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Orthodontics is the branch
of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are
positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do
not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean, are
at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and
periodontal disease, and cause extra stress on the
chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome
and neck, shoulder and back pain. Teeth that are crooked
or not in the right place can also detract from one's
appearance.
Orthodontic treatment can
help fix the patient's teeth and set them in the right
place. Orthodontists usually use braces and retainers to
set the patient's teeth. After a course of active
orthodontic treatment, patients will typically wear
retainers, which maintain the teeth in their improved
positions while surrounding bone reforms around them.
The benefits of orthodontic
treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing
appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a
lifetime.
Many different types of
appliances, both fixed and removable, are used to help
move teeth, retrain muscles and affect the growth of the
jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure
on the teeth and jaws. The severity of your problem will
determine which orthodontic approach is likely to be the
most effective. |
