Orthodontists correct misaligned teeth and jaws for cosmetic and health reasons. Over half of the US population has bad occlusions, which can cause breathing problems and affect speech and chewing. Diagnosis is made through X-rays and molds, and correction methods include braces, retainers, and jaw surgery. Heredity, tooth decay, accidents, and injuries can cause dental irregularities. Early intervention in children is recommended for smoother and quicker corrections.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who works to prevent or correct misaligned teeth and jaws, which are called malocclusions or bad occlusions. A person can request the services of this specialist for cosmetic reasons as well as for health reasons. In addition to the insecurity and low self-esteem that dental irregularities can cause, they can also affect a person’s ability to chew and speak. Severely misaligned teeth and jaws can cause snoring, sleep apnea, and other breathing problems. An orthodontist is also instrumental in correcting the teeth and jaws in children born with cleft lip or cleft palate.
It is estimated that more than half of the US population has misaligned or uneven teeth and jaws. The severity and types of these bad occlusions differ in their presentations and include cross bites, open bites, over and under bites, and many more.
The techniques used by an orthodontist depend on his diagnosis. Diagnoses are usually made by taking X-rays and having the patient bite down on a mold to determine the specific alignment of their teeth. Correction methods might include braces, retainers, or other special devices to realign or guide incoming teeth. In severe malocclusions, the specialist may need to break the jaw bones and close the jaw so it heals in better alignment.
Dental problems that can cause an adult or child to seek dental services can be the result of many factors. Heredity, or dental problems that run in the family, is one of the main reasons. This may be due to the bone structure of the jaws, baby teeth being lost too early, or overcrowding of the teeth. Other reasons include tooth decay and accidents or injuries, all of which affect the structure of the mouth.
An orthodontist can prevent dental irregularities in children by conducting exams before any permanent teeth erupt. A child should ideally have their first visit with a specialist around the age of seven, especially when there is a family history of crooked teeth and malocclusions. Early intervention takes advantage of still-growing jaw bones and imminent eruption of permanent teeth and can make future corrections take effect more smoothly and quickly.
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