An orthodontist fills a critical role when crooked teeth, bite dysfunctions, and other issues affect your smile. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth work, braces might be the right option. Having crowded teeth is another condition that you may struggle with. This can have both cosmetic and health implications. You can find success in overcoming this problem by wearing braces. Your dentist can explain to you how this treatment works and what you can expect from it.
When a person’s teeth do not fit properly or comfortably in their jaw, it presents a condition called crowded teeth. This can happen due to one of several factors. Some people are born with a smaller jaw, which does not allow for all the incoming teeth to fit well. A person may also have unusually large teeth, so they will grow in behind one another. Thumb-sucking as a toddler can also be a cause for crowded teeth. When a person loses baby teeth too early, it can lead to crowding issues in the mouth.
For decades, patients have gone to an orthodontist with misaligned teeth and crowded teeth. Braces have long been a common treatment. Traditionally, braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastic hands. The patient typically wears braces for two to three years. More recently, orthodontists have used ceramic instead of metal for braces. These are less noticeable in the mouth and are often preferable to patients.
The orthodontist will first discuss the treatment with the patient and caregivers when applicable. During this consultation, the dentist will make sure the patient understands the process. The patient should address concerns and ask questions at this time. The orthodontist will then take X-rays of the mouth and make impressions of the patient’s teeth. This enables the team to make the right treatment plan. It may be necessary to remove one or more teeth to create space in the mouth.
At a following appointment, the orthodontist will place the brackets and wires around and to the teeth. The elastics secure these in place. Using dental cement, the orthodontist will fix the brackets to the teeth. Wires go between the brackets. These put pressure on the teeth to move them into the proper places. Every few weeks, the patient will go into the office to have the elastics tightened.
Every patient is different and has unique needs. The severity of the crowded teeth will determine how long the person wears the braces. The orthodontist will closely monitor how effectively the teeth are moving and creating enough room in the mouth. Most patients will wear braces for at least two years. Once the treatment ends, the person will likely wear a retainer to keep the teeth in place.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Irving, TX
If you or your child is struggling with overcrowding in the mouth, help is available. You no longer have to be in pain or struggle with your smile. By wearing braces, you can make enough space for all your teeth. Make an appointment today to start your treatment.
Request an appointment or call Valley Ranch Orthodontics at 972-200-1016 for an appointment in our Irving office.
An orthodontist specializes in malocclusions, or dental misalignments, that affect the jawbone, teeth, or facial symmetry. If a dentist recommended you or your child for this dental specialist, you may wonder what to expect at the first appointment. While it is a relatively simple process, there are some differences in how the orthodontist and their…
Early interceptive therapy, also known as phase 1 orthodontics, is performed by a kids orthodontics and deals with the application of growth appliances, expanders, or partial braces, pending the complete eruption of the patient’s adult teeth. Phase one treatment is usually recommended for children when they are between 7 and 11 years old. The treatment…
Children who suffer from misaligned teeth and visit an orthodontist to help correct the problem may be fitted with dental headgear. There can be several reasons why this may be recommended, such as for the correction of protruding front teeth or irregular jaw growth. Parents who are told a child will require headgear may wonder…
Clear braces for teens are recommended when a dentist notices that your child is developing teeth or jaw alignment issues. The American Association of Orthodontists advises taking your child for orthodontic assessment once they reach the age of 7.At this point, their smile should be fully developed and developing issues can be detected. Appliances like…
An orthodontist specializes in malocclusions, or dental misalignments, that affect the jawbone, teeth, or facial symmetry. If a dentist recommended you or your child for this dental specialist, you may wonder what to expect at the first appointment. While it is a relatively simple process, there are some differences in how the orthodontist and their…