what is orthodontics ?
If you’re feeling self-conscious and anxious about crooked or protruding teeth, you’re not alone. Not everyone has naturally flawless alignment, but thanks to orthodontics, you can!
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly.
Crooked teeth which do not fit together correctly are difficult to keep clean. They also can be at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and gum/periodontal disease. Extra pressure from crooked teeth can put strain on the chewing muscles leading to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder or back pain.
Teeth that are crooked and not in the right place can distract 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.
At octagon orthodontics, we love straightening smiles and we are dedicated to making you smile with confidence.
importance of orthodontic treatment
Correcting orthodontic problems is not just about cosmetics and improving self-confidence. There are very important dental health reasons too:
- Bad bites or malocclusions can cause difficulty when chewing and speaking
- Wearing away enamel on healthy teeth and putting excess stress on your gum tissue and surrounding bone
- Teeth that are crooked or overlapping are difficult to clean, which can put you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
how do you know if you need orthodontics?
One of our clinicians can determine whether you would benefit from orthodontics. Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, digital models of your teeth and/or special X-rays and photographs, our team can decide which orthodontic treatment is suitable for you. We work together with you to develop your customised treatment plan.
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
- Deep bite — when your upper teeth overlap or cover the lower teeth too much
- 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 centre of your upper front teeth does not line up with the centre 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 orthodontics 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.
If you feel you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment please call us today on 01494 513797 or email us at enquiries@octagonorthodontics.com