Straighter teeth and an improved smile are well-known benefits of orthodontics, but the benefits of orthodontic care are varied and critical to comprehensive health.
For National Orthodontic Health Month in October, Dr. Bahur stoneclinical assistant professor in the School of Dentistry, corrects common misconceptions about orthodontics and discusses why taking care of your orthodontic health is so important.
Q: What do orthodontists do? How does their job differ from that of a general dentist?
Bachour: The field of orthodontics focuses on straightening the teeth, correcting bite problems such as overbite and underbite, aligning the jaws and achieving facial harmony. Orthodontists are specialists in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and personal abnormalities.
All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists undergo an additional two to three years of specialized training after dental school to become experts in craniofacial growth and development, proper tooth movement, and orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning.
Q: Why is correcting misaligned teeth and jaws important to overall health?
Bachour: Aligning the teeth and correcting the bite can have many benefits. Overcrowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean. Aligning teeth can facilitate good oral hygiene and improve gum health. Some patients have bite problems that prevent them from chewing properly or that can lead to speech problems — correcting these problems can have a dramatic effect on function. In some cases, the teeth do not develop or erupt properly and may become impacted (trapped) in the jaws or cause damage to other teeth. In patients where the teeth contact too strongly or irregularly in the front, wear and damage to the permanent teeth can occur. Orthodontists can identify all of these conditions and intervene appropriately.
In addition to all the functional and dental benefits of orthodontics, orthodontic treatment almost always results in cosmetically improved teeth and a smile that can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Q: What tips do you have for people to take care of their orthodontic health?
Bachour: Start young! The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that children have their first orthodontic exam by age 7, or sooner if you notice a problem. Not everyone will need orthodontic treatment at this time, but an initial examination is important to check the growth and development of the teeth and jaws and identify and prevent developing or existing problems.
If you are interested in orthodontic treatment, it is never too late to see an orthodontist. Orthodontists treat patients of all ages. The number of adults undergoing orthodontic treatment has increased over the years. There are many cosmetic treatment options for adults, such as clear aligners and clear braces.
Finally, if you’ve had orthodontic treatment in the past, be sure to wear your retainers as directed by your orthodontist to best maintain your results. Teeth can shift throughout life, so retention is a lifelong process. If your teeth have shifted and you would like them straightened again, your orthodontist can perform a re-treatment to bring them back into position.
Q: Many people associate orthodontists with their experiences with braces many years ago. How has orthodontics changed in recent years?
Bachour: Orthodontics has seen tremendous changes in recent years. Technological advances in the field have ushered in an era of improved diagnostic accuracy, virtual treatment planning, and personalized treatment options. For example, intraoral scanning and 3D printed models have largely replaced the dark impressions of the past. And while previous treatment options were mostly limited to metal braces and some bulky devices, today there are many treatment options. In addition to metal braces, clear aligners, clear braces, and lingual braces are some of the options available today.
Q: What kind of research and clinical work are you doing at the U of M to advance the field of orthodontics?
Bachour: My research and clinical interests are in digitally guided orthodontics. I believe precision orthodontic care is the way of the future and my research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of emerging orthodontic technologies. As orthodontists, we have many new tools at our disposal for patient care. My research aims to critically evaluate these tools to provide physicians with information that can be directly translated into clinical care.
Bahur stone, DMD, MS, is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. Dr. Bachour joined the Department of Orthodontics at the University of Minnesota in 2022. She continues to practice orthodontics in the community.
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About the School of Dentistry
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry advances health through scientific discovery, innovative education, and the highest quality care for all communities. As the state’s only dental school, the School of Dentistry educates the next generation of oral health professionals and is a five-state resource for dental education and consulting. Of Minnesota’s practicing dentists, 72 percent are dental school graduates. Through its clinics, the School of Dentistry also receives more than 156,000 patient visits each year. Learn more at dentistry.umn.edu.
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