Orthodontic dental procedures are aimed at straightening your teeth when there are problems such as:
- Crooked teeth.
- Over or underbite.
- Missing or protruding teeth.
- Too much space between teeth.
- Crowded teeth as well.
But the end result of these dental procedures is not just a correction of the condition of your teeth. It also improves and preserves your great smile.
Why go in for Orthodontics?
Everybody knows a smile is one of the best features for a face. But sometimes bad teeth can cause ugly smiles too. So why get self-conscious about this when there is a vast range of orthodontic treatments available? Orthodontic treatment can help people of all ages and address a whole bunch of issues that can impact your smile adversely.
Comprehensive treatment
Orthodontics, as a branch of dentistry, is all about the correction of teeth and jaw and their positioning. On the aesthetic aspect, such treatment leaves the mouth looking pleasant and healthier too. This treatment may have cosmetic benefits also but is a very ‘serious’ branch of dentistry.
An orthodontist will undertake proper treatment only after:
- Examining your medical and dental history.
- Taking models of your teeth and bite patterns.
- Dental X-rays and special photographs of your mouth and so on.
What kind of treatment?
Depending on your mouth’s condition and the problem areas, a dentist can go in for:
- Braces of various kinds.
- Aligners which have the added benefit of being invisible.
- Retainers and removable appliances.
- Sophisticated header and jaw repositioning appliances too.
Each method will have its own set of precautions to follow and they will have an average time frame after which you can expect a perfect smile. So do take the time to understand all aspects before embarking on the specified treatment path.
Timeframe
Preserving your smile needs the investment of time as well. It is realistic not to expect immediate results. Some orthodontics dental procedures can take even up to 2 years to show results. Some products like invisible aligners will also need periodic visits to your dentist who will monitor your progress and change the aligners. Each set of aligners will have to be worn for a specific time before being changed.
You may also have to follow a specific dietary schedule so your braces or orthodontic devices are maintained in good condition for a long time. In some cases, your dentist may recommend the use of soft bristle brushes or interdental toothbrushes and so on.