Malocclusion is a disorder in which the teeth are not correctly aligned when the mouth is closed. Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that treats malocclusion. The term “orthodontics” is made up of two Greek words: “orthos,” which means “straight” or “correct,” and “dontics,” which means “teeth.” As a result, orthodontics refers to the process of straightening crooked teeth or malocclusions. Orthodontists are dentists that specialize in correcting tooth, jaw, and face placement. Los Gatos orthodontics can help straighten your teeth. The treatment can be cosmetic in nature, with the goal of improving a person’s appearance, but it also frequently tries to improve oral function.
Types of treatment done in orthodontics
An orthodontist can perform various types of treatments to fulfill the following goals:
- bridging significant gaps between teeth
- straightening the teeth’s tips
- crooked teeth straightening
- enhancing one’s capacity to speak or chew
- enhancing the gums’ and teeth’s long-term health
- preventing long-term severe tooth wear or trauma
- repairing a faulty bite
Treatment not only improves the appearance of the teeth, but it can also improve chewing and speech performance and, in some situations, help preserve teeth from damage or decay. The orthodontist uses various medical and dental equipment, like headgear, plates, and braces, to achieve these aims.
Benefits of orthodontics
Orthodontics provides many advantages over only improving one’s appearance. The following are some of the advantages of straightening your teeth:
- Self-esteem improvement
- Better chewing, as well as more precise pronunciation and speaking, are all benefits of improved dental function.
- Due to the accumulation of food particles between the teeth, the risk of dental caries is reduced.
- Overbites and malocclusions reduce the risk of gum damage and trauma.
Risks of orthodontic treatment
Failure to attain the desired outcome from therapy is one of the most critical hazards to consider in orthodontics. However, in the vast majority of cases, the therapeutic benefits outweigh the potential risks and drawbacks. The following are some of the dangers:
- Early tooth decay – This can happen if the areas around braces aren’t kept clean, and plaque builds up around a fixed brace, causing caries (especially if the diet is high in sugar).
- Tooth displacement – Root resorption, or the dissolving of the roots of the teeth, is a problem that can occur due to tooth movement and binding with braces.
- Gum support loss – Some people experience this due to wearing braces. Braces and orthodontic therapy can cause or worsen gum inflammation, putting you at risk for gum disease.
