Orthodontic treatment is the third most common dental treatment in the United States. Over 9 million individuals in the United States receive orthodontics treatment every year. A significant amount of this number belongs to Tennessee. However, it is pertinent to mention that orthodontic treatment can be costlier.
Although some insurance plans can cover orthodontic treatments, it is still important to find a good dentist who can offer effective and long-lasting solutions. Therefore, you must visit a highly reputed Dental clinic Memphis, TN. They have teams of highly professional and experienced dentists who excel in providing a wide array of dental services, including orthodontic treatment.
Signs that you might need orthodontic treatment
Orthodontics is a separate branch of dentistry that emphasizes diagnosing and treating malocclusion, also known as bad bites. Malocclusion is a condition when teeth don’t align properly, i.e., the lower and upper teeth do not fit properly.
Following are some common signs that you might need orthodontic treatment.
- If you notice huge gaps between your teeth, crookedness, or receding gums, you must consider visiting an orthodontist. They can help you close those gaps and regain the correct structure.
- If you have crooked teeth, brushing and flossing can be challenging, which can lead to plaque, tooth decay, and other dental problems.
- If one of your upper jaw teeth overlaps with one of your lower jaw teeth, it’s called an overbite. While slight overbite is not much of an issue, severe overbite can lead to different oral health problems in the future.
- Crossbite is a condition in which one of the upper teeth crosses behind one of the lower teeth. If not treated in a timely manner, it can lead to asymmetric jaw growth and may require surgery.
- If your bottom teeth overlap with your upper teeth, you have a condition known as underbite, which can lead to difficulty chewing, speech problems, and various other issues.
- If you have speech issues, it may indicate that your teeth and jaws are out of alignment, and you may need to see an orthodontist.
- Another sign that you may need to see an orthodontist is pain while chewing on solid food, which may indicate an alignment issue.
Some common orthodontic treatment
While orthodontic treatment includes many procedures to cure several malocclusion conditions, the following are some of the most common ones.
- Braces: Braces use bands, brackets, and wires to shift teeth into the right position. While the process is gradual and may take some time, the efficacy of the process also depends on the patient’s condition and the type of braces.
- Clear aligners: Aligners are more popular alternatives to braces. They use custom-made, clear aligner trays instead of wires and brackets to realign teeth. However, they are required to be switched over a certain time as they shift teeth into the proper position over time.
- Retainers: A retainer is a device used after orthodontic treatment, i.e., after your braces or aligners are removed. Retainers hold your teeth into the correct position so that they do not drift back to earlier positions.
- Palate expanders:
Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of orthodontic treatment
Like any other medical procedure, orthodontic treatment has pros and cons. However, it is safe to say that the disadvantages are rare and outweighed by the benefits. The following are some advantages of orthodontic treatment.
- Your teeth gain proper alignment.
- It becomes very convenient to clean your teeth.
- It becomes easier for you to chew and talk.
- Reduced risk of cavities, plaque, and various other gum diseases
- Orthodontic treatment can reduce the pain of Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders.
The biggest downside of orthodontic treatment is that if you do not complete the entire course of treatment, your teeth will again drift to a misaligned position. Therefore, following the treatment guidelines thoroughly and being patient is advisable.
