Orthodontic care from an orthodontist is not just about achieving a straight, attractive smile; it is also about optimizing mouth function and overall oral health. In this review, we discuss how treatment from an orthodontist can help improve mouth function.
Mouth function issues are relatively common and can arise for various reasons, such as malocclusion, TMJ disorder, bruxism, a malformed palate, and missing teeth. These issues can impact how a person speaks, chews, and maintains oral health. These issues often exhibit distinctive signs and symptoms, making early detection crucial for effective intervention. Common ones include:
Patients should seek intervention from their orthodontist if they exhibit any of these symptoms for an extended period. There are effective orthodontic treatment solutions in almost every case.
Orthodontic treatment is more than just braces or clear aligners. A patient must go through several steps to fix issues that contribute to function-related problems. These include:
Early orthodontic care, often referred to as interceptive or pediatric orthodontics, targets children as young as seven years old. At this age, a child's mouth is still developing, making it an opportune time to identify and rectify issues before they become more challenging to manage.
Early orthodontic treatment typically involves the use of appliances like palatal expanders, early braces, or space maintainers. The exact treatment plan varies depending on the child's unique needs and their age. Regular check-ups with an orthodontist help monitor progress and make necessary adjustments.
Overall, early orthodontic care is pivotal in setting the foundation for improved mouth function. By addressing dental and jaw issues in their early stages, children can enjoy better oral health, enhanced facial aesthetics, and increased comfort when biting, chewing, speaking, and breathing.
Tooth extraction may sound daunting, but it is a strategic step in orthodontic treatment designed to create space within the mouth. It helps address overcrowding and alignment issues and allows for more effective braces or clear aligners treatment.
Spacers or separators are often used to maintain the space created by the missing tooth or teeth, or they may be used without tooth extraction. These small, unobtrusive devices are inserted between adjacent teeth. They help prevent drifting before braces or clear aligners treatment.
After the initial phases of early orthodontic care and potentially, tooth extraction and spacer use, the next steps in the journey toward improved mouth function often involve using orthodontic appliances like braces and clear aligners. Braces are one of the most traditional and effective orthodontic treatments. They consist of brackets attached to each tooth, connected by wires and bands. They apply controlled pressure to move teeth into their desired positions, addressing issues like misalignment, crowding, and irregular spacing.
Clear aligners offer a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. They consist of a series of removable, custom-fitted trays. They are nearly invisible, enabling individuals to straighten their teeth with minimal impact on their appearance.
The choice between braces and clear aligners depends on individual needs and preferences. An orthodontist will assess the patient's specific issues, treatment goals, and lifestyle factors to determine the most suitable option. In general, braces are recommended for patients with more severe alignment concerns.
After the completion of orthodontic treatments like braces or clear aligners, the final step in preserving optimal mouth function and a healthy smile often involves the use of retainers. These devices play a crucial role in ensuring that the results of orthodontic work endure over time.
Retainers help stabilize teeth in their newly aligned positions. Without retainers, there is a tendency for teeth to gradually shift back to their original positions over time. Orthodontists recommend wearing retainers for as long as possible to ensure the stability of the orthodontic results. Regular follow-up appointments with the orthodontist are essential to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments to the retainer.
If you or your child need orthodontic care to help improve mouth function, the appearance of their smile, and oral health, contact us today. We help patients achieve their ideal smiles with improved alignment, and we make the process fun and easy for individuals of all ages.
Request an appointment here: https://www.grandparkwaypediatricdental.com or call Grand Parkway Pediatric Dental at (832) 579-0960 for an appointment in our Richmond office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Richmond, TX.
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…
Teeth brushing is one of the most important oral hygiene basics, as it removes plaque from teeth. However, the toothbrush kids use can impact how effective this practice is. To optimize toothbrushing, parents need to find a brush that fits their child's needs. Fortunately, there are many options out there.A pediatric dentist can help parents…
Children brushing and flossing their teeth twice a day are important oral hygiene basics, but what about using mouthwash? Is it a necessary part of keeping their teeth healthy? While mouthwash is not typically included in the oral hygiene basics recommended by pediatric dentists, it can still offer several benefits when used correctly.One of the…
Anyone familiar with oral hygiene basics knows that pediatric dentists recommend brushing twice per day — once in the morning and once at night. However, you may not know why. Why is once not enough? After all, experts recommend flossing only once a day. How is brushing your teeth different? This article will explore why…
Everyone learns oral hygiene basics when young, but some details get lost over time. When the time comes, many parents need clarification about what type of toothbrush is best for children. This simple tool comes in many different forms, including a variety of sizes and bristle textures. You may wonder why there are so many…