Orthodontics in Armadale

Spacing issues

Excessive gaps between teeth, crowding, and other spacing issues can lead to a variety of dental health problems as well as impact your appearance and self-esteem. For example, big gaps or missing teeth can expose the gums, which makes them vulnerable to gum disease or prone to bacteria. However, crooked teeth can make brushing and flossing difficult. Orthodontic treatments can help in moving teeth into the correct position. This can also prevent problems caused by poor oral hygiene.

Malocclusion

Occlusion is the way your teeth align and fit inside your mouth, while malocclusion is the misalignment of your teeth and jaw. An underbite, overbite, crossbite, or misaligned teeth or midline can develop when your teeth are not properly aligned in your mouth. Such issues can make it difficult or uncomfortable to bite, eat, or chew. It can also cause speech difficulties, cosmetic concerns, and frequent inner cheek or tongue biting. Orthodontics treats malocclusions through dental braces, tooth reshaping, and oral surgery.

Protruding teeth

Protrusion occurs when the upper jaw seems more forward than the lower jaw, causing irregular bites and uneven tooth pressure. Severe tooth protrusion may alter your facial structure and jaw bone formation, as well as making it difficult for you to close your lips fully. Untreated tooth protrusion can cause jaw bone loss by putting too much pressure on teeth that touch over time. Most cases of protrusion may be managed with braces, but if the problem is too severe, your dentist may recommend tooth extraction.

Abnormal eruption

When a tooth appears through the gums in the wrong position, this is referred to as an “abnormal eruption.” The condition known as impaction can stop the tooth from growing. Before orthodontic treatment can start, a small oral surgery procedure may be needed to get the tooth out.

The most obvious difference between braces and clear aligners is their appearance.

Traditional metal braces are composed of archwires, brackets, and elastic ties. These parts assist in applying pressure on each tooth that adjusts them into the desired position. Dental braces can correct both mild and major orthodontic problems, which makes them an option almost always.

In contrast, clear aligners are made of clear plastic that makes them nearly invisible. They are custom-made so they can fit securely over your teeth, almost like a mouth guard, but not bulky. Each aligner gradually shifts the teeth closer to their final position. Small composite resin (tooth-coloured filling material) bumps are applied to some teeth. This is to help the aligner grab the tooth and move it properly.

The time length depends on the type of orthodontic appliance, the severity of your case, and other factors.

Realignment of teeth with dental braces may take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years for the majority of people. Your dentist will be able to provide you with an estimate of how long your braces treatment will take.

On the other hand, people who use clear aligners show results in less than two years on average, and it can take as little as six months. Obviously, each smile is unique, and depending on what you require, it may take more or less time.

Interested patients must be evaluated in order to be considered for clear aligners. There are usually tests and scans to get a clear picture of how the jaw is aligned, like x-rays and an oral examination.

While clear aligners can help most people in realigning their teeth, they cannot address all orthodontic issues and may not be the best option for everyone.

At Prospect Road Dental Surgery, we can help you understand if you are a good candidate for this kind of treatment. The best way for us to achieve this for you is to make an appointment at our dental office.