Sometimes we have oral problems that cannot be cured by simply seeing a dentist, especially if you have issues with “teeth alignment” You need require the services of an orthodontist.
Orthodontics in Melbourne is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of both dental and facial irregularities by means of orthodontic appliances, namely braces. The condition is also known as malocclusion, which means “bad bite”
Malocclusion can either be hereditary or acquired. Hereditary malocclusion can be caused by overbite, too little or too much space between teeth, overcrowded or missing teeth. It can also be caused by skeletal growth problems, like an underdeveloped lower jaw. Other causes are abnormal jaw and face formations, like cleft lip. In such cases it is advisable to get treatment as early as possible.
Acquired malocclusion can be caused by thumb and finger sucking, tongue thrusting, pacifier or dummy sucking, trauma or premature loss of teeth. Medical conditions like enlarged tonsils and adenoids also cause malocclusion.
Whatever the cause, the condition needs to be treated at the earliest possible time. If left untreated these problems become worse. Crooked or overcrowded teeth are difficult to clean and maintain which in turn could lead to problems like tooth decay and gum disease.
How Does The Treatment Work
The teeth are moved into proper alignment by using constant gentle forces in a carefully controlled direction using orthodontics in Melbourne appliances.
There is a wide choice of braces available in the market today, from the traditional wire braces to invisible braces. Braces also come in two types, attached and removable. Depending on the extent of treatment you need, you can discuss your need with your orthodontist.
Recommended Age For Orthodontic Treatment
It is advisable to take your children to an orthodontist at around the age of seven, even if there are no visible issues. The reason behind this is that the jaw is still developing and any irregularities can detected earlier rather than later, thus avoiding more difficult treatment later on.
However age is not a restriction as far as orthodontic treatment is concerned. At present, one in every five adults is an orthodontic patient. Since the basic process involved in moving the teeth is the same in both adults and children, the treatment is successful at any age. The health of the gums, teeth and the supporting bones will control the prospects for improvement.
How Long Does The Treatment Take
It usually takes a longer time to treat adults than children. The treatment usually ranges between one to three years, depending on the age and the severity of the problem. Simple straightening can take as little as six months. Of course when you go to see your orthodontist, he will give you a “guestimate” of the treatment duration once he has examined you.
Once your braces come off, you will have to wear retainers to hold your teeth in place. If you don’t then the teeth will start moving back to their original positions and all that time, effort and money it took to get that smile will go to waste.
Orthodontic problems may lead to tooth decay, gum disease, and bone destruction if left untreated. Other problems include difficulty in chewing and digestive difficulties.
To make sure you get the right advice for your Melbourne orthodontics treatment go to Holistic Dental, one of the best in the field.
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