The misalignment and crookedness of teeth is known as malocclusion. Conditions that result in the absence of teeth such as hypodontia are also categorized under malocclusions because it disturbs the natural alignment of teeth.
Our teeth are naturally aligned on the jawbone in an arch form. But because of certain genetic reasons or environmental factors, teeth that deviate from this natural path either overlap over one another or are too far apart. This deviation is known as malocclusion. The best orthodontic procedures for malocclusion are:
Braces
The traditional metal braces are one of the most common orthodontic procedures for correcting malocclusions like spacing, overbite, underbite, overjet, and crossbite. The traditional metal braces comprise of metal wires and brackets that are used to exert pressure on the jawbone and teeth. The gentle pressure that is exerted over the bones forces the teeth to shift and come back to their original position. A metal wire is tightly wrapped around the affected teeth, and brackets are used to hold the wire in place. Typically, braces are worn for a few months up to more than two years, depending on the crookedness and misalignment of the teeth.
Retainers
Unlike the braces, retainers are removable. These are custom-made dental devices that are made from transparent wires of plastic. The retainers are placed on top of our teeth to align the teeth properly on the jaws. Usually, the retainers are recommended to patients who need slight adjustments in the positioning of their teeth or after the patient’s braces have been removed. The retainers ensure that the correct alignment of the teeth is maintained. Usually, the patients remove the retainers while eating or brushing their teeth. The orthodontist will tell the patient how long the retainers are to be worn every day. The number of hours varies from patient to patient.
Tooth Extraction
Tooth extraction is a common orthodontic procedure for patients who have overcrowded teeth. The teeth that have deviated from their natural alignment and cannot be brought back in place are extracted through a tooth extraction procedure. The tooth is pulled out because letting that tooth stay in that place can cause adjacent teeth to shift from their natural course too. Moreover, the deviated tooth makes it difficult to clean the adjacent teeth, resulting in plaque formation and tooth decay. Crowding of teeth can also affect a person’s smile and cause inconvenience while eating. Tooth extraction is a simple and quick process. The tooth is extracted, and the hollow gap is filled with dental fillings. After the tooth extraction, the remaining teeth shift to align themselves properly on the jawbone. If you are looking for the best treatment method for your crooked teeth and want to restore your beautiful smile, visit us at Senestraro Family Orthodontics and consult Dr. Seth Senestraro and Dr. Seth. They can help you find the best treatment for your malocclusion.
