Orthodontics involves the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of facial irregularities. These irregularities often result in “malocclusion” or problems with the way the teeth fit together. Commonly known is “bad bites”, orthodontic problems can affect your dental and general health, as well as your personal appearance.
We all know how important an attractive smile can be. When you smile with confidence, you look your best and feel good about yourself. As your teeth, jaws and lips become properly aligned through orthodontic therapy your self-image can improve. This is just one of the benefits however preventing further physical health problems are equally important.
If the teeth are out of position, they are more difficult to clean which increases the risk of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. If chewing is difficult then people may not eat the foods that they needed for good nutrition. If your bite is poor then extra strain may be placed on the chewing muscles, possibly causing pain and problems with your jaw joint. Speech impairment, bone destruction and chipped teeth may also result from orthodontic problems.
Orthodontic treatment can be beneficial and successful at any age. The fact is about 25% of today’s orthodontic patients are adults. The human body and its skeletal structure are not static, but change on a day to day basis throughout our lives. These changes in bone and tissue ultimately cause movement in our teeth as we grow and mature.
You may be pleasantly surprised to learn that orthodontics has undergone considerable technical advancement in recent years. New materials and techniques are being used to improve the comfort of wearing braces, reduce treatment times, and make braces less noticeable. Space age wires being developed through NASA are more resilient and offer many benefits. They are easier for the dentist to apply and require fewer wire replacements, which can reduce the number of visits to the office for adjustments.
Braces are also being made less visible. Clear or tooth coloured brackets (the portion of the braces bonded to the teeth) are gaining in popularity because they are less noticeable. There are even lingual braces available for people who want complete obscurity. These are applied to the inside surfaces of the teeth, and are completely hidden. There is also a completely clear Invisalign tray system that can be used, which is a virtually invisible way to improve your smile!
No two smiles are alike, and therefore no two orthodontic treatment programs are either. Typically active treatment times range from one to three years, and vary with the age of the patient, the degree of movement possible, and the severity of the problem.
If you suffer from the effects of a bad bite, schedule a visit to the dentist to see if orthodontic treatment can be of benefit. The dentist will assess the situation and determine which treatment options best suit your needs.
Orthodontic treatment is a good investment in your physical wellbeing.
Yours for better dental health,
Dr. Arvind Kataria D. D. S.
Oakville Dental 