Dentofacial Orthopedics is diagnosing, treating and correcting jaw alignment and facial appearance. Dentofacial orthopedic procedures are designed to improve a person’s smile by bringing their facial profile into harmony with their teeth. Dentofacial orthodontists use specialized techniques to correct misalignment issues that can cause problems such as crooked teeth, overbites and underbites. By making these corrections, they can help create a more attractive smile while improving overall oral health.
Dentofacial orthopedics is an important field in dentistry that focuses on correcting improper jaw alignment and restoring aesthetics to a person’s face and smile. Dentofacial orthopedists use specialized techniques to realign the jaw, teeth and bite to be more balanced. Dentofacial orthopedics can help improve a person’s appearance while promoting good oral health.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments are one of the most common dentofacial orthopedic procedures. Dentists use orthodontics to correct improper tooth alignment, overbites and underbites. These treatments aim to straighten the teeth so that they look better when smiling and make chewing easier. The dentist may recommend braces, clear aligners or expanders for proper alignment, depending on an individual’s specific situation.
Braces
Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment used to correct misaligned teeth. Dentists attach metal brackets to the teeth and use a wire to connect them. The braces then gradually pull the teeth into proper alignment over several months.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners are an alternative to traditional braces that work by using a series of custom-designed plastic trays that fit snugly over your teeth. These trays gently shift your teeth into proper alignment as you wear them, usually over several weeks or months. They can be removed for eating, brushing and flossing and provide more discretion than traditional braces.
Expanders
Expanders are used to widen the jaw to create more room for crowded teeth. Dentists typically use expanders to correct an overbite or underbite and help evenly distribute pressure when speaking or chewing. The expander is gradually adjusted over time using a key, slowly increasing the distance between the top and bottom jaws until they reach proper alignment.
Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
Cosmetic dentistry procedures are also commonly used in dentofacial orthopedics to improve a person’s smile by correcting discoloration, chips, gaps, and other issues affecting their teeth. Dentists may suggest veneers, crowns or bonding these issues correctly and help create a more attractive smile.
Veneers
Veneers are thin porcelain shells attached to the front of the teeth to cover up chips, cracks or other imperfections. Dentists can customize veneers to match your natural teeth for a seamless look. They provide excellent protection against staining and discoloration and require very little maintenance.
Crowns
Crowns are dental caps that fit over teeth damaged by decay, injury or excessive wear. Dentists may use crowns to repair broken or cracked teeth and restore discolored, misshaped or decayed teeth. Crowns are made from porcelain or metal and can improve the appearance of your smile while also providing strength and stability to the affected area.
Bonding
Bonding is a procedure in which an enamel-like material is applied directly to the tooth’s surface. Dentists use bonding to fill in chips, cracks or gaps, cover discoloration and restore shape to misshaped teeth. It is less expensive than veneers or crowns and may only require a single visit for treatment.
Conclusion
Dentofacial orthopedics is an essential field in dentistry that focuses on correcting improper jaw alignment and restoring aesthetics to a person’s smile. Dentists may recommend orthodontic treatments such as braces, clear aligners and expanders to correct any misalignment or teeth crowding. They may also suggest cosmetic dentistry procedures like veneers, crowns or bonding to help improve the look of a person’s teeth.
FAQs
1: How long do orthodontic treatments take?
Orthodontic treatments typically take anywhere from several weeks to several months, depending on the type of treatment used and the misalignment’s severity.
2: Are veneers permanent?
Veneers are not permanent but will last many years with proper care. They should be replaced every 5-10 years, depending on how much wear and tear they have endured.
3: How often do I visit the dentist for checkups during orthodontic treatment?
Dentists typically recommend that you visit them every 6-8 weeks during orthodontic treatment to monitor progress and adjust any necessary components.