The Basics of Orthodontics

 

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that involves correcting and maintaining the proper position and alignment of teeth, jaws and other aspects of your mouth. It is an extremely effective and affordable way to achieve a healthy smile that boosts confidence and relieves anxiety.

 

The best time to start orthodontic treatment is during your child's growth years, from 8 to 20. This is when most of the permanent teeth have erupted, but their jaws are still growing. If you wait until adulthood, it can be more difficult to get orthodontic treatment as there are fewer appliances available.

 

Incorrect bites and jaw problems can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, as well as a higher risk of jaw joint disorders like TMJ. If a jaw joint disorder is not treated, it can lead to serious medical conditions that can have an impact on overall health.

 

Having crooked or misaligned teeth can also be problematic when it comes to chewing and speaking. Having to strain to chew food can cause pain and discomfort, and may even make you self-conscious in social situations.

 

Straightening your teeth can also improve your sleep if you have sleep apnea or another condition that relates to a misaligned jaw. When a crooked jaw interferes with airflow, it can obstruct the natural flow of oxygen, which is critical for sleep.

 

Your North West Las Vegas Orthodontist will conduct a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of your malocclusion, or dental misalignment. This will include a consultation, dental and medical history examination, study model (castings/bite impressions) and panoramic X-rays.

 

Once an accurate diagnosis has been made, your orthodontist will begin the planning phase of treatment. This will involve developing a treatment plan that takes into account your specific dental needs and desired goals.

 

A detailed treatment plan will include a description of the procedure, how long it will take, and how many appointments you should expect to have. It will also include the cost of your treatment and what insurance companies generally cover.

 

During your braces Las Vegas treatment, you will need to visit your orthodontist on a regular basis for adjustments to your appliances. You should also floss regularly to remove any leftover food particles between your teeth.

 

Avoiding decay-promoting foods and drinks during your orthodontic treatment is crucial to achieving a healthy and beautiful smile. This includes avoiding sugary snacks, desserts and sodas. You should also try to eat foods that have low glycemic indexes and are rich in nutrients.

 

Your dentist will also recommend that you brush your teeth after every meal, especially before bedtime and 30-45 minutes after a food or drink that can promote decay. Additionally, you should use mouth tape to help prevent nighttime mouth breathing and keep bad bacteria at bay during your treatment.

 

The best thing you can do to keep your teeth and braces clean is to brush and floss before and after meals. This will reduce the amount of plaque that is trapped in the brackets, wires and other orthodontic appliances. You can get more enlightened on this topic by reading here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthodontic_indices.