What Does an Orthodontist Do Besides Braces?

Whenever you hear the word “orthodontics or orthodontist”, your mind automatically thinks of the images of braces. But the truth is that the orthodontic specialists are not only there for aligning the teeth correctly but are skilled to perform the operation of correcting the jaw’s structure and making it stable.

Although braces being their central focus, they always suggest a bunch of diverse ways of curing these frequent dental problems. If you are curious about “what does an orthodontist do beyond braces?”, you can find the answer to your questions here.

In this blog we will discuss in detail what an orthodontist does besides traditional braces.

Orthodontist Does Besides Traditional Braces

i. Clear Aligners

Aligners are new age technology in orthodontics but have gained much popularity. They help in the alignment and straightening of teeth just like traditional braces. They are functional in the majority of malocclusion cases: they fix overbites and underbites, open bite, crossbite, and crowded teeth.

Many orthodontists in fitting and managing clear alignment treatments which are best for patients looking for discreet options. The treatment process of having aligners include digital scans, custom aligner creation and regular checkups to get the optimal results.

ii. Palatal Expanders

A palatal expander, which is a device that is used for orthodontic treatments, is commonly used when children and teens have such orthodontic issues as severe crowding or crossbites. The aforementioned orthodontic disorders can be corrected by orthodontists thanks to palatal expanders.

A device is positioned at the upper part of the mouth and moderately widens the upper jaw and the palate as the bones are set to develop. Teen life is characterized by a continuous growth of bones and hence teenagers are the ones for which palatal expanders can be the most effective treatment.

These expanders create a tension which stimulates bone growth and gradually increases the width of the palate. Through this method, one can obtain a perfect dental arch, which will give the adult teeth enough room to move around in, blend in with the rest and will also be properly aligned.

Early Orthodontic Intervention (Phase I Treatment)

Orthodontists track children’s dental development and may advise early intervention, which is also called Phase I treatment, to control jaw growth, correct bite problems, and make room for permanent teeth. It can also be given to children. It can help to avoid more severe issues and can be taken care of now which in turn can reduce the necessity of prolonged treatments in the future.

In the initial phase, a teeth straightening treatment may need appliances, partial braces, expanders or space maintainers to correct early alignment issues before they worsen.

1. Jaw Repositioning Appliances

Jaw repositioning appliances such as splints can be used to treat the lower or upper jaw and thereby correct their misplacement and malfunction. These devices help in repositioning the jaws and allow them to move more naturally and comfortably. Orthodontists usually recommend them for patients who are suffering from temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ) or other temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

These appliances are incredibly efficient at either completely eliminating or significantly reducing the amount of pain and discomfort that is experienced as a result of this condition.

2. Headgear

Most orthodontists recommend Headgears to teenagers and kids especially when the growth of the upper or lower jaw needs to be slowed. It also ensures the teeth align correctly within the jaw.

The standard orthodontic headgear, which is usually made of the back head band and a front-mouth-connected wire, work best for treating dental issues. Using such a device makes the jawbone be positioned correctly by using the pressure of it also at the same time helps in treating the bite issues.

Like palatal expanders, headgear is most effective during early treatment in many cases, which means that the orthodontist can prevent surgical correction in the future.

3. Removable Retainers

Following an active orthodontic treatment, the patient is advised to wear a retainer to prevent the teeth from moving out of position. Retainer wearers commonly use them during nights when they are asleep.

These retainers can be fixed or removable and placed anywhere on the inside of the roof of the mouth or behind the bottom teeth, with a metal wire running on the front teeth to keep them in location. These days, retainers are also made in the form of clear plastic aligners for a less noticeable choice.

4. Space Maintainers

If a baby tooth is lost early, the space should remain empty so that the adult tooth can develop without disruptions. This is where space maintainers come in. They stop other teeth from moving into space left behind.

These retainers secure the space until some more baby teeth fall out and new adult teeth emerge. A fixed space maintainer is a comparatively simple device comprising a band that goes around a tooth and a wire extending across the gap of another tooth. The purpose of these retainers is to keep the space open for the new tooth.

5. Lip and Cheek Bumpers

Sometimes, there is pain and discomfort when the lips and cheeks are squished too hard against the teeth. This increased pressure can cause misalignment of the teeth and, consequently, irritation. Orthodontists generally employ lip and cheek bumpers to avoid this happening. These devices are designed to create a slight wall between the teeth and the soft tissues of the mouth.

Through maintaining the lips and cheeks slightly further from the teeth, these bumpers reduce pressure and help teeth to reposition properly in a way that is much more comfortable for the patients.

6. Cosmetic Orthodontics

Orthodontists explore the aesthetic aspect of the smile more than merely the functional aspect. They help patients achieve their desired symmetrical and proportionate appearance by solving spacing, crowding, or minor misalignments that directly impact their faces.

For example, cosmetic orthodontics might entail teeth whitening after one’s treatment or reshaping the teeth to achieve better symmetry, or it can even include using tooth-coloured brackets and clear aligners, which are less visible for the treatment.

7. Elastics

The term elastics mentioned here refers to the little rubber bands put on the hooks of the Damon System braces or attached to the specific buttons on the clear aligner. The elastics are helpful to make your teeth straight. They can stretch as long as from the lower jaw to the upper jaw or link other teeth of the same jaw together. The orthodontist thinks carefully before placing them and ensures they are placed in a specific pattern for the best results.

The use of these elastics applying the necessary amount of pressure will move a tooth or group of teeth and at the same time ensure other teeth to stay where they are and not to be pushed out of alignment.

Preventive and Habit-Related Treatments

Orthodontists not only fix crooked teeth but may also help to change people’s harmful habits that may lead to oral health disorders e.g. thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and overusing pacifiers. Without the effective treatment of such habits in a person of a relatively young age, the patient may develop biting problems or experience crooked teeth as a consequence. Habit-breaking appliances, like special retainers or tongue cribs, are used to teach children to stop this habit and also prevent future dental problems.

Final Words – Besides Braces

Far from simply attaching braces, orthodontists extend their services to a wide array of therapies for jaw alignment correction, bite function amelioration, and overall oral health improvement. From customized treatment like clear aligners and palatal expanders to the conservative method of space maintainers and striking orthodontics, they come with specialized procedures for every need of a patient.

Nothing leads to a safe and trouble-free life more than building good health at a young age, jaw repositioning appliances for distress alleviation, or retainers for keeping the resulting alignment of teeth. Their expertise is not only necessary to maintain excellent oral hygiene but also can create a perfect, healthy smile for people.