Know about various orthodontic cases, different correction methods and how the treatment works

1. WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC
TREATMENT?
Know about various orthodontic cases and how
the treatment works

2. Orthodontic treatment involves moving
or straightening teeth so that they look
good and function properly.
They spread the pressure evenly
when you bite down on something and
sustain the health of your teeth in the
long run by preventing toothaches and
other oral problems.

3. When Do You Need Orthodontics?
Once you consult your dentist, they will
check your dental and medical health,
perform an X-ray, and determine if
orthodontics is required and what your
treatment plan should be.
The following list includes cases when
dentists recommend orthodontic
treatment:

4.  Open Bite: extra space between the teeth in
the front or the side.
• Under Bite: when the entire front row of
teeth sticks out either because the upper
teeth are too far back, or the front row isn’t
properly aligned.
• Cross Bite: if the top row of teeth doesn’t
slightly cross over the bottom row if you bite
down normally.
• Deep Bite: when the upper front teeth
stick out (also known as buck teeth).

5. • Crowding: occurs when there are too many
teeth on the dental ridge, and there isn’t
enough space.
• Misplaced Midline: in some cases, the
center of your upper and lower rows of
teeth may not be aligned.
• Spacing: gaps between your teeth due to
some missing teeth, teeth that are too small
for space, misaligned teeth, etc.
• Transposition: a switch in position
between two of your permanent teeth.
• Rotation- when your tooth grows at an
angle, it is known as a rotated tooth.

6.  How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Dentists use fixed or removable methods
objects to align your teeth properly and
to ensure that your muscles and jaw
don’t get negatively affected.
The extent of the problem with your teeth
will determine the method they choose.

7. Fixed-object methods include:
 Braces- braces combine bands with
wires/brackets. The bands are secured into
place around your teeth, and the bracket is
fixed into position on top of the teeth.
Wires are attached to the bands and pass
through the brackets. When these wires are
pulled tight, they encourage your teeth to
come closer together.
Depending on how damaged the position of
your teeth is, fixing them may take a few
months or even a couple of years.

8. • Fixed Space Maintainers- a space maintainer is
basically used to keep the space open for a baby
tooth that’s lost before its time before your
permanent tooth comes out.
During the procedure, a band is attached to the
tooth beside the empty space. A wire stretches out
from this tooth to the other end of the empty space
to keep it open.
• Other Fixed Objects- The last option for people
who can’t let go of habits like thrusting their tongue
or sucking their thumb. These objects are attached
with bands to your teeth and can be quite
uncomfortable, especially at mealtimes.

9.  Removable-object methods include:
• Removable Space Maintainers- they serve
the same purpose as the fixed ones, with the
only difference being that they are made of
acrylics that fit over the jaw and are
removable.
 • Aligners- these are an alternative for adult
braces. The aim is the same – to align your
teeth properly. The good news is that they
don’t include any brackets or wires and are
practically invisible. They also need to be
removed before you eat, floss, or brush your
teeth.

10. • Lip & Cheek Bumpers- if your lips or cheeks
are exerting too much pressure on your teeth,
your dentist may add bumpers to keep them
away.
• Jaw Repositioning/ Splints- these may be
worn on the top or bottom jaw to encourage
your jaw to align properly with your teeth. It is
recommended for patients with joint
disorders.

11.  Palatal Expander- this plastic plate is worn
over the roof of your mouth and is meant to
widen your upper jaw. Screws attached to
this plate are pressurized to open the palatal
area of your bones.
 • Headgear- this contraption involves a metal
wire or face bow in the front, and a strap that
goes around the back of your head. It slows
down the growth of the upper jaw and
encourages the front teeth to go back while
the back teeth remain in place.

12. • Removable Retainers- these are
worn on the roof of the mouth and
prevent your teeth from reverting to
their original position after they’ve
been properly aligned. This is known
as the “retention period.”
In rare cases, they may be used to
avoid thumb-sucking.

13. Few Questions
 Does It Hurt?
The appliances attached or worn over your
teeth may feel a bit strange, and your teeth
may experience a bit of discomfort while
adjusting. However, if the discomfort is too
much, your orthodontist can help you out
depending on the treatment selected for you.
 How Many Visits Does It Take?
Braces usually need to be adjusted every
month or every two months. Depending on
the seriousness of the condition, your dentist
will let you know about the frequency.

14.  Can Orthodontics Damage My Teeth?
While the treatment and appliances
themselves can’t damage your teeth, not
taking proper care of them can. No cleaning
your braces properly, letting food, especially
sugary stuff, get stuck in them can cause
plaque buildup and lead to long term
damage.
Make sure you are especially careful about
cleaning both your teeth and braces.
Your orthodontist will guide you on the proper
way to go about this.