Orthodontic treatment is the process of straightening misaligned or crooked teeth. Orthodontic problems can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and an unattractive smile. An orthodontist is a dental specialist who can diagnose, prevent, and treat dental and facial irregularities. dental implants In Corpus Christi, there are many orthodontists who can help you straighten your smile. Here is a guide to orthodontic treatment and how an orthodontist in Corpus Christi can help you.
What is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a process of correcting dental and facial irregularities such as misaligned teeth, overbite, underbite, crossbite, and overcrowding. Orthodontic treatment can help improve the functionality and appearance of your teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatment involves the use of various dental appliances such as braces, aligners, retainers, and headgear.
What Problems Can an Orthodontist Treat?
An orthodontist can treat various orthodontic problems, including:
- Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned teeth occur when teeth are not in the correct position, leading to crooked teeth. Misaligned teeth can cause difficulty in chewing, speech problems, and self-consciousness.
- Overbite
An overbite is when the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth. An overbite can cause difficulty in biting, speech problems, and jaw pain.
- Underbite
An underbite is when the lower front teeth overlap the upper front teeth. An underbite can cause difficulty in biting, speech problems, and jaw pain.
- Crossbite
A crossbite is when the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth. A crossbite can cause difficulty in biting, speech problems, and jaw pain.
- Crowded Teeth
Crowded teeth occur when there is not enough space in the jaw for all the teeth, leading to overlapping or twisted teeth. Crowded teeth can cause difficulty in cleaning teeth, gum disease, and tooth decay.
How Can an Orthodontist Help You?
An orthodontist can help you in the following ways:
- Diagnosis
An orthodontist can diagnose your orthodontic problem and develop a treatment plan. The orthodontist will examine your teeth, jaws, and face, and may take x-rays or photos to determine the severity of your problem.
- Treatment Planning
Once your orthodontic problem is diagnosed, the orthodontist will develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. The treatment plan may involve the use of dental appliances such as braces, aligners, or retainers.
- Braces
Braces are one of the most common orthodontic appliances used to straighten misaligned teeth. Braces consist of brackets, wires, and bands that are attached to the teeth. The orthodontist will adjust the wires and bands over time to gradually move the teeth into the correct position.
- Aligners
Aligners are a clear, plastic, removable orthodontic appliance that is used to straighten teeth. Aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth and are changed every two weeks to gradually move the teeth into the correct position.
- Retainers
Retainers are a dental appliance that is used to maintain the position of the teeth after orthodontic treatment. Retainers are custom-made to fit your teeth and are worn for a specified period to prevent the teeth from moving back to their original position.
- Jaw Surgery
In severe cases, jaw surgery may be required to correct the orthodontic problem. Jaw surgery is usually performed in conjunction with braces or other orthodontic appliances.
