what is orthodontic medicine:overview
Osteopathic medicine provides all the benefits of modern medicine, and it also encompasses a number of holistic principals that have been passed down through generations. One such principle is the idea that disordered function in one area of your body can affect how you function in other areas of your body, especially as it pertains to teeth and jaw. This means that oral care is essential to overall health, and people who want a healthy mouth should consider getting into orthodontic medicine. What’s even better? Orthodontists help children avoid the mishaps caused by misalignments often found with crooked teeth, which can sometimes lead to missing out on developmental milestones such as sitting up without support or reaching milestones like speaking or using utensils at an early age. The result is a healthier, happier you and a smile that’s just right.
What Is Orthodontic Medicine?
Orthodontic medicine is the only field of dentistry that uses implants to help improve bone over small areas of straight teeth. Because orthodontists are trained in hand, they also make use of specialized instruments in order to treat patients’ crooked teeth. In most cases, underdeveloped or crowded teeth require extractions, a process that involves removing teeth with limited space or spacing compared to the surrounding teeth in your mouth. This leaves plenty of room for orthodontic treatment by way of the use of clear plastic aligners and wires.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works?
The use of braces to treat improper bone development is nothing new. However, whether you go to a traditional dentist or an orthodontist for correction, it’s important that your practice has a strong foundation in the scientific world of orthodontics. Doing no harm and doing as much good as possible are the main tenets to this field of dentistry. This means that orthodontic problems are more complex than those found in other fields, and doctors often have to consult with many specialists before a final treatment plan can be made. This means that you need to make sure that your dentist has a solid plan in place before you get braces. You should also make sure that you have someone with a strong background in orthodontics on hand.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
The most obvious benefit of braces is their ability to alter the appearance of one’s smile. Whether it’s bone-straightening or straightening crooked teeth, braces can help bring you out of your shell and feel more confident. For those who may not be able to get braces, orthodontic treatment also provides subtle but important benefits such as correcting bite relations, reducing jaw stress and improving facial alignment.
How Much Does Orthodontic Treatment Cost?
The cost of braces is often associated with the amount of money that one has, but it’s important to understand that braces aren’t necessarily out of reach for anyone. People who are on a tight budget can get braces at a discount through some programs, and people with more money can choose where they want to get their treatment plan. In all cases, the time and care invested in your mouth will pay off in the end.
What Are the Stages of Treatment?
There are two main stages to orthodontic treatment: the initial stage and the maintenance stage. In the initial stage, your dentist will align your teeth so that they are properly in place. This is usually done after a consultation, and your teeth will be ready for a proper fitting at this point. After that, maintenance is essential in order to keep your braces from losing their effectiveness over time. You should maintain them every day to make sure that they stay as straight as possible without any breakage or weakening of wire.
Who Is Orthodontic Treatment Right For?
Simply put, orthodontic treatment is reserved for people who have crooked teeth and need help with correct placement and function. Other considerations include:
- Are you a teen who needs braces? He or she may not have the best self-image, so it's important to focus on making sure that a slight shift in appearance doesn't lead to further isolation or social withdrawal. Make sure to get the help of your family and friends if you're having trouble with self-esteem.
- Do you have children? Parents should be sure that their kids are aware of the risks of not having straight teeth and proper dental care. But also make sure that you're familiar with the process of getting orthodontic treatment if your child does have a poor smile. Remember, your kids look up to you.
- Are you a parent? You may need braces someday, so it's important to know how they work and how much they cost before deciding to get them. If your child is struggling with his or her teeth, be sure to let him or her know that orthodontic treatment is available to help them live a more comfortable life.
- Do you have a condition that makes it difficult for you to eat? If so, orthodontic treatment could allow you to chew food in a way that's comfortable and healthy. Modern braces can be used to turn your mouth into the ideal device for chewing food, making sure that every bite is healthy and easy to digest.
- Are you uncomfortable because of issues with your jaw? Many people who have facial problems also deal with jaw pain or discomfort. Orthodontic treatment allows you to shift your bite and make sure that your teeth are properly aligned, which can make eating easier than ever before.
- Are you a sports enthusiast? If so, orthodontics can improve your performance on the field by giving you a wider smile and clear vision.
- Do you have difficulty breathing? Orthodontic treatment can correct any jaw misalignment that may cause issues with breathing.
- Are your teeth crowded? Teeth crowded with other teeth in the same area are just as difficult to chew as those that are too crooked. Both types come with their own set of difficulties, but orthodontic treatment is geared toward fixing problems in ways that relieve discomfort.
