Everything You Need to Know About Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is relatively common. The purpose is designed to treat problems like overbite or teeth crowding. This will improve your smile and help boost your confidence. But before going through this treatment it’s common to have a few questions, let’s answer them for you in this guide.

How do You Know if You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

There are a few signs that you might need to consider orthodontic treatment. You might have difficulty eating or talking. Sometimes, you will find that your teeth don’t come together or your front teeth are crowded. Alternatively, there could be gaps between your teeth. Another common sign you require orthodontic surgery is that your jaw shifts position when you close it.

If you aren’t sure whether you are a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, you can consult with your dentist. They will examine your teeth and decide whether you can benefit from orthodontic surgery.

When to Seek Orthodontic Treatment?

Ideally, you should try to seek orthodontic treatment as soon as the issue presents itself. This is especially important in children. Often, around the age of 13, children will start to lose their baby teeth. This is when the need for orthodontic treatment will become more apparent.

At this stage of their development, their jaw hasn’t stopped growing. Since it isn’t yet fixed in position, adjustments will be easier to make. Often, the orthodontist will be able to rely on braces.

However, it is possible to perform orthodontic treatments on adults. The orthodontist might be able to use braces or removable retainers to make relatively minor adjustments. However, for more substantial problems they might need to turn to surgery.

What is the Purpose of Braces?

Most commonly orthodontic treatment will involve using braces. This will be used for correcting issues like an overbite or teeth that aren’t in the correct position. The purpose of braces is to slowly push the teeth back into the correct alignment.

What Does the Treatment Process Look Like?

During the first session, the orthodontist will try to get to know you, studying your mouth. Sometimes, they will want to take X-rays. They will also want to get to know your previous dental history. For example, you’ll take note of any crown work you had. Personal details, like your age, will also be noted.

This information will allow the orthodontist to form a personalized treatment plan. Every patient’s situation is unique. So, they will need to have a plan tailor-made to suit them.

How Long Will Orthodontic Treatment Last?

This is a common question. Unfortunately, there is no easy answer. It all depends on the patient. A relatively simple fix can be made in 12 months. At other times, it might take longer to correct the problems. Because of this, it might be 32 months before the treatment is complete.

Do You Need a Referral From a Dentist?

A common misconception is that you will need a dentist’s referral before you can visit an orthodontist. This is untrue. If you have concerns about your smile, or just want to see how it can be improved, you can book an appointment.