A Beautiful Smile For You

The very thought of Orthodontics often conjures up photographs of buck teeth engrossed in steel and cables. That may have been the look many years ago, but things are a lot different these days. So let’s take a closer look at the subject of straight, beautiful teeth.

Most people are familiar with Orthodontics. In simple terms, Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that involves the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of problems caused by teeth that don’t fit together correctly.

Changes in the position of the teeth are typically achieved through the use of fixed or permanent braces. Another related subject is Dental Orthopedics, which changes the size, shape, and relationship of the bones of the face and jaws.

This therapy establishes the correct foundation upon which to position the teeth through Orthodontic treatment. Orthopedic treatment is accomplished with removable appliances (resembling retainers) that put gentle and continuous, even pressure on the jawbones, thereby encouraging them to grow correctly.

By promoting proper growth and positioning of the bones, the teeth then have enough room for appropriate Orthodontic positioning. In 80-90% of cases, it eliminates the need for extraction (removal) of healthy permanent teeth.

Each of these two therapies addresses different problems. Ideally, they are used in conjunction since Orthodontic treatment does not create more space for the teeth on its own, and Orthopedic surgery is not very useful for aligning teeth.

The two together can create harmony and balance that is stable and resistant to relapse, or re-crowding, of the teeth. The quickest and best results are obtained in children when started in Orthopedics before the permanent teeth eruption.

If the correction is completed early, the permanent teeth have an opportunity to come into the mouth close to their ideal position, and in some cases, Orthodontic therapy is not necessary. Today, one out of every five Or tho patients is an adult. Orthopedics and Orthodontics are very active in adults.

A problem that can be brought about by “crooked teeth” is the inability to clean the teeth properly, leading to cavities and gum disease. Another problem is the “destructive bite” where the teeth don’t meet correctly, and the nerve may die as a result of the irritation.

Jaw problems can also be caused by the unevenness of the teeth putting undue stress on the chewing muscles and jaw joints. Braces can now be made of porcelain (the bracket portion), which now render them technically invisible.

The “Baroda Dental” has been eliminated as an obstacle to achieving a straight, beautiful, and healthy smile. If you’ve ever thought about this for yourself, there’s never been a better time than now to treat yourself to a lifetime of rewards.