Orthodontists are dental professionals who specialise in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw problems. They are highly trained and skilled in orthodontics (the branch of dentistry concerned with tooth alignment).
You may have seen them on television, but did you know that many orthodontists also provide comprehensive dental care for their patients? The best orthodontist Titirangi can be an invaluable member of your healthcare team if you need treatment beyond aligning teeth or repairing a malocclusion (bad bite). Here’s what you should know about working with a professional orthodontist:
Correcting Malocclusions
Most people have some degree of malocclusion, but it can be corrected by an orthodontist Titirangi who is an expert in dental care. Malocclusion is a problem with the alignment of your teeth, which can result in bite problems and pain during chewing. The most common types of malocclusions include:
- Overbite – when the upper front teeth overlap or extend beyond your lower front teeth when you close your mouth (also known as protruding)
- Underbite – when the lower front teeth overlap or extend beyond your upper front teeth when you close your mouth (also known as receding)
- Crossbite – when one side of the jaw grows faster than another side (usually top jaw outgrowing bottom jaw)
Bite Correction
A proper bite is important for your overall dental health. If you have an improper bite, it can lead to a number of dental problems including:
- Gaps between teeth
- Wear and tear on the teeth (tooth decay)
- Excessive wear on the tongue or gums due to improper chewing motion
Bite correction is a surgical procedure that is performed by an orthodontist. Bite correction surgery involves making small cuts in your gums, moving the jawbone, and repositioning teeth if they are too far apart or too crowded together.
This may require several visits to complete all necessary procedures before putting braces back on again after the surgery has healed up properly.
Enhancing Facial Profile
Orthodontic treatment can improve the facial profile. It can help with breathing and speech, as well as jaw pain. In addition, orthodontics is often used to correct a variety of cosmetic problems that affect the face, such as an underbite or crossbite. The result is an attractive smile and a more pleasant appearance overall.
Preventing Dental Problems
Dental health is often overlooked by patients, but orthodontic treatment can help prevent dental problems and improve overall health.
- Preventing Dental Problems – Orthodontic treatment helps to align the teeth, which can prevent future tooth decay or gum disease.
- Improving Overall Health – With proper alignment of the jaw, airways are improved and breathing becomes easier for those with sleep apnoea or allergies (especially sinusitis).
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment is a highly specialised field, and it’s important to seek out a professional who specialises in orthodontics. An orthodontist Titirangi will be able to offer you the best treatment options for your unique needs as well as provide information about how teeth can affect other aspects of your oral health such as jaw pain or headaches.
If you have questions about whether orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child, contact professionals today!