Orthodontics is a type of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaw alignment problems using devices such as braces, plates and head gear. Orthodontic treatment is often recommended to correct problems such as an overbite or protruding, crooked and crowded teeth.
Early intervention and treatment is often preferred since the process is usually quicker and easier. Orthodontic treatment is available to adults, but the teeth may take longer to align.
Common alignment problems
What orthodontic treatment involves
Risks of orthodontic treatment
Caring for your mouth with orthodontic treatment
The below problems should ideally be corrected in adolescence. Ask your oral health professional for advice on these conditions.
Overbite
An overbite is when the top teeth bite over the bottom teeth more than usual. In extreme cases, the edges of the lower teeth can also cut into the roof of the mouth.
How to check:
With your teeth closed, look at yourself in the mirror face on and check whether you can see your lower teeth. Normally you would expect to see about half of your bottom teeth. If you see less than half, you may have an increased overbite.
Protruding teeth
Protruding (‘buck’) teeth, is when the front teeth are positioned further forward than normal. A person with protruding teeth is more susceptible to tooth damage from accidents and may suffer from speech or eating problems.
How to check:
Look at yourself in the mirror from the side and see if there is a gap between the positions of top and bottom teeth.
Crooked, crowded and overlapping teeth
Crooked, crowded and overlapping teeth can cause a range of oral health problems, including:
- Dental caries (tooth decay) and gum disease – misaligned teeth are harder to clean, particularly if they overlap.
- Injury to the gum – instead of meeting with its partner in the opposing jaw, a misaligned tooth may sink into the nearby gum and cause injury.
- Wear and tear – the teeth of the upper and lower jaw are designed to fit neatly together. If they are misaligned, the action of chewing may grind the teeth unevenly.
- Jaw injury – A bad bite may place stress and strain on the jaw joints. This can cause localised pain, headaches or unusual clicking or grinding noises when the jaw opens and closes.
- Speech impediments – many sounds are made with the tongue against or near the teeth. Misaligned teeth or jaws can interfere with speech. For instance, a person with a particular type of bad bite may pronounce ‘s’ and ‘z’ sounds like ‘th’.
- Self-confidence – a person with a bad bite may feel self-conscious and be reluctant to smile.
The orthodontist or dentist will take detailed records of your teeth and jaws, diagnose the problem, plan the treatment and carry out the care.
The range of corrective orthodontic devices includes:
- Braces – tiny brackets are attached to the front of each tooth and wires are threaded through. The gentle and consistent pressure of the braces slowly moves and correctly repositions the teeth. The braces generally need to be adjusted by the orthodontist or dentist every month or two. Braces can be stainless steel, gold, silver, coloured or clear. In some cases, the braces can be fitted to the backs of the teeth where they can’t be seen.
- Headgear – if the teeth need extra pressure, headgear and bands may be worn. Basically, tensioned rubber bands are hooked to the braces and connected to a strap worn around the head, usually at night.
- Rubber bands – bands may be used on their own, looped from one tooth to another for additional force or to provide forces in specific directions.
Some of the risks of othodontic treatment include:
- Dental hygiene problems – braces and wires make cleaning the teeth more difficult. This can cause tooth decay, discolouration and permanent marks.
- Soft tissue injury – the braces may dig into or traumatise the gums and cheeks.
- Relapse – the corrected teeth may misalign themselves again, once the braces are removed. This risk is the most important reason why generally it will be suggested that retainer plates are worn after removal of braces.
It is very important that you clean your braces or plate every time you brush your teeth. Braces can act as a ‘plaque trap’, increasing the amount of plaque on your teeth, which can lead to tooth decay, tooth discolouration and gum disease.
Oral care is important because it will help keep your treatment time on course and might even help reduce it. Also, it will contribute to the long-term health of your teeth and gums.