Smile enhancement is doing a lot of buzz these days since everyone desires to flaunt a healthy, celebrity-like smile. This greatly boosts your confidence and self-esteem. Orthodontics has a lot to contribute when it comes to smile enhancement, in addition to improving your oral functions like chewing and speech. The Upland orthodontic practice offered by specialists involves multiple treatments. These procedures involve multiple phases to achieve a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. These phases are designed to address various aspects of dental alignment and bite issues, ensuring that the teeth and jaw are properly aligned for optimal oral health and functionality.
In this article, we will explore the different orthodontic phases, their purposes, and what to expect during each stage.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a super specialty in dentistry that focuses on diagnosing and treating improper or bad bite (malocclusion). The way your teeth align has an impact on your oral health. By improving the alignment, and occlusion, orthodontists can greatly reduce your risk of oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and surface erosion.
Who is an orthodontist?
An orthodontist is a dentist trained to diagnose, prevent, and treat teeth and jaw discrepancies. They help correct existing conditions and are skilled in detecting problems that may arise in the future. Orthodontists help enhance your smile, which is associated with good oral health. They play a crucial role in improving your overall well-being.
What are the goals of orthodontics?
Orthodontic imperfections are common but extremely complex. If left untreated these can lead to a cascade of unwanted consequences and complications, especially in children. This can affect the permanent teeth eruption and alignment, leading to orthodontic imperfections like overbite, deep bite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite in the future.
What are the phases involved in orthodontic treatments?
Here is a comprehensive guide to the phases involved in orthodontics:
Phase 1: Early Intervention (ages 7-10)
The first phase of orthodontic treatment, also known as early intervention, typically begins around age 7-10. During this phase, the orthodontist evaluates the development of the teeth, jaw, and facial structure. The goal is to identify potential issues early on and address them before they become more severe.
Some common treatments during Phase 1 include:
- Space maintainers to preserve space for permanent teeth
- Expanders to widen the palate and create more room for teeth
- Habit correctors to address thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting
Phase 2: Active Treatment (ages 11-14)
The second phase of orthodontic treatment, active treatment, usually starts around age 11-14. This phase involves the use of braces, aligners, or other appliances to move teeth into their proper positions.
Some common treatments during Phase 2 include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear aligners (such as Invisalign)
- Lingual braces (behind-the-teeth braces)
Phase 3: Finishing Touches (ages 15-18)
The third phase of orthodontic treatment, finishing touches, typically occurs around age 15-18. During this phase, the orthodontist refines the alignment of the teeth and makes any necessary adjustments.
Some common treatments during Phase 3 include:
- Refinement of tooth positions
- Bite adjustments
- Teeth whitening or bonding
Phase 4: Retention (ages 18+)
The fourth and final phase of orthodontic treatment, retention, involves maintaining the new alignment of the teeth. This phase is crucial in ensuring that the teeth do not shift back to their original positions.
Some common treatments during Phase 4 include:
- Removable retainers
- Fixed retainers (bonded to the back of the teeth)
- Regular check-ups to monitor tooth movement
Final note
Orthodontic treatment is a multi-phase process that requires patience, dedication, and expertise. By understanding the different phases of orthodontic treatment, you can better understand the complexity and importance of achieving a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Whether you’re a parent seeking early intervention for your child or an adult looking to improve your own smile, consulting with an orthodontist is the first step toward a beautiful and healthy smile.
