Category: Orthodontic

The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth; it’s also a great way to improve a person’s overall self-image. While having beautiful straight teeth is important, even more important is the need to alleviate any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw. Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth, leading to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces. Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain.

Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.
Crossbite – One or more upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue).
Crowding – Involving extra teeth or malpositioned teeth.
Deep Overbite – The lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth.
Disfiguring of the face & mouth – Affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth.
Missing or extra teeth – Due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems.
Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – Upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw.
Self-image – An attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.
Spacing between teeth – Teeth are missing or may be too small or too large.
Speech, chewing or biting problems – Result from improper occlusion and jaw alignment
Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – Lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.

Specific to children:

Finger or thumb sucking – These habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth and constriction of the upper jaw.
Teeth erupting out of position – Can be guided to proper alignment.

Toothache, occasional discomfort or pressure on the teeth

When beginning orthodontic treatment and after the each inspection, you may feel unpleasant pressure on your teeth, toothache, or just discomfort. It depends on the individual and on their pain threshold.
Scratches and bruises

White spots on the surface of the teeth

This complication is caused by long-term bad oral hygiene. White patches appear around the brackets. The enamel beneath the brackets remains undamaged. A coating built up on the surface of the enamel causes demineralisation. This occurs due to harmful bacteria which break down leftover food around the brackets into acids. The acids eat into the enamel resulting in demineralisation.

This is a stage preceding tooth decay.

If this complication arises and repeated instruction on oral hygiene and visits to a dental hygienist have no effect, the doctor reserves the right to premature termination of treatment. The priority is a healthy set of teeth and only afterwards a straight set.

Gum infection – gingivitis

Insufficient oral hygiene can lead to gum infection. This infection can complicate treatment by meaning slower tooth movement and so treatment is slowed and sometimes leads to irreversible damage to the teeth’s supporting tissues.
Tooth root resorption
Some patients have a tendency to the occurrence of resorption. In practice this means that the teeth’s roots get shorter. This complication however does not shorten the lifespan of teeth.

Relapse of orthodontic defects
Every orthodontic treatment has a tendency to relapse, i.e. the teeth return to their original position. We prevent this by using retention devices and retainers. Retention devices are laboratory products made to fit your teeth exactly.

Retainers are wires which are stuck to the back surface of your teeth to maintain their position. This phase is very important for orthodontic treatment.