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Orthodontics is that branch of dentistry that deals with cosmetic and functional correction of malocclusion of teeth. This type of treatment is undertaken by a dentist that has specialized in this field and is known as an orthodontist.

Orthodontic treatment is essential in many common conditions that cause teeth to remain crooked or not in perfect alignment. Some of the common conditions that will require orthodontic treatment will include

Indications for Orthodontic Treatment

• Upper teeth protrusion is the most common of them all needing treatment.
• When the upper teeth are placed in such a way that the lower teeth are not visible at all (deep bite).
• When the lower teeth protrude ahead of the upper front teeth.
• Tooth alignment problems caused due to habits like thumb sucking, lip sucking, lip biting, tongue thrust swallowing, etc.
• Crowding caused due to tooth size jaw size discrepancy.
• When some teeth, especially the canines do not have place to erupt causing it to remain inside and the milk teeth get retained.

Correct Age for Treatment

The right age for going in for orthodontic treatment is when all the milk teeth are lost and the permanent teeth in its place have erupted. This is usually at a age of about 12-13 years of age although it is quite common to see girls having an earlier eruption cycle than boys. Although this is the ideal age for going in for orthodontic treatment, it is essential to get an orthodontist’s opinion at a much earlier age, probably when the first permanent front teeth are erupting at about 7-8 years of age.

This earlier opinion is essential because there are several procedures like serial extractions, functional appliances, etc that can be undertaken at an early age which will have a impact on improving the results seen when permanent braces are placed for orthodontic treatment. There are some instances when these treatments have completely eliminated the necessity of permanent braces as the child grows older.

Damon braces offer great results, faster treatment times and less visits to the dentist. The Damon braces are suitable for both children and adults.

The Importance of Orthodontic Treatment

Many people are under the misconception that orthodontic treatment is only a cosmetic procedure and is undertaken to correct the appearance of the teeth and that of the face. While this is definitely true, there is more to orthodontic treatment than just being a cosmetic procedure.

While orthodontic treatment will help in improving the appearance of the person, it will also help in correction of the alignment of the teeth. This will help in improving the way each tooth is placed in the arch thereby making it healthy and functional.

In doing so, it will not only help in reducing the occurrence of any gum diseases and decay of teeth, it will also help in improving the person’s ability to get better dental hygiene and thereby eliminate the possibility of many tooth problems. The person’s ability to use his teeth for better functionality is also improved.

It also helps in correcting various other problems like mouth breathing that can contribute to gum problems and other problems like halitosis (bad breath).

As we have seen, orthodontic treatment is not only a cosmetic procedure undertaken by a specialist but is also a preventive procedure that will help retain your teeth healthy and intact for a long time to come.