What is Orthodontics?

When it comes to caring for your oral health, there are numerous services and procedures available to achieve results. From cleaner and whiter teeth to a straighter smile, patients have a variety of options. When you want a straighter smile, you tend to consider orthodontic services from a dental office you trust. But what is orthodontics, and how exactly can it help you reach the smile you want?

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the type of dentistry that helps correct teeth and the jaw when misaligned. When teeth are crooked, twisted, or bunched, they can become harder to care for. Along with oral care issues, they can also make eating and speaking properly difficult. Orthodontics will help to correct these problems. If left untreated, orthodontic problems can lead to more serious issues like tooth decay, gum disease, headaches, and pain in the neck and shoulders.

If you think you might need these services, talk to your dentist to go over your options. Your dentist will go through a medical and dental history while also taking x-rays to get a better look at your mouth.

How Do These Services Work?

What is orthodontics when it comes to the procedures? Different appliances work together to retrain the muscles of the jaw and shift the teeth into place. These appliances are either fixed or removable, and they help to create the desired result.

Fixed appliances include:

Braces- When you ask individuals “what is orthodontics,” they tend to think about braces. This tends to be the most common appliance when it comes to these services. Braces use brackets, wires, and bands to work teeth into the desired position. A dentist will make adjustments on a monthly basis until the teeth are in their proper place.
Fixed space maintainers- When a baby tooth falls out before it should, a space maintainer will help fill that gap before the permanent tooth erupts. This helps to prevent shifting and keeps teeth in their proper place as they grow.
Special fixed appliances- This type of appliance uses bands to help control problems from tongue thrusting or sucking the thumb.

Removable appliances include:

Palatal expander- This device helps to widen the upper jaw arch. This tends to work in the beginning stages of braces.
Retainers- These removable trays help to keep teeth in their proper place after braces or other devices.
Bumpers- Cheek and lip bumpers help alleviate the pressure put on the teeth from the cheeks and lips.

South High Dental

What is orthodontics? Find out by turning to the professional team at South High Dental. Our staff has the knowledge, training, and passion necessary to keep our patients smiling. Along with orthodontics, we also provide the following dental services: