Orthodontic treatment is needed to correct improperly positioned teeth and jaws. If the teeth are crooked there are more chances of decay and gum disease. If the jaws are not properly aligned it can cause temporomandibular joint disorders.

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic appliances can be both fixed and removable. They exert pressure on teeth and jaws to align them in proper position. The orthodontic approach depends on the kind of problem.

Determining The Treatment Need

You need to consult an orthodontist if there is

• Crowded or misplaced teeth.
• Sucking the thumb or fingers or other oral habits.
• Speech difficulty.
• Protruding teeth.
• Facial asymmetry.
• Inability to close lips.
• Front teeth that do not meet.

Procedure

At first, an assessment of patient's teeth is made by using X-ray and making plaster models. The orthodontist then decides the need for either removable, or functional or fixed appliance. In some cases, it might be necessary to remove a tooth to correct the position of other teeth. Retainers are often used near the end of orthodontic treatment. They hold newly fixed teeth in place while the adjacent gums and bone adjust to new position of teeth.