Orthodontics
A different dental experience
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on correcting the position of the teeth and jaw to improve function and esthetics. Orthodontics may be needed in a variety of situations, such as:
Maloclusion
Malocclusion refers to a misalignment of the upper and lower teeth, which can cause problems with biting and chewing.
Dental Crowding
Dental crowding occurs when teeth do not have enough space to fit properly in the dental arch, which can cause overlapping and misalignment of teeth. Crowding can lead to periodontal problems (gum problems) because the toothbrush cannot adequately clean between the teeth.
Cosmetic Problems
Orthodontics is also used to improve the appearance of the smile and correct cosmetic problems such as rotated, misaligned or protruded teeth.
Functional Problems
Dental misalignment can lead to temporomandibular joint (TMJ) conditions, which can cause pain, clicking and popping joints, jaw discomfort and headaches.
Respiratory and Speech Problems
In some cases, misalignment of the teeth can make lip contact impossible; patients in these cases may be mouth breathers, having negative consequences over time.
