WHAT IS ORTHODONTIC CARE (AND WHY IS IT IMPORTANT)?

Posted on 24 March, 2022 by Katy John

The word orthodontic is derived from the Greek word having two parts: “orthos” meaning straightening and “odons” meaning teeth. Both are combined to form the process of crooked teeth correction and to straighten them properly for better functioning for eating and talking with multiple other oral health benefits.  People usually confuse themselves between orthodontists and dentists. A dentist covers teeth cleaning-plaque removing, cavity issues, and other oral health issues. However, orthodontists work on teeth realignment and use different braces, Invisalign, and retainers for the treatment process.

When to See an Orthodontist?

A person with bites issues either the upper jaw exceeding the lower jaw or the lower jaw exceeding out, though in both the scenarios the risk of the breaking of the teeth is higher and resultantly, oral hygiene is also at higher risk. Compromising on our oral health can lead to severe other health issues also like back pain, headaches, pressure on the spine, and a few others. If you have protruding issues having different types of bites including crossbites, underbites, overbites, facial asymmetry, highly crooked teeth, and misaligned teeth you must set your mind to visit orthodontist and get the orthodontic care as soon as possible. Orthodontic care is for all age groups. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends a child of 7 years must visit the orthodontist.

The Process of Orthodontic Care:

This process is not like the dental visit which ends up in one visit or a few visits. The process of orthodontic care takes many visits and it may end up in even 2 or 3 years.  

Consultation and Assessment Phase:

The first and foremost step is to consult with the best orthodontist. Let them check your teeth properly, orthodontist arlington heights provides free initial consultation, where the complete examination is conducted, the X-rays of teeth are seen, if future teeth problems are found, the best treatment plan is suggested, and cost of treatment is also provided. In assessment, they take proper measures if critical bites and misalignments are present.

The Treatment Phase:

In this phase, the orthodontic care appliance attachment is conducted if it’s the metal braces the orthodontist will attach the metal braces wires with brackets. It can be the other braces like the iconix ones or the transparent aligners called the Invisalign.

Follow Up and Maintenance Phase:

When the braces are on, now the patient is totally in the orthodontic care circle and precaution measures need to be taken. Here the orthodontist gives recommendations that need to be properly followed and also provides different visit schedules to check braces’ effective working.

Advantages of Orthodontic Care:

• The orthodontic care process aligns teeth into the correct position.
• Check the new upcoming teeth progress.
• Assure correct facial symmetry by checking the jaw’s development.
• Deal with all hidden dental issues.
• Give aesthetically loving and glowing smiles.
• Boost all age group patients’ confidence.
• Improve speech issues by different bites correction.