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Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites) to improve patients’ ability to bite and chew, care for their teeth, and increase esthetics.
Many problems can signal a need for Orthodontic treatment, including an overbite, overjet, underbite, crossbite, crowding, protruding teeth, extra teeth, missing teeth, or rotated teeth.
Your child must be referred to an Orthodontist by his or her “regular dentist”, or whichever dentist your child goes to for regular cleanings. A Pediatric Dentist will usually start looking at whether a child will need orthodontics or not around age 7 or 8, though your child may not actually be referred to an Orthodontist until a few years later, depending on the progress of your child’s development.
Some insurances cover part or all of Orthodontic treatment. It can be expensive, but the benefits well outweigh the costs in terms of functionality and self-esteem.
Straight, even teeth are easier to care for than crowded teeth. Proper bites are less likely to wear teeth down over time than malocclusions, which can cause uneven wear and even chipping or breaking of teeth. Edge to edge bites on front teeth, for example, can severely wear down the front teeth rather quickly.
It is very important to make sure your child or teenager takes extra time to properly care for his or her teeth during Orthodontic treatment. Braces and retainers can make it more difficult to brush and floss, while also making food stick to teeth more than normal.
Not keeping good hygiene habits during Orthodontic treatment can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, periodontal disease, overgrowth of gums, gingival recession, or bone loss.
It is especially imperative to keep regular cleaning appointments during Orthodontic treatment.
Read More About Oral Health for Pre-Teens and Teens
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