, and have plastic or wire branches
between specific teeth to keep the space between them open.
 Jaw repositioning appliances — also called splints, these

devices are worn on either the top or lower jaw, and help train the
jaw to close in a more favorable position. They may be used for
temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ).
 Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed to keep the

lips or cheeks away from the teeth. Lip and cheek muscles can
exert pressure on the teeth, and these bumpers help relieve that
pressure.
 Palatal expander — a device used to widen the arch of the

upper jaw. It is a plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth.
Outward pressure applied to the plate by screws force the joints in
the bones of the palate to open lengthwise, widening the palatal
area.
 Removable retainers — worn on the roof of the mouth, these

devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position. They
can also be modified and used to prevent thumb sucking.
 Headgear — with this device, a strap is placed around the

back of the head and attached to a metal wire in front, or face bow.
Headgear slows the growth of the upper jaw, and holds the back
teeth where they are while the front teeth are pulled back.

How To Know If U Need Ortho TT

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Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a

A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists

How do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for

 Overbite, sometimes called "buck teeth" — where the upper

 Underbite — a "bulldog" appearance where the lower teeth

 Crossbite — when the upper teeth do not come down slightly

 Open bite — space between the biting surfaces of the front

 Spacing — gaps, or spaces, between the teeth as a result of

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Fixed appliances include:

 Braces — the most common fixed appliances, braces consist

 Special fixed appliances — used to control thumb sucking or

 Fixed space maintainers — if a baby tooth is lost

 Aligners — an alternative to traditional braces for adults,

 Removable space maintainers — these devices serve the

 Jaw repositioning appliances — also called splints, these

 Lip and cheek bumpers — these are designed to keep the

 Palatal expander — a device used to widen the arch of the

 Removable retainers — worn on the roof of the mouth, these

 Headgear — with this device, a strap is placed around the

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