In dentistry, there are different branches. And every branch has a specific role for the betterment of the patients. But, the thing is most the people don’t know about the branches and their roles. And thus, they don’t utilize the service when needed.
One of such branches is Orthodontics. Many people don’t know what exactly an orthodontist does. They know what type of dental issues an orthodontic treats.
In this post, we will help you know about orthodontics and the type of dental problems an orthodontist treats.
Dental crowding
When there isn’t enough room in the jaw to fit all the teeth, dental crowding happens. Due to crowding, the teeth twist, overlap, or stick out to squeeze in the limited space. When teeth get crowded, it becomes difficult to clean them, increasing the risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. Early falling of the primary teeth is the major reason for this dental problem.
For this, the orthodontists prescribe braces or Invisalign. Sometimes, they expand the jaw using appliances so that there is enough space for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
Dental spacing
Also known as gap teeth, spacing is a problem that occurs when there is too much space in the jaw and teeth are unable to fill all of the space. The reasons for dental spacing are genetics, too narrow teeth compared to the jaw, and prolonged habit of thumb sucking.
To fix the spacing issue, the orthodontists prescribe braces and Invisalign that closes the spaces tightly and strongly. After braces or Invisalign, retainers are prescribed because teeth tend to shift back to old places after treatment. A retainer prevents this movement.
Dental underbite
An underbite happens when the lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth, meaning the lower teeth are majorly visible during a bite. This happens when the upper and lower jaw grows at different rates. Due to underbite, people face chewing and speaking problems and even sleep apnea.
For dental underbite, orthodontists use special appliances to advance the jaw and upper teeth. And then, they prescribe braces or Invisalign to fine-tune the smile. If the condition is serious, orthodontists prefer surgery as the best option.
Dental overbite
Dental overbite is the opposite of underbite. In this, the top front teeth stick out too far in front of the bottom tooth. Due to dental overbite, there is excessive wear of enamel, making the top teeth more susceptible to injury. Sometimes, overbite leads to jaw pain or damages the appearance of a gummy smile. It’s a genetic issue.
The treatment for dental overbite depends on its severity. If the condition is mild or moderate, the orthodontists prescribe braces and Invisalign. But, if the condition is serious, they prefer surgical orthodontics.
These are just a few dental problems that orthodontists treat. There are many others.
In orthodontics, you will find some common treatments for different problems. But, this doesn’t mean you will assume and start the treatment all by yourself. No matter what the problem is, you should consult an orthodontist.