Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Your dentist may have discussed the benefits of having healthy well aligned teeth. Crooked and crowded teeth are harder to clean and maintain. This can result in tooth decay, gum disease, and lead to tooth loss. Other orthodontic problems can contribute to abnormal wear of tooth surfaces, inefficient chewing function, excessive stress on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth or misalignment of the jaw joints known as the TMJs. Treatment by an orthodontist can be less costly than the additional care required correcting dental problems that result from unresolved orthodontic issues.

Orthodontics corrects the malposition of teeth, and the way the upper and lower teeth close or bite together. In certain situations, orthodontic care is usefull to optimise future treatments with your dentist: implants crowns, bridges etc…

For most people, a beautiful smile is the most obvious benefit of orthodontics. There are many more… After your braces come off, you’ll feel more self-confident and your oral health will be improved.

Orthodontic appliances can be made of metal, ceramic, or plastic materials. They may be removable or they may be brackets bonded to the teeth. By placing a constant, gentle force in a carefully controlled direction, the appliances slowly move teeth to a corrected position.