Orthodontics
Crooked teeth are a common problem. Studies report that up to70% of people could be helped by orthodontics in some way. Orthodontics helps with appearance of your teeth as well as there function. A nice smile helps us all socially while a good bite helps prevent broken teeth, grinding of the teeth, gum disease and wear on the jaw joints (Tempromandibular joints or TMJ’s).
A Quick Guide about How to Get Straight Teeth
Treatment involves applying small amounts of pressure to teeth to move them through the bone to a better position. This is achieved by the use of fixed or removable appliances which are custom designed and made for each patient. Some mild discomfort can be experienced for a short time after adjustments are made, but because of the light forces used with modern orthodontic techniques this discomfort is minimal.
Your dentist will need to establish that no other dental problems exist that could interfere with your treatment. They will also advise you on what you need to do to care for your orthodontic appliance. While side affects are not common your dentist or specialist orthodontist can supply you with a more comprehensive list of possible side effects and complications. This is important so that you can make an informed decision whether to proceed with orthodontic work after considering all the facts that are reasonably available.
To start the process your dentist will need to do an examination, to take X-rays and models of your teeth. They will talk to you about your problems and expectations and what treatments may be available to help achieve you goals. Time frames for treatment and the costs involved need to be discussed. The role of retainers after treatment is paramount in achieving long term stability of the orthodontic work and how this will be done has to be determined.
Types of appliances used include
Braces
This is the most efficient and accurate way of moving teeth. There are 3 parts to the system:
1) The bracket which allows the dentist to grip the tooth. These are made from metal or ceramic and are stuck onto the teeth
2) The wire is used to apply the force to move the teeth. Different sizes and types are used through the treatment. They are always made of metal.
3) Modules are very small elastic bands often used to hold the wire into the bracket. These can be clear but also come in a range of colours so you can have some decorating fun!
Expansion devices
If a child has a very narrow palate, which can lead to crowding of the front teeth, and an incorrect bite, expansion devices can be used to move both teeth and bone into the correct position. These can be either removable or fixed. 
To help overcome certain skeletal discrepancies removable appliances can be made which guide a person to bite in a way which guides boney development to help overcome bite problems
Removable Appliances
This describes a large range of devices that are used to rectify relatively simple problems with the bite or alignment of the teeth. They have several components depending on the treatment goals.
Retention Devices
These are used at the completion of treatment to maintain the position of the teeth. This is vital for long term stability of the corrected problem. Some devices are fixed and some removable, depending on the case requirements.
Full treatment can often take 18 to 24 months though some problems are fixed in a much shorter time. Discuss this with your dentist.
The cost can vary quite a lot depending on the difficulty of the case. Simpler cases can be as little as $1500 with more complex cases costing $8,000 or more. The cost and when and how payments are expected should be discussed with your dentist.
There is no age limit to orthodontics. Adults can easily have the benefits of straight teeth and a better bite.
In fact orthodontics in association with a little cosmetic dentistry can often give you that movie star smile that you’ve always wanted.
If you feel that your teeth could be straighter or that you would like to discuss functional issues that might apply to you speak to your dentist at your next check up. Or make a special appointment to help you smile today.
