Orthodontist Treatment | Dr. Maria O’Reilly

1. Shadyside Orthodontist “Orthodontic Treatment” Dr. Maria O’Reilly

2. Definition Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites), which may be a result of tooth irregularity, disproportionate jaw improved bite (occlusion).

3. Diagnosis and treatment planning In diagnosis and treatment planning, the orthodontist must: • recognize the various characteristics of malocclusion and dentofacial deformity; • define the nature of the problem, including the etiology if possible; • design a treatment strategy based on the specific needs and desires of the individual; • present the treatment strategy to the patient in such a way that the patient fully understands the ramifications of his/her decision.

4. Therapy Therapy can be: • Functional: indicated to reduce and eliminate any possible problems, using muscular exercises and/or passive orthodontic devices, which guide mastication forces; • Mechanical: when extra/intraoral devices are used, to correct the present anomalies • Surgical: indicated especially in adults and/or when orthodontic methods can’t fix the problems

5. Why is it important to have orthodontic treatment? • Orthodontic problems can disfigure the face and mouth. • Orthodontics can improve the appearance of the teeth and face. • Normal speech and chewing can be made possible by orthodontic treatment. • A bad bite can make biting or chewing difficult or even impossible, and can cause the teeth to wear down. • Crooked teeth are very hard to brush properly. • If teeth are not kept clean, this can result in tooth decay, and loss of teeth. • Orthodontic problems can damage the gums and underlying bone structure. • If the jaws are not properly positioned, pain in the jaw joints can result. • Orthodontic problems can get worse if they are neglected. They will not just "go away". • If not treated in time, a problem can become more difficult and more expensive to treat later on.

6. Why should orthodontic treatment start when the child is young? • There are many good reasons for early orthodontic treatment: • When the jaws and teeth are still growing it is much easier to move teeth and influence the position and size of the jaw. • Early treatment will shorten the treatment time. • Treatment of thumb-sucking and abnormal swallowing patterns is more successful in a young child. • Protruding front teeth are easily damaged, so the sooner they are corrected the better. • The space left by the early loss of a baby tooth must be kept open.If left untreated, this space will close, as adjacent teeth will drift into it. The permanent tooth may then not have enough space to grow into and may become impacted. Early treatment can keep the space open and allow the permanent tooth to erupt normally. Insufficient space for permanent teeth often results in crowding.

7. Which conditions cause orthodontic problems? • CrowdingSevere crowding A mismatch of tooth and jaw size • Upper and lower jaws out of proportion to each other • Missing or extra teeth • Premature loss of teeth caused by: • Injuries • Tooth decay • Breathing problems • Thumb sucking

8. Crowded and irregular teeth treatment before after treatment

9. Is orthodontic treatment painful? • When braces or other orthodontic appliances are first placed in the mouth, some discomfort or pain is experienced, but this soon passes. • Adjustments to appliances may cause temporary pain or discomfort.The appliances may initially irritate the lips, teeth or tongue, but the orthodontist will adjust them to minimise any discomfort.

10. What problems could make orthodontic treatment for adults more difficult? • Periodontal Disease • Adults may suffer from periodontal disease, which is a deterioration of the gums and underlying bone. • Periodontal treatment will be necessary before the orthodontic treatment can start. • Tooth decay • All dental decay should be treated before orthodontic treatment starts. • It is less comfortable to have dental treatment after braces have been fitted. • Abnormal jaw relationships • The growth of the jaws has been completed in adults, and so this treatment is not always possible. • In children, the ongoing growth of the jaw can be directed to correct the abnormalities that are present. • Worn down or broken teeth • These must be built up or restored before orthodontic treatment can start. • Lack of commitment • Adult patients may find it hard to commit to long term treatment, especially to wearing braces for long periods.

11. Shady Side Orthodontics | Philadelphia 626 Snyder Ave,Philadelphia,19148 267-940-0300 https://www.shadysideorthodontics.com If you are looking for Orthodontist treatment, then you are at right place. Shady Side Orthodontics offers orthodontic treatment for Philadelphia.