Orthodontics

What is an Orthodontist?

An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems. Using braces, retainers, and other devices, an orthodontist helps straighten a person’s teeth and correct the way the jaws line up.

Orthodontists treat kids for many problems, including having crowded or overlapping teeth or having problems with jaw growth and tooth development. These tooth and jaw problems may be caused by tooth decay, losing baby teeth too soon, accidents, or habits like thumb sucking. These problems can also be genetic or inherited.

So why would you go to the orthodontist?

Drs. Singh or parents might recommend it because they see a problem with your teeth or jaws. Or a kid who doesn’t like the way his or her teeth look might ask to see our orthodontist.

Orthodontics FAQ

• What is Orthodontics?
• How do I know if my kids and I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
• What is the earliest age to see an Orthodontist?

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that addresses with the diagnosis, prevention, interception and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws, and misaligned bite patterns. It can also focus on modifying facial growth. Orthodontic treatments involve different types of appliances used to slowly move teeth, and affect jaw’s growth by placing gentle pressure on your teeth and jaw.

How do I know if my kids and I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Here are some problems with your teeth that may require orthodontics:

• Overbite –The upper front teeth appear to stick out over the lower teeth.
• Crossbite –The upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed. There can be anterior or posterior cross bite.
• Deep bite –When your upper front teeth almost covered your lower front teeth.
• Open bite –There is a gap between the front lower and upper teeth when biting down. There can be anterior or posterior open bite.
• Spacing –There are gaps or spaces between teeth.
• Crowding –Dental ridge in your mouth does not have room for all your teeth.

However, only your orthodontist can correctly diagnose and decide which orthodontic treatment is right for you.

What is the earliest age to see an Orthodontist?

All children should have an initial evaluation with an orthodontist at the age of 7-10. This appointment is valuable to identify developing orthodontic issues or orthodontic issues that may already be present. By having so called “phase one treatment” in early ages will very likely to shorten the period for your children to wear braces later down the road.