Braces and Orthodontic Treatment: Who and Why Use Them

Recent study shows that about three million Canadian and American teenagers wear braces, but they are not the only ones who need such devices – adults too receive orthodontic treatment. Who can use braces? While taking a child under the age of seven to an orthodontist may seem over the edge, according to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) 7 is a good age for the first orthodontic consultation. The reason to do that is because the orthodontist can take measures to prevent possible causes that lead to the necessity of braces for the future. Adults, on the other hand, may consult the orthodontist at any time since the will of correcting teeth and having a great smile does not know any age boundaries. The first orthodontic consultation refrains to a simple visual check of the patient’s denture and facial structure. If, by any chance, more evaluation is required, the orthodontist shall settle diagnostic records for the patient using x-rays, molds after the patient’s teeth and photographs of the face and teeth. According to the final interpretation of the gathered information, treatment is prescribed. Normally orthodontists do not ask for referrals from the general dentist, but should this be the case, the patient must provide such information after having decided over a good dentist to go to. Why are braces necessary? The main purpose of wearing braces is to move and align teeth in the ideal position for occlusion (how they bite together). Malocclusion describes bad alignment between upper and lower teeth. The reference points to describe malocclusion are the first molars and depending on how alignment is, there are three types of occlusion: Category A – known to be the perfect relationship between upper and lower teeth; Category B – also known as “over bite”. The first molar’s position is more towards the back of the back of the mouth, which makes the maxilla to appear forwards. There are two subdivisions of this class which describe how upfront the maxilla is, but the position of the first molar stays the same; Category C – “the under bite”. The mandible is the one protruding forward because the first molar’s position is closer to the front of the mouth. Patients with the ideal bite, however, may suffer from various forms of crowding or spacing. Either ways, braces are a necessity. Orthodontic treatment, for that matter, can correct not only the visible physical aspect of the teeth, but also: Sleep apnea because of snoring or mouth breathing; Speech impediments; Tooth decay; Gum disease; Difficulty eating or chewing; Jaw aches. Wearing braces improves facial structure and makes teeth and gums healthier, yet the self esteem that comes along with such improvements is not to be neglected.