Orthodontics is a field in dentistry that deals with assessing, treating, and preventing irregularities in the tooth and jaw known as malocclusions. Orthodontics restore your brilliant smile, correct misalignment and disproportionate relationships in the jaw and improve dental health and functionality. While the field originally focused on treating children, today nearly 30% of all orthodontics patients are adults. Indeed, a person of any age can enjoy successful orthodontic treatment.
Clearly, malocclusion is a condition that does not discriminate. Regardless of your age or general health, malocclusion can have a negative impact on speech clarity, chewing ability, and facial symmetry. Furthermore, severe malocclusions are associated with a variety of serious dental and physical conditions including digestive difficulties, TMJ, periodontal disease, and severe tooth decay. As such, early detection and management of malocclusions by Dr Cameron Torabi can save you future expensive restorative treatments.
What problems can orthodontics treat? CONTACT US FOR YOUR PROFESSIONAL CONSULTATION!
Orthodontics can treat a variety of dental problems such as over-crowding of teeth, over bite, under bite, crooked and misaligned teeth, TMJ problems and much more.
The most common irregularities treated include:
- Overcrowding – Among the most common orthodontic problems, overcrowding results when there is insufficient space in the jaw for adult teeth to grow and develop normally. Overcrowding may cause the displacement, rotation, or misalignment of teeth.
- Overbite – Characterized by the protrusion of the upper jaw (maxilla) over the lower jaw (mandible), an overbite causes the smile to have a “toothy” look while the chin appears receded.
- Underbite – Characterized by the protrusion of the lower jaw (mandible) in relation to the upper jaw (maxilla), an underbite is also known as a negative underjet. Generally the result of developmental delays or genetic factors, an underbite makes the chin appear overly prominent.
How can orthodontics help?
Orthodontic diagnosis involves the careful examination of your teeth through special x-rays, computer analysis and study 3D models of bite impressions to determine the exact cause of malocclusion. Once the dental issue has been identified, Dr Torabi relies on several advanced techniques to realign the teeth and revitalize the smile. For example, Dr Torabi may use fixed dental braces or removable appliances to correct the alignment of teeth.
Even the most severe cases of misalignment can be effectively treated with fixed dental braces. These braces include metal or ceramic brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an arch-wire which is attached to each of these brackets and gradually adjusted to gently realign the teeth.
Alternatively, removable appliances such as headgear, retainers, Invisalign® aligners, palate expanders, and tooth removers provide less intrusive realignment options. Each of these treatment appliances is associated with different outcomes:
- Headgears consist of a metal wire device attached to customized braces to realign teeth,
- Invisalign® is an advanced treatment option that is virtually invisible to the naked eye,
- Faceguards correct developmental delays in the maxilla and mandible, and
- Palate expanders are useful in fighting overcrowding.
Regardless of the particular irregularity or age of the patient, orthodontists are equipped with a wide range of tools to properly align teeth and create the most beautiful smile possible.
If you have any questions or concerns about orthodontic treatments or how they can benefit you, please contact our office.
(310) 481-0111