The reasons for braces and orthodontic treatment vary from patient to patient. About 3 million American and Canadian teenagers have braces, with the number of adults starting orthodontic treatment steadily increasing. Your dentist will usually be the first person to mention orthodontic treatment and will likely refer you or your loved one to see an orthodontist for a consultation.
Who is a candidate for braces?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children should have their first orthodontic visit no later than age 7. While age 7 may seem unusually early to consider braces, this screening will give the orthodontist an opportunity to use preventative measures to potentially correct conditions that may lead to braces in the future and/or advise the parent about future orthodontic treatment planning. Adults seeking orthodontic treatment can consult their dentist at any time, as it is never too late to consider straightening your teeth.
The initial consultation with the orthodontist is usually a visual assessment of the patient’s teeth and facial structure, with a discussion to follow. If the orthodontist requires more detailed information or the patient agrees to begin treatment, then patient diagnostic records are obtained. These diagnostic tools, consisting of radiographs, models of the patient’s teeth, and photographs of the patient’s face and teeth, are used by the orthodontist to study and formulate a treatment plan to present to the patient. Although most orthodontists do not require a referral from your general dentist, it can be helpful to get one when it comes time to choose a dentist who is right for you.
Why you might need braces
Braces are used to move teeth into the ideal position and align the way they bite together, known as occlusion. Malocclusion is used to describe the misalignment of the teeth between the upper and lower dental arches, using the first molars as a reference point.
There are three different types of misalignment, defined by the corner classification method. Developed by Dr. Edward Angle, considered by many to be the founder of orthodontics, this classification method is widely used by dentists around the world.,,
Angle classification method
- Class I: It is considered the ideal relationship between the upper and lower teeth. There may be crowding or spacing with a Class I bite.
- Category II: Commonly known as “overbite”. The patient’s lower first molar is positioned further back than the upper first molar. The upper jaw is not necessarily prominent, the lower jaw may be prominent. Class II bite has two subclasses that also describe the position of the upper front teeth, but in both cases, the molecular relationship is the same.
- Category III: The patient’s lower first molar is positioned more anteriorly than the upper first molar. The lower jaw is not necessarily prominent, the upper jaw may be prominent. The mandible, or mandible, protrudes forward and is best described as “under biting.”
While some patients may have an ideal bite, they may suffer from varying degrees of crowding or spacing, another factor associated with a misaligned bite. Crowding is a condition that causes teeth to overlap, rotate and, in some cases, grow into the wrong position in the mouth, or in more extreme cases, cause the tooth to become trapped in the bone.
Crowding can occur because the dental arch is too small for the adult teeth or the adult teeth are larger than normal. Crowding can also be caused by the premature loss of primary or baby teeth or keeping them in the mouth longer than normal. These factors can inhibit the adult tooth, causing it to erupt or grow in the wrong position. Crowding makes it difficult to brush and floss properly, possibly resulting in tooth decay or gingivitis.
Alternatively, there may be varying degrees of spacing due to smaller teeth or jaw size. The most obvious example of a space is the space, a gap between the upper two front teeth known as a central, made famous by Madonna.
More than straight teeth
Misaligned teeth and an incorrect bite can affect more than the appearance of your smile. The following conditions can potentially be corrected with orthodontics:
- Speech impediments
- Jaw pain or TMJ
- Difficulty chewing and eating
- Sleep apnea caused by mouth breathing and snoring
- Grinding or clenching of teeth
- Gum disease and tooth decay
Patients experiencing any of the above symptoms should contact their dentist to determine the cause of their condition.
Aesthetics play an important role when it comes to deciding whether braces are right for you. Self-confidence can be improved for patients who are concerned about the appearance of their teeth or the shape of their face. Many treatment options are available to correct the appearance of your teeth and smile.
Talk to your Dentist
Healthy teeth and gums, improved facial structure, and enhanced self-esteem are just some of the many benefits of straightening your teeth with braces. To find an orthodontist in your area, visit the American Association of Orthodontists website or make an appointment with your family dentist.
