Article written by Dr Martin Fine on Fine Orthodontist Sydney
You may be familiar with orthodontic treatments such as braces, but what is orthodontics? Orthodontics is a specialised branch of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. It involves the use of braces, aligners, and other appliances to correct misaligned teeth and jaws, aiming to improve both function and aesthetics. By aligning the teeth and adjusting the bite, orthodontics enhances oral health and contributes to creating stunning smiles, along with a more balanced, symmetrical facial appearance.
You aren’t alone if you’re concerned and self-conscious about protruding or crooked teeth. Orthodontics is not just for kids, and in fact, almost half (46%) of Australians have reported they would prefer to change their smile over any other facial feature.
What Does Orthodontics Involve?
Orthodontics usually involves correcting improper jaw and/or teeth positions. A person may have an underbite, overbite, crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, or jaw misalignment. These issues can cause problems including functional issues; such as excessive tooth wear and difficulty cleaning. Orthodontics can also serve cosmetic purposes if you desire a better smile.
In such instances, orthodontic treatments are called upon to change tooth positions in order to align them and to allow them to work better together. While certain kinds of orthodontic treatment can be efficient at any age, some issues are easier to correct at a younger age. Many orthodontists recommend that a first orthodontic assessment should occur around the age of eight years. During this first consultation, an orthodontist will screen for any issues where early intervention could lead to faster and easier treatment. Usually, no treatment is recommended at this age, but screening is necessary to determine which category your child is in. An early visit is also useful in any case, in order for your child to be more comfortable visiting the orthodontist (which is useful if treatment ends up being indicated at a later stage).
Common Orthodontic Problems
1 Antero-posterior deviations
Issues to do with the front-to-back ‘bite’ (or horizontal relationship) between upper and lower teeth is an anteroposterior deviation or discrepancy. An instance of such a discrepancy is an increased overjet; where your upper teeth are further forward than the lower ones. Another example is an underbite; where your lower teeth are further forward than the upper ones.
2. Vertical deviations
Front upper teeth that overlap the bottom teeth by too much can cause increased tooth wear over time. This type of bite problem can lead to other dental problems down the track. The opposite is also true – if there is a vertical gap between the top and bottom teeth (e.g., an open bite – where the teeth don’t touch) there can be long-term issues of uneven wear.
3. Transverse deviations
This type of orthodontic problem is often called ‘a crossbite’. A crossbite is commonly caused by issues relating to the relative width of the jaws. When the upper jaw is too narrow for the bottom, a patient will often subconsciously shift their lower jaw to one side (so they can at least bite on one side). Left untreated in a growing child, this sort of temporary shifting can eventually lead to asymmetrical growth.
4. Aesthetic Problems
A misaligned tooth might detract from an otherwise straight, pleasing smile. An orthodontist can realign the tooth easily and accurately. Alternatively, orthodontists can work with other specialists to plan more significant changes to the jaw, lips, or face.
5. Overcrowding
This common orthodontic problem occurs when there is insufficient space in the mouth to accommodate all the teeth in their proper alignment. This lack of space can cause teeth to overlap, twist, or get pushed to the front or back, leading to an irregular and often unsightly appearance. Crowding can complicate oral hygiene, making it more difficult to clean between teeth, which increases the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other dental problems.
6. Spacing
This condition can occur as a result of factors such as small teeth relative to the jaw size, missing teeth, or habits that affect dental development, like thumb sucking. Spacing issues can affect both smile aesthetics and bite functionality, potentially leading to difficulties in biting and chewing.
Orthodontic Treatment
The field of orthodontics provides numerous solutions to malocclusions (bite problems) and other cosmetic issues. Generally, your orthodontist will conduct a visual examination, create 3D models, and take x-rays to evaluate the precise nature of the discrepancy. Some of the common orthodontic treatments include:
1. Orthodontic or Fixed Braces
At the start of fixed braces treatment, an orthodontist will attach a ceramic or metal tooth bracket on each tooth. They will then insert a braces wire through every bracket. Your orthodontist will guide your teeth into appropriate alignment by adjusting the appliance regularly. Once the desired results occur, the orthodontist will remove the braces, and you’ll move to retainer wear to maintain your stunning new smile.
Whilst braces may look similar to how they always have, choosing an orthodontist who uses advanced orthodontics techniques will ensure that computer technology is used to ensure your treatment is as fast and easy as possible.
2. Clear Aligners (e.g. Invisalign®)
The newer, removable kind of dental aligner is transparent and can be applied to most cases that would otherwise have needed conventional braces. Invisalign® is one such brand available for orthodontists to use, and uses computer technology to pre-plan movements to as many teeth as needed. Clear aligners look and feel completely different to traditional braces. During clear aligner treatment, an orthodontist will provide a patient with a series of clear aligner trays (these are a little like thin mouthguards). There could be as many as 20-30 aligners making up a treatment series. The patient will wear each set of trays over the period of 1-2 weeks, to guide teeth into the new desired position
3. Other Appliances
There’s a wide array of other appliances that can assist with achieving various types of orthodontic treatment goals. For some orthodontic issues, an orthodontic lab will make your appliance by hand under direction of the orthodontist.