A Simple Guide to Understanding Orthodontic Treatments

Maintaining good dental health is something that can be easily overlooked but shouldn’t be. Something as small as a toothache can quickly become immensely painful and the tooth may require complicated procedures to heal. Similarly, other common orthodontic problems are also overlooked because they aren’t initially painful or even noticeable. A good example is when teeth don’t properly align on both jaws. This doesn’t seem like a problem at first, but over time, there could be damage that causes injury to the gum.

In such instances, orthodontic treatment is required to correct the problem effectively. Depending on the issue, specialists may resort to different orthodontic treatment types, which can range from braces to surgery. Also, orthodontic treatment should be carried out as early as possible as adults may need to undergo treatment for longer. These are just a few facts to note and to get you up to speed with this type of dental care, here’s all you need to know about orthodontic treatment.

When do you need orthodontic treatment?

Several dental problems merit orthodontic treatment. Knowing what these are and how to identify them can be very useful as it may prompt you to visit a dentist sooner. These are the instances when you need such treatment.

• If you have an overbite or overjet, which refers to the overlapping of the upper teeth over the lower teeth either vertically or horizontally
•  If you have an underbite, which is the overlapping of the lower teeth over the upper teeth
•  If you have crooked teeth
•  If you have overcrowded teeth
•  If there is too much space between teeth
•  If there is a jaw misalignment that can affect the bite or cause an uneven bite
• If there is an injury to the gum due to underbite or overbite
•  If there is tooth decay or gum disease

What is are the different orthodontic treatment types?

There are 6 different orthodontic treatment types and you should be aware of these as they serve unique purposes.

• Fixed appliance: These are braces and are the most common types of appliance
• Removable appliance: Braces, but they’re removable aligners
• Retainers: Used to prevent teeth from moving back after braces are removed
• Orthognathic treatment: Surgery to reposition the jaw
• Orthodontic mini-screws: Help precisely control the movement of teeth during treatment
• Functional appliances: Used to correct the projection of teeth in those that are still growing

There are 8 common orthodontic problems

• Underbite

This is when the lower front teeth are too far forward past the upper front teeth.

• Overbite

This is when the bite between the upper front teeth and the lower front teeth results in partial or complete overlap of the lower teeth. As such, the lower front teeth may bite into the top or the palate.

• Overjet

This is when the upper front teeth are too far forward or the lower teeth aren’t far forward enough.

• Excessive spacing

This is when teeth are either lost to trauma or disease or simply fail to grow in, resulting in a gap.

• Open bite

This is when the upper and lower teeth do not properly come together in a bite. As such, there is a gap that is formed between the two.

• Crossbite

This is when too many of the upper teeth bite the inside of the lower teeth as opposed to the outside.

• Crowding

This is when there is a lack of space for the teeth. This can be due to large teeth or a small jaw.

Abnormal eruption: This is when the tooth emerges through the gum from the wrong place. In some cases, minor surgery may be required before the orthodontic treatment begins.

What are the orthodontic treatment benefits?

The most important benefit of orthodontic treatment is that it improves oral health. Misaligned teeth increase the chances of tooth decay and this causes a ton of problems, such as periodontal disease. These treatments improve your smile, which can make for a tremendous boost of confidence and also reduce gaps between the teeth, which is key for good oral hygiene. Further, orthodontic treatment benefits extend to reducing headaches, pain, as well as any clicking or popping sounds that may occur in the jaw.

How much does orthodontic treatment cost?

Orthodontic treatment cost is definitely a factor to consider and it is usually one that dissuades patients from availing care. This is because it can be quite expensive and the cost varies based

on the city you live in. Moreover, the cost varies based on the type of braces you opt for when getting orthodontic treatment. Here is a quick breakdown of average costs for easy reference.

•  Metal braces: Rs.39,100
•  Ceramic braces: Rs.54,450
•  Lingual braces: Rs.90,850
•  Invisalign: Rs.2,58,750

With a better understanding of orthodontic treatments and why they’re important, you now know to identify orthodontic problems before it is too late. Remember, even something as seemingly menial or non-intrusive as a minor overbite should receive care from a professional. The earlier this care is availed the better, as such problem can worsen with time. Moreover, the longer you wait without addressing these problems, the more painful and expensive it can be to treat them.

Your search for top orthodontists and dentists ends with Bajaj Finser Health. You can view a list of top dentists and orthodontists near you in your city. You can also book an online appointment or opt for an in-clinic appointment at your convenience. In doing so, you get access to exciting discounts and deals from empanelled healthcare partners. These benefits and others like it are just one step away.