- Do your teeth have large gaps between them? Gaps in the teeth can look unattractive and make it hard to chew. Wearing braces helps to close up those gaps and improve your ability to enjoy a healthy bite.
- Are you an adult who feels that his or her smile is boring and that's why you don't like going out very much? If so, orthodontic treatment may be able to give you the smile of your dreams without any invasive procedures.
- Do you have a severe overbite or an underbite? Orthodontics is designed to correct such issues and make sure that your bite functions properly.
- Are you trying to make yourself look more beautiful? If so, orthodontics can boost the appearance of your smile and stretch your face into a more symmetrical form. It is important that you keep this in mind when seeking out treatment with orthodontics.
- Do you want to get braces for other reasons? There are many reasons why people can choose to have braces on their teeth, but remember that a few tips about orthodontic treatment might be helpful to you as well. For example, knowing what may happen if your braces slip may help you feel more comfortable with the process and make sure that you're not overly worried about the possible consequences.
- Do you have concerns about your appearance? One of the most common reasons to get braces early is to deal with appearance issues. In this case, it is important to discuss these features with your orthodontist so that you know what problems can be fixed and what issues are impossible for braces to correct. However, remember that no matter where you go for treatment, braces can always make a difference in how the world perceives your appearance.
- Are you ready for change? It's never too late to get orthodontic treatment and get excited about a new smile with great teeth that align properly and look amazing in pictures. But don't forget that lining up your teeth is just one part of the process. You should also seek out a professional who can fit your braces properly and keep you comfortable while wearing them.
- Do you have old wires or other pieces of orthodontic hardware? If so, it's important to get rid of this hardware before getting new work done. Braces are designed to move forward, not to stay in place as you change over time. By removing older pieces and starting fresh, you'll get the best results possible for your money and time spent on braces.
- Do you have a healthy bite? Before getting orthodontic treatment, it is important that you have healthy teeth and gums so that the treatment can be most effective. This does not mean that you have to have perfect teeth at the beginning of treatment. Simply avoiding problems with a healthy diet and brushing regularly can go a long way toward making sure that orthodontic treatment is an effective solution for you.
- Do you have a problem with your bite? A good smile relies on healthy teeth and gums, which means that you need to get a bite that's comfortable. If you are having problems with your bite, such as a tilted bite or crowded teeth, braces can help to fix the problem in ways that make it easier for you to eat and chew food properly.
- Do you want to prevent other problems in the future? As the teeth begin to shift during treatment, many people are dealing with dental problems that might not have been a problem otherwise. If you want your teeth and gums to remain healthy for as long as possible, it's important that you get braces and take proper care of them during treatment. This doesn't just mean cleaning or flossing, but following your orthodontist's instructions as well.
- Are you willing to invest time in your smile? You don't need to make major changes overnight. But most people who have braces spend several years living with them on their teeth before they get the smile they've always wanted. Many people find that they have to change their dental care routine and make other adjustments as well, such as eating different kinds of food. But the end result is worth all the time and effort, which is why it is so important that you have a good orthodontist to help you through it.
- Do you want to ensure that your teeth are strong enough? Braces can be used not only to improve your smile but to correct problems and make sure that your teeth are strong enough for everything you do. By strengthening each tooth during treatment, you can feel confident about your smile in ways that were never possible before. You'll also be able to chew food comfortably and enjoy a better bite from start to finish.
- Are you willing to wear braces all of the time? Some people have only one set of braces whereas others have to wear their wires and retainers every day. Braces can actually be adjusted so that they don't touch all of the time, but they may not fit as well and can be uncomfortable when they are worn. If you are willing to wear your braces at all times, this is a good sign that you are serious about improving your smile, even if your options aren't ideal from the start.
- Are you prepared for a long treatment process? You may not think about it until after treatment is complete. But when it comes down to it, orthodontic treatment can take years to complete successfully. As you approach the end of treatment, you're likely to feel more and more excited about the new teeth that will soon be yours. At the same time, you may start getting impatient and less happy each time that a new step is required. Be sure to have patience throughout your treatment period so that your smile looks great when all is said and done.
- Are you committed to keeping your teeth healthy? There are many people who have a great smile but whose teeth are not in tip-top condition because they are not ready or willing to take care of them properly. And it's not just about brushing and flossing, but also making sure that you see a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups. Good teeth are one of the keys to your success, which is why you should think about how serious you are about a healthy smile before getting braces.
