What Is Orthodontic Treatment: What You Should Know?

Orthodontics is a branch in dentistry that specializes in treating malocclusion. Malocclusion is a condition that leads to improper positioning of teeth when the mouth is closed. As a result, one’s bite is also affected. A person who specializes in orthodontic treatment is known as an orthodontist Milford CT.

In most cases, orthodontic treatment is a cosmetic procedure, but it also aims at improving one’s oral function. You can talk to our pediatric dentist Milford, CT, and help you out if you have a problem with the alignment of your teeth.

Why Undergo Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics Milford, CT, is performed to solve the following problems:

• Close wide gaps between one’s teeth.
• Align the tips of a patient’s teeth.
• Prevent long-term excessive trauma or wear of teeth.
• Improve one’s speech and chewing ability.
• Boost one’s long-term oral health.
• Straighten crooked teeth.
• Treat an improper bite.

Types of Orthodontics in Milford, CT

The above problems can be solved through various orthodontic approaches. The common approaches include:

Devices

Devices used in orthodontic treatment can be either removable or fixed. Fixed appliances are the most common ones. You can normally eat with these devices, but you will need to avoid some foods such as carbonated soft drinks and sticky foods. If you participate in contact sports, you may need to use a mouthguard to protect your devices.

Example of these fixed devices is given below.

Braces

Braces or sometimes referred to as traditional braces consist of wires, brackets, and bands. The braces move the misaligned teeth slowly to the correct position. The treatment takes several months to a few years. In the meantime, you will need to visit the pediatric dentist for checkups.

Fixed-space Maintainer

This device is used when a child loses his/her baby tooth. It prevents the other teeth from moving towards to left gap until the permanent tooth erupts.

There are also removable orthodontic devices, and they have become very popular in recent years. These removable devices are used to treat minor problems, but they can also be used to straighten the teeth. Examples of these removable devices include:

Aligners

Aligners are an excellent alternative for braces, and adults mostly use them. The aligners are virtually invisible to most people, and they can be removed when you want to eat, drink, or brush your teeth. These aligners are mostly changed every two weeks, and you can do it yourself. A great example of these aligners is Invisalign®.

Headgear

A headgear is used to slow down the growth of one’s upper jaw, keeping his/her back teeth in position and pulling the front ones back.

Retainers

Retainers are usually used after orthodontic treatment to prevent their teeth from moving back to the original position. Retainers can also be modified to help kids stop sucking their fingers. Permanent retainers are usually recommended, but removable retainers are also available.

Lip and Cheek Bumpers

These devices are specifically used to relieve the pressure of lips or cheek on one’s teeth.

Whatever treatment you have to go through, ensure to follow your dentist’s instructions to the letter. Also, maintain the oral hygiene of the highest level. You can talk to us if you have been searching for an orthodontics specialist near me. Our dentist in Milford, CT, is happy to help you.

Starting Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment usually starts when a kid is around 12 and 13 years. The permanent teeth need to be there before the treatment commences. If the kid doesn’t develop an orthodontic problem until later, the treatment can start then.

During the treatment, it is crucial to ensure proper maintenance of oral hygiene. If your oral hygiene is poor, the risk of developing cavities increases drastically. Additionally, soft drinks and sugary snacks should be avoided.

It is worth noting that you could get it as an adult if you did not get orthodontic treatment at a young age. The presence of clear aligners such as Invisalign has made it easy for adults to get orthodontic treatment. You can talk to us if you require this treatment in Milford, CT.

Big Smiles Pediatric Dentistry

We are a family-friendly pediatric dental clinic, and we are always ready to help. Kids who get dental services from our clinic are always happy with our friendly staff, plus we have entertainment for children.

We use the most advanced technology, and if you require a pediatric dentist open on Saturday, we are here for you. We have a team of experts trained in dealing with children with special needs. We are accepting adult patients, so you can get treated alongside your child. Book an appointment today.