What is Orthodontics?
Author:Charles Hulsey
Orthodontics is a special branch of dentistry that focuses on the treatment of teeth and jaws that are misaligned. The word comes from the Greek words orthos meaning straight or proper, and odont meaning tooth. It is concerned with the treatment of malocclusions or improper bites. These may arise from tooth irregularity, problems with the jaw or both.
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What is Orthodontics?[/caption]You may seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons or for health reasons. Cosmetic reasons are usually due to feeling low self esteem due to the appearance of your mouth or smile. However more serious heath problems can include difficulties chewing, which can lead to digestion problems. Issues with the alignment of your teeth and jaws can also cause sleep and breathing problems such as snoring or sleep apnea.
In addition, some orthodontists work on reconstructing the entire face rather than focusing exclusively on teeth. Orthodontic treatment will depend on the diagnosis of the orthodontist after taking x-rays and molds. The treatment may include braces or other devices to realign teeth. In sever cases, surgery may be needed.
Some estimates say that more than half the US population has problems with misaligned teeth or jaws so orthodontics plays an important role. Contact your Orthodontist San Diego CA quickly and they will help you take actions to make improvements.
Five ways an orthodontist could help you and your children
Orthodontists are specially-trained dentists who can give you a better smile. They do this by bringing the teeth, jaw bones and facial profile into proper alignment.
Here are five ways they could help you or your family:
- Straightening your teeth to cut the risk of decay and gum disease
- Enhancing your appearance to boost your self-esteem
- Correcting protruding or misaligned teeth to get rid of speech problems
- Treating jaw joint difficulties known as TMJ
- Correcting jaw problems
An orthodontist will give you a full oral examination looking not just at the teeth but also at surrounding structures, jaw joints, facial aesthetics, muscular functions and speech patterns.
There are several options after this examination.
Sometimes - for example in younger children - it is too soon to do anything so they might advise coming back in a few months.
As the majority of a child's facial growth happens before age 10, early treatment can deliver results without needing to have teeth extracted and may mean less time with braces.
When most of the adult teeth have erupted, it is possible to re-align the teeth into the desired position.
Although you get the best results by going to see an orthodontist as early as possible they can help people of any age.
Contact your Orthodontist San Diego CA quickly and they will help you take actions to make improvements.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/dental-care-articles/what-is-orthodontics-6256390.html
About the Author
Charles M. Hulsey III,D.D.S.,M.S.
16787 Bernardo Center Dr. ,San Diego, CA 92128
(858) 999-3772
www.Leadingedgeortho.com
