Dental hygiene is a vital part of a person’s day-to-day routine because our teeth is an important asset. We can experience problems with our teeth at any age, no matter how careful we are with it. Good thing, there are ways to fix and restore our pearly whites to get back that smile.
A Brief History
Dentistry dates back a thousand years ago and is one of the oldest professions. Recorded history has found descriptions of tooth decay as being caused by tooth worms in a Sumerian text. This was proven false because innovations in dental and oral medicine have evolved since. It wasn’t until 1723 when Pierre Fauchard, Father of Modern Dentistry, published a book which defined a comprehensive system for treating and caring for the teeth. Fauchard also introduced the idea of dental fillings and use of a dental prosthesis, which are still applicable to this day.
Dental and oral health practice is important because our teeth help in how we present ourselves to other people. A missing incisor or malpositioned teeth can affect a person’s morale, and unattended tooth decay can cause uncomfortable pain. Thankfully, through medical breakthroughs and advancements, correction of dental problems can be achieved. Specialists for dental care like orthodontists deal with the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of dental problems. In America, Florida is one of the leading orthodontics and dental care practice. In fact, most orthodontists in Oviedo specializes in the treatment of all ages and cases of dental troubles.
Cases for Orthodontist
Procedures can vary depending on the case of a patient. Common cases like overbites and underbites are of concern regarding the alignment of the upper and lower jaw. This creates a gap where the top and bottom teeth should align. Spacing and crowding is also a dental concern serviced by most orthodontists. Spacing is the wide gaps in between teeth, showing too much of the gum line. Crowding is the compacted arrangement of teeth due to abundant dental growth, resulting in an overcrowded dental ridge.
Orthodontic Procedures
There are common orthodontic treatments that are available to rectify dental cases such as overbites and spacing. Metal braces, retainers, and surgery are few of the things that an orthodontist can offer to correct problems.
In cases of spacing, metal braces correct the gaps by attaching metal brackets to the teeth in which a metallic archwire passes through. Orthodontic ligatures are rubber bands that lock the archwire in place. The wire is adjusted from time to time to slowly close the gaps in the dental ridge, or to straighten crooked teeth.
Retainers can be considered as an aftercare for teeth correction after having braces. The teeth can still move at any age and time, and retainers can help train the teeth to refrain from relapse. Retainers are