Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that deals with bad bites or malocclusions. This happens when your jaw and your lips don’t quite line up properly. As a result, you get crooked teeth, difficulty eating properly, and a not-so-pleasant smile. Causes of Orthodontic Issues Most of the time, people can’t help getting a bad bite because the cause is genetic. The teeth can have issues with spacing, crowding, and protrusions. The growth of the jaw can develop problems. However, missing teeth can also lead to a bad bite. The same is true if you grew up thumb-sucking. An accident can also cause problems with your bite. The orthodontist fixes these bad bites with braces and other orthodontic appliances. When the problems are corrected, you can then enjoy a much more effective bite and a better-looking smile. The Importance of Orthodontic Treatments It’s crucial that orthodontic treatments are performed when needed, as the consequences can be severe otherwise. Teeth which are crooked and crowded can be difficult to clean. This can result in tooth decay, loss of the tooth, and gum disease. The teeth may exhibit uneven wear in the tooth surfaces and activities like speaking and chewing can be more difficult. The extra stress on the gum tissue and supporting bone can lead to various types of jaw joint problems. There’s also the emotional side to these consequences. People may lose self-esteem as they’re unable to smile or even open their mouths with confidence. A teen with untreated orthodontic issues can grow up unable to smile naturally or be unable to talk without covering their mouth. Finally, there’s also a financial cost to delayed treatments. If the orthodontic treatment isn’t done, the problems can get worse and the solutions for those problems can be much more expensive. When Should Patients See an Orthodontist? The ADA recommends that children should visit an orthodontist by the age of 7. That’s an age when the orthodontist can detect various issues, and such problems are better identified as early as possible. However, adults can also benefit from a visit to the orthodontist. The braces and other appliances can work for adults too. In fact, about 1 in 5 orthodontic patients are older than 18. The treatment has become more popular for adults because there are options that are more comfortable and less visible. In some social circles, sporting visible braces is considered a fashion trend. Types of Braces Most reputable orthodontic offices offer several options when it comes to braces.

• Metal braces are considered fashionable in some social circles, and they’re also extremely durable.
• Invisalign braces are virtually unnoticeable and very comfortable and easy to wear. However, it’s not designed to treat more complicated orthodontic problems.
• Ceramic braces can treat problems that Invisalign aligners can’t, yet they’re also clear braces so they’re not as obvious as the metal ones.

Treatment Duration and Cost The orthodontic treatment usually takes anywhere from 1 to 3 years. That still doesn’t count the retention stage after the braces are removed, when you’re then required to use retainers afterwards. The cost is now much more affordable than ever before. However, the precise cost will be affected by how bad your bite is and how long the treatment will last. You can discuss the cost and the financing options before you start receiving your treatments.