Technology has changed the way we approach many things, including dental care. Dentistry is one such segment that has experienced major breakthroughs in treatment approaches, promoting better oral health and making the dream of a perfect smile more attainable than ever.
As a field of study, dentistry has many specializations, each catering to a distinctive oral health concern or aesthetic goal. From preventive care to advanced cosmetic solutions, every area of expertise plays a vital role in promoting both functionality and the appearance of a healthy-confident smile. If there is one branch of dental care that has drastically changed for the better over the years with the help of technology, it is orthodontics.
Here is a complete guide to understanding orthodontics in dentistry, how it works, the role of an orthodontist. The types of treatments, suitable candidates, benefits, limitations, when to get an evaluation, cost, recovery, and expected results with orthodontics are also listed.
What Is Orthodontics in Dentistry?
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that assesses, diagnoses, corrects, and prevents misalignment of teeth and jaws. It exclusively focuses on perfecting a healthy bite while improving oral health and aesthetics. In dental terms, orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that diagnoses and treats “bad bites" (malocclusion). Orthodontic treatments enhance both the appearance and functionality of a smile.
The Role of An Orthodontist
An orthodontist is a doctor who specializes in performing orthodontic treatments. They receive two or three years of additional training to gain expertise in this field after graduating from dental school. They focus exclusively on improving a healthy bite and aesthetics connected to it. Orthodontists usually don’t perform general dental procedures like fillings, crowns, or bridges.
What Orthodontists Do?
An orthodontist diagnoses and treats dental malocclusions (bad bite) and oral cavity anomalies. They focus on personalizing treatments and designing appliances to help realign teeth and jaws and maintain normal function. Enhancing the aesthetics of one's smile by aligning the teeth or jaw is also a key role of what orthodontists do.
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatments?
Orthodontic treatments are for anyone who wants to perfect their bite or correct misaligned teeth, regardless of age. Specifically, it has transformative results for those who have crooked or crowded teeth impairing proper chewing and speaking abilities.
It is also the ideal treatment for anyone looking to address jaw disorders like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, which can cause tension and pain in the surrounding muscle tissue.
While almost everyone can benefit from orthodontics, some people may need pre-requisite or more specialised treatment than others. Nowadays, many also have turned to orthodontics for cosmetic benefits.
Children and teenagers benefit from early orthodontic interventions to guide jaw growth, whereas adults prefer these treatments for improving the appearance of their smile or for functional enhancement.
In general, anyone looking to enhance their smile's appearance or improve oral function can consider orthodontic care.
Who Can’t Get Orthodontic Treatments?
While most of the time, orthodontics are suitable for all ages, there are some conditions that can restrict one's eligibility to qualify for these treatments. Some of them include dental issues like excessive decay or gum disease. This is because placing orthodontic dental braces on diseased teeth can have a negative impact on one's oral health.
If you suspect you have cavities or gum disease, look for a dentist for treatment. Once the concerns for eligibility are managed, your dentist can recommend you to an orthodontist or any suitable treatment.
Some other issues that may restrict orthodontic care include:
Severe periodontal issues
Frequent dental infections
Insufficient jawbone structure
Poor oral hygiene
Having dental implants
What orthodontists do is focus exclusively on alignment and bite issues. They have gained specialized training to diagnose and treat these dental conditions.
When to Consult an Orthodontist
It is a good idea to consult your orthodontist anytime you feel concerned about the appearance of your smile, bite, and function of the teeth, or jaw alignment. More often than not, you can book an appointment without a referral. If not, you can ask your general dentist to provide a recommendation.
For kids and teenagers, it is best to ask your regular dentist to assess their condition and suggest if orthodontic dental braces or any other intervention is required. Orthodontists see children as young as five and above.
Here are signs you need orthodontic care:
Crowded or spaced teeth
Overbite or underbite
Difficulty chewing or biting
Teeth grinding or clenching
Early or late loss of baby teeth
Visible changes in facial structure
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
The field of orthodontics has advanced over the years, offering a wide range of treatments tailored to different dental concerns. Here are some of the most typical options:
Invisalign® Treatment
Invisalign® braces are a type of orthodontic treatment that uses clear, removable aligners to straighten teeth and enhance overall oral appearance and function.
The aligners are made using a clear plastic material that is nearly invisible while worn and are custom-built for each individual. This clear aligner or invisalign technology is designed as an alternative to traditional orthodontic braces, eliminating all the complications involved in managing brackets and wires.
When getting Invisalign® treatment, you will wear a series of aligners that gradually shift the teeth into the correct position.
TMJ Treatment
This is a type of orthodontic treatment that focuses on relieving pain and functional restrictions in the temporomandibular joint.
An orthodontist may use different techniques depending on the condition and the treatment approach it requires. Some of them include physical therapy, pain management strategies, dental splints, and lifestyle modifications.
TMJ treatments are done to restore normal jaw function, reduce discomfort when chewing or speaking, and improve the overall quality of life.
Jaw Orthognathic Surgery
This option is only recommended for severe jaw conditions when other first-line procedures have failed, do not give the expected results, or cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatments alone.
