Introduction:
Orthodontic treatment is done to straighten teeth and correct alignment in order to improve your smile and improve the functions of your teeth and jaw. Orthodontics can be applied to both children and adults.
A malocclusion may involve the alignment of your jaw, missing or crooked teeth or having too many teeth. All children should be evaluated before their bones are completely developed. The timeframe is from 12 to 14 years of age.
Diagnosis:
A panoramic xray will give your orthodontist a comprehensive view of your teeth, gums and jaw. He will then take an impression of your mouth in order to make a model that he will use as a guide throughout the process.
After evaluation your orthodontist will discuss treatment options with you.
Treatment:
If the malocclusion is extreme enough an extraction or some other surgical procedure may be necessary before and orthodontic treatment can begin. Otherwise your orthodontist will present the many choices and types of braces that may be right for you and how long you should expect to wear them.
Your braces will be attached to your teeth with the help of an adhesive material. You will need to be especially careful to brush and floss as recommended by your orthodontist and wear a mouthguard when appropriate while wearing your braces.
The last step in the process will be to wear a retainer just to make sure that the new corrections stay in place.