Types Of Orthodontic Treatment Near Me | What Is Malocclusion

Almost 60% of people across every racial and ethnic group in the United States have teeth that are out of alignment (maloccluded). If you're one of them, your dentist has likely recommended that you seek orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting malocclusion by moving teeth into their proper positions. Most people associate orthodontics with brace-faced middle schoolers, but there's a lot more to it than that.

Read on to learn about the conditions orthodontic experts can address, how orthodontic treatment works, and whether you could be a good candidate.

We now know that the field of orthodontics treats malocclusion, but what does that mean? Malocclusion is a general term that covers several dental problems, including:

• Crowded teeth
• Widely spaced or gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Anterior and posterior open bite
• Jaw misalignment
• Narrow palate



Straightening your teeth isn't just a cosmetic treatment. Along with improving self-esteem, orthodontics can also prevent jaw pain from TMJ and protect your teeth from future damage.

The most well-known devices used in tooth straightening are orthodontic braces. In their basic form, braces are composed of metal brackets that are glued onto the front of your teeth and connected by a wire running horizontally between them. Tightening the wire slowly pulls your teeth into alignment with each other over the course of 1-2 years.

Orthodontic braces can also be used in conjunction with other appliances, including:

• Headgear
• Herbst appliance
• Palate expander
• Orthodontic elastics

While the braces work on moving your teeth, these appliances bring your upper and lower jaw into alignment with your teeth and with each other.

FastBraces

One of the largest downsides of traditional braces is how slowly they work. In severe cases, patients may have to wear them for upwards of three years. Thankfully, FastBraces is a quicker alternative that can straighten your smile in as little as 100 days (just over three months).

This new tooth straightening system is similar to normal braces, but it uses fewer small brackets instead of putting a large bracket on each tooth. FastBraces can correct crooked teeth, spacing, and bite problems in a fraction of the time.

Invisalign

Traditional braces and FastBraces are both fantastic options for straightening your teeth, but what if you don't want it to be obvious that you're undergoing orthodontic treatment? Because we tend to associate braces with children, many adults and older teens feel this way. Thankfully, Invisalign clear aligners can give you the same results while being nearly invisible.

Invisalign is a series of clear mouthguard-like trays that fit over your teeth. Each tray in the sequence moves your teeth a bit closer to their desired positions. Most patients are done with Invisalign treatment in as few as 12-18 months.

Invisalign trays are removable, so you can take them out to eat and brush your teeth. For them to work properly, though, they still need to stay in for 22-23 hours per day.

Retainers

No matter which type of orthodontic treatment your dentist recommends, you'll likely get a retainer after it's over. Retainers keep your newly straightened teeth in place long-term. If your teeth only need minor correction, a retainer may be all you need to move them in the first place.

Retainers come in many forms. Many removable retainers are made of metal and acrylic and are molded to fit your upper palate. Others are clear plastic trays similar to Invisalign aligners.

Retainers can also be permanently fixed. Permanent retainers are thin bands of wire that are glued to the backs of your teeth. The main benefit is that you'll never have to worry about losing your retainer and having your teeth shift before you can get a new one.

Because children's skulls, jaws, and teeth are still developing, they're often considered the ideal candidate for orthodontics. Growing mouths are already adapting and changing every day, so they respond much faster to adjustments.

Even so, people from every age group and walk of life can benefit from orthodontic treatment. If you aren't sure whether you qualify, talk to your dentist to see what options would work best in your situation.

Orthodontics Can Transform Your Smile

Fixing misaligned teeth does more than beautify your smile. It can correct your bite, prevent jaw pain, and keep your teeth healthy for years to come. What's more, recent advancements in treatment mean you no longer have to see an orthodontics specialist to correct crooked teeth—your dentist may be able to straighten your smile themselves.



If you're looking for a "dentist near me" in Owings Mills, MD who offers orthodontic services, The Maryland Center for Complete Dentistry can help. Dr. Silverman and the rest of his excellent dental team can help you with all of your oral health needs, tooth straightening included. Contact us today or request an appointment online to get started.