What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics refers to a group of treatments that improve tooth alignment and jaw position. By far the most common orthodontics treatment is braces.
Today's high-tech braces include small lightweight brackets, comfortable thin wires, and even heat-activated wires to minimize adjustments. You can also opt for clear aligners, which are a clear teeth straightening system without metal parts.
Orthodontics can straighten teeth but give you other advantages, too. When you have optimal teeth and jaw alignment, you can prevent serious issues like tooth decay, gum disease, neck pain, headaches, and speech problems.
When is orthodontics treatment necessary?
There are a variety of reasons that Dr. Kupelian might recommend orthodontic treatment, including:
- Spacing problems: gaps between your teeth
- Eruption issues: tooth eruption in the wrong positions
- Overbite: top teeth sit far outside the bottom ones with mouth closed
- Underbite: bottom teeth sit outside the top ones with mouth closed
- Open bite: top and bottom teeth don't come together with mouth closed
- Crossbite: some upper teeth fall inside lower teeth with mouth closed
- Crowded mouth: overlapping teeth or extra teeth
- Overjet: overly prominent upper teeth, often with a shortened jaw
Orthodontics isn't always just about straighter teeth. You may need orthodontics if you have obstructive sleep apnea or another breathing problem that's at least partially caused by a recessed lower jaw or other orthodontic issues.
What are the phases of orthodontics treatment?
There are three basic phases in orthodontics treatment:
Planning
During the planning phase, you'll work with Dr. Kupelian and the team to map out your treatment. This phase includes tooth impressions, X-rays, facial anatomy scans, and computerized treatment design.
Active treatment
During the active treatment phase, you'll wear braces or another type of orthodontic appliance. You'll typically visit the office for checkups and adjustments every six weeks or so. The active treatment phase duration varies by patient. For many, it lasts around 18-24 months.
Retention
In the retention phase, you'll no longer have braces on your teeth but you still need to maintain your results. Usually, this involves wearing a retainer. Retainers reinforce the new bone and teeth placement and discourage them from drifting. The retention phase can vary, but it often lasts for about the same amount of time as the active phase.
The only way to get optimal results from your orthodontia is by working closely with Dr. Kupelian and the expert dental team during all three phases.
Contact Armen Kupelian DDS, Inc. by phone or online scheduling to get the best in both general dentistry and orthodontics now.