Jaw Orthognathic surgery is commonly recommended for disorders such as misaligned jaws, substantial overbites or underbites, facial asymmetry, and chewing, speaking, or breathing difficulties caused by jaw misalignment. It is performed by an orthodontist or an oral surgeon.
Benefits of Orthodontics
While orthodontics focuses primarily on aligning teeth to give a healthy bite and smile, these treatments offer a range of functional, aesthetic, and hygiene-related benefits. They are as follows:
Aligns teeth properly
Reduces TMJ pain
Lowers risk of cavity and gum disease
Promotes a healthy smile
Encourages proper oral hygiene
Improves chewing function and digestion
Enhances smile symmetry
Boosts confidence and speaking abilities
Limitations of Orthodontics
With the help of an orthodontist, it is highly possible to personalize treatments according to your unique dental concerns and desired results. There are certain limitations that may influence your decision to seek orthodontic care
Treatment Duration
As with any medical procedure, it is hard to specify the duration of orthodontic treatments. Some may reach their goal within a few months, while it can take up to two or more years for others. Treatment duration will significantly depend on individual circumstances.
Cost Considerations
The cost of orthodontic treatments will vary depending on the clinic, orthodontist, and insurance coverage.
Dietary Restrictions
Some orthodontic treatments have dietary restrictions. For instance, hard, sticky, and chewy food need to be avoided to prevent damaging orthodontic braces or aligners.
Compliance with Dental Requirements
The success of any orthodontic treatment relies on a commitment to instructions, such as wearing clear aligners or retainers for the specified duration.
Risk of Relapse
There is a possibility for relapse–the teeth to shift back to their original position when retainers are not worn. This is also why follow-ups are necessary to ensure the treatment offers sustainable results.
Effectiveness for Severe Cases
Complex cases with skeletal discrepancies or dental irregularities may not respond to first-line or less invasive oral treatments, necessitating orthodontic surgery instead.
Oral Health Risks
Poor oral hygiene like not cleaning braces or appliances properly can lead to cavities or gum diseases due to plaque buildup, delaying and affecting desired outcome with orthodontic treatment.
What Influences Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
Type of Treatment
The type of treatment your orthodontist recommends will have a significant influence on the cost. Generally, traditional orthodontic braces come at a lower cost, but they also have many drawbacks.
Complexity of the Case
Complicated or severe orthodontic issues may require more treatment approaches or additional procedures, which can add up to the cost.
Treatment Duration
The length of your treatment will decide the estimated cost. Longer treatment plans will result in higher costs and vice versa.
Location
The geographic region of a clinic and the cost of living in the location where you get your orthodontic treatment may have an influence on the cost. Generally, urban areas have a higher cost due to the proximity and ease of access.
Orthodontist’s Experience and Reputation
The best orthodontist in an area may charge higher due to the expertise, specialized training, reputation, and track record.
Initial Consultation Fees
Depending on the clinic, some may charge for the initial consultation, which can add up to the overall cost. Invisalign Center offers free consultation for orthodontic evaluations to help you explore the best treatment options for your dental needs
Payment Plans and Financing Options
The availability of flexible payment plans or insurance may affect the upfront cost and the overall affordability of the treatment.
Materials Used
The material used in orthodontic dental braces or aligners can increase or lower the cost of the treatment. Generally, premium materials will be more expensive.
Insurance Coverage
The type of coverage provided by dental insurance plans can lower the out-of-pocket cost for orthodontic treatments.
Additional Procedures
Depending on the condition of the teeth, some may require additional procedures like an extraction or orthodontic surgery before starting treatments, which can increase the overall cost.
How Does Orthodontics Work? Inside An Orthodontic Visit
Consultation and Diagnosis
First, the orthodontists will carefully evaluate your dental history and listen to any concerns. Then, they will perform a clinical examination and use diagnosing tools like X-rays and photographs to assess any issues with the teeth alignment or the jaw.
Treatment Planning
Once the diagnosis is done, a personalised plan is then developed. This will give an overview of the type of appliances or treatment approach needed, the estimated duration, and the cost.
Placement of Appliances
Depending on the treatment plan, the appliances are either bonded to the teeth or provided for the patient to use as needed. This is followed up with detailed instructions, dietary restrictions, maintenance, and a guide on what to expect during the treatment period.
Adjustment Visits
Your orthodontists will specify how often you need to make follow-up visits. Generally, this would be every 4-8 weeks. This helps them monitor progress, make necessary changes, or assess if any other orthodontic interventions are needed.
Retention Phase
Once the expected goal is achieved, the appliances are either removed or advised to be discontinued. Then, retainers are given to maintain the new tooth position or jaw alignment.
Follow-Up Care
Even during the retention phase, orthodontists will recommend follow-ups to monitor progress with the corrected alignment, ensuring long-lasting results.
Recovery After Orthodontic Treatments
After orthodontic braces or aligners are removed, some discomfort is natural as your mouth adjusts. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but consult your dentist for recommendations.
Wearing a retainer as prescribed is essential to maintaining your corrected bite and ensuring long-lasting results. Skipping it increases the risk of teeth shifting back to their original position.
Good oral hygiene, including regular good brushing and flossing, helps prevent plaque buildup. As for diet, start with soft foods, avoid sticky items, and gradually reintroduce harder foods.
