Orthodontics in Exeter, NH

Understanding Orthodontics: What It Is And How It Works

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and malocclusions. Derived from the Greek words "orthos" (straight) and "dontics" (teeth), it involves straightening teeth and addressing irregularities in the teeth, jaws, and face. Specialists in Exeter Orthodontics provide expert care to improve oral health and alignment for a confident smile.

What Are The Responsibilities Of An Orthodontist?

Orthodontists, including specialists, use fixed and removable devices such as braces, retainers, and bands to correct the positioning of teeth. Orthodontic treatment addresses dental issues like:

• Crooked teeth
• Bite problems, including overbites and underbites
• Crowded teeth or excessive spacing
• Jaw misalignment

The primary goal of orthodontic care is to enhance your bite. Properly aligned teeth fit together seamlessly with opposing teeth, ensuring efficient chewing, speaking, and overall oral health. While orthodontics is often associated with children and teenagers needing braces, Exeter orthodontics can address dental problems and improve smiles at any age.

Advantages Of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontics offers more than just cosmetic enhancements. Choosing to straighten your teeth with a dentist in Exeter provides several benefits, including:

• Boosted self-esteem
• Improved dental function for better chewing and more explicit speech
• Lower risk of cavities by reducing food buildup between teeth
• Decreased likelihood of gum injury and trauma caused by overbites and misalignments

Goals Of Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic care focuses on achieving the following:

• Enhanced cosmetic appearance and improved confidence
• A healthy, functional bite
• Prevention of dental diseases

Common Dental Issues Corrected By Orthodontics

• Crowded Teeth: Misaligned or overcrowded teeth, often caused by a lack of space in the mouth, can lead to improper bites and aesthetic concerns. Upper canines are particularly prone to crowding.
• Open Bite: Occurs when the upper and lower front teeth don't meet, resulting in chewing difficulties.
• Deep Overbite is a misalignment in which lower teeth touch the roof of the mouth, potentially causing gum damage, gum disease, tooth loss, and wear.
• Crossbite: A condition where teeth do not meet adequately, affecting appearance, chewing efficiency, and tooth durability.
• Increased Overjet: Protruding upper teeth, often caused by thumb-sucking or uneven jaw growth, affecting both function and appearance.
• Reverse Overjet: A protruding lower jaw surpasses the upper jaw, leading to worn teeth and cosmetic concerns.
• Spacing Issues are gaps between teeth caused by missing, smaller, or poorly developed teeth, which impact appearance and alignment.

Consult an Exeter dentist to address these issues and achieve a healthier, more confident smile.

Techniques Used By Orthodontic Specialists

Orthodontics can straighten teeth for adults, adolescents, and children using fixed or removable braces. These braces can be adjusted to align teeth effectively while accommodating growth and development.

Why You Should Visit An Orthodontist?

Misalignment, or malocclusion, is a common reason to visit a dentist in Exeter. Often hereditary, it occurs due to size discrepancies between the upper and lower jaw or between the jaw and teeth. This can result in overcrowded teeth, an irregularly shaped jaw, or abnormal bite patterns.

Potential Risks Of Orthodontic Treatment

While orthodontic treatment is generally highly beneficial, there are some risks to consider, though the advantages often outweigh them. These risks include:

• Early Tooth Decay: Inadequate cleaning around braces can lead to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities, particularly with high-sugar diets.
• Root Resorption: Te movement during treatment may sometimes result in root shortening or resorption.
• Gum Support Loss: Braces may contribute to gum inflammation in specific individuals, potentially increasing the risk of gum disease or aggravating existing conditions.

With proper care and guidance from Exeter orthodontics specialists, these risks can be minimized to ensure a successful treatment outcome.