There are different types of orthodontic treatments. Those types could include the use of braces, surgery to remove a tooth or teeth, surgery to remove the jaw of the patient and much more. Orthodontics are trained in very large areas of correcting teeth and jaw imperfections. The function of orthodontics is to give the individual a better quality of life. Something as simple as chewing food can be painful for people with jaw problems or teeth that are positioned incorrectly. Sleeping can be uncomfortable, also for individuals that have teeth that are not aligned properly. The reason for this is that they can not completely shut their mouths, so throughout the night, they are forced to sleep with their mouths open. This can be uncomfortable for many people who prefer to sleep with their mouths closed.
A huge type of treatment that orthodontists use is the application of braces. Below is a list of braces that can be used:
a. Fixed braces
b. Removable braces
c. Functional Appliances
d. headgear
Let’s take a look at the different types of devices. When it comes to the headgear, this type of appliance is used in order to keep the back teeth from shifting. Many times when an individual is wearing braces to fix the front teeth, the back teeth will be pressured to move in the same direction. Headgear worn at night prevents this from happening. When headgear is worn the patient can not eat or drink.
Fixed braces are normally used when a number of teeth need to be realigned. This type of appliance is made of metal and very sturdy. Fixed braces wearers are able to eat and drink while wearing this device. However, hard candy and sodas should be avoided. Removable braces are used for mouth imperfections that are not considered to be that serious. These types of braces should be removed while playing sports. A functional appliance is used to help position the jaw and teeth. It needs to be worn all the time. When it comes to this particular device it’s important that the patient follow all of the instructions that the orthodontist gives.
Another line of treatment that orthodontists participate in is jaw surgery. Another name for jaw surgery is orthognathic surgery. It consists of the act of realigning the jaw. If the jaw bone has an irregularity this type of surgery will most likely be able to fix it. This type of surgery in most cases greatly improves the person’s appearance. Orthodontics work hand in hand with oral surgeons to develop a treatment plan so that the work that the oral surgeon does match the expected outcome of the orthodontist. The changes that the patient may notice after this type of surgery are listed below:
1. Biting and chewing is much better
2. Jaw closure problems have been eliminated
3. Pain relief- caused by TMJ, etc
4. Speech problems greatly reduced or completely eliminated
5. Swallowing problems minimized or completely diminished
Some of the risks, however, that may accompany this type of surgery are:
1. Nerve damage
2. The need for a root canal afterward
3. Relapse
4. An infection appears
Before surgery, a patient may have to wear braces for a year and a half. This will help the patient’s teeth to prepare for surgery. After surgery the person may suffer from swelling and pain, however, this momentary and will eventually go away. Learn more here about getting braces with crowns and root canals.
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