- Are your teeth crowded? If so, this can make orthodontic treatment much more complicated, which means that you will have to consider whether your teeth can be spaced properly or if you need other types of treatment as well. In many cases, straightening out crowded teeth is all that is needed for a great smile in the long run.
- Do you want to keep your progress with you? As orthodontics develops, there are new options that can make your smile better by making it possible to still use braces even after they have been removed. As your treatment approach continues, you should be sure that you're ready for whatever it might be before taking the next step.
- Do you want brace appliances that work for your unique case? There are many different types of braces, and each one can help bring out different aspects of the smiling experience. If you are looking for an appliance that will give your smile a natural look over time, make sure that it's the right choice for you.
- Do you have a bit of cash to invest in your new teeth? If you are planning on investing in orthodontics, it is possible that you do not have much to spare. However, there are ways to make the process more affordable than you might assume. Investing money early in the process can help ensure that all of your costs are covered and that treatment gets done much faster as well.
- Do you want to keep the results of treatment? Over time and with good maintenance, there is a lot that can be done with braces to make them last for as long as possible. At some point, it's possible that wires may need to be replaced or other work will be necessary to keep them in good working order. Keeping track of these things can ensure that your teeth stay healthy and strong over the years, meaning that you can keep the smile you've always wanted for as long as possible.
- Do you want to fix problems on top of braces? Braces can be used for a lot more than just straightening teeth and making smiles beautiful. As your treatment progresses, it will become clear what additional work is needed to make sure that braces fit flawlessly and help you achieve all of the results you want. It's important to ask about everything related to your treatment plan so that you don't have any unexpected surprises later on.
- Do you have confidence in your orthodontist? If you're not sure whether you should be going to an orthodontist, this may be one of the biggest signs that you need braces ASAP. Braces are an expensive treatment option, so the last thing that you want to do is get them done by someone who isn't going to do a good job for you.
- Are you willing to engage with a respected organization? Orthodontists are professionals with decades of experience and professional certifications, making them much more knowledgeable than just about anyone else when it comes to developing a smile that's beautiful and as natural as possible. You should also be sure that they are members of an organization that is recognized by the community and has a good reputation.
- Are you willing to wear a retainer at night? Because braces can make your teeth wear out quickly, many people find that they need to take some time off from wearing them. If you are looking for a new retainer solution or have questions about which ones may work best in your particular case, speak up now.
- Are you willing to put up with pain? Braces can be uncomfortable at times, especially when it comes to small adjustments or moving around in the morning. Getting braces will likely require a significant amount of time and commitment, so it's important that you have the ability to tolerate discomfort. Most people can get through the rough spots just fine, but if you're more sensitive to pain, speak up before you go any further.
- Are you happy with your current smile? If this is the case, don't worry about braces too much. You can always see orthodontists for other options if initially they do not work out for you at all. But if braces are something that your teeth and smile need in order to look as good as possible, then it's worth pursuing.
The goal of bracing methods is to make your smile look as great as possible. And if you are serious about having a good smile, then it is time to start looking into braces and orthodontics in order to get started on the path to success.
-Do you want only the best treatment options? Cheaper braces may be tempting, but there are many reasons why you should consider the more expensive alternatives for getting a better smile. The good news is that braces can actually be quite affordable when you consider all of their benefits and work with a reputable doctor. The last thing that you want are damaged teeth because cheap wire was used in your treatment, so always choose the best quality products when possible.
-Do you want to avoid a lifetime of pain? Braces can hurt at times, but if you get orthodontics from an experienced practitioner, you will most likely feel moderate levels of discomfort the entire time. You should take care when wearing braces and use the right tools to make your mouth as comfortable as possible even while wearing something that usually isn't very comfortable to begin with.
-Do you want a better way to communicate? Because braces affect how a person talks and smiles, it is important for them to have the right dental experience. In many cases, people who have braces learn how to change their speech habits so that their teeth do not get in the way so much. It is possible to adjust quickly, but you will get better results if you start early on.
-Do you have any questions? Braces can take a lot of time and energy to get used to. As soon as you start your treatment, whether it's with an orthodontist or another solution, you will likely have a lot of questions about how it all works. When talking to a professional, be sure to ask about everything from the cost of braces to what changes people should expect during their treatment.
-Do you want to improve your bite? One of the most common orthodontic problems that people have is an improper bite. If your teeth aren't lined up correctly and you have a serious overbite or underbite, it will be very difficult to get proper dental care down the road. During treatment, it is common for people to have frequent adjustments or other changes, so get ready for some bumps along the way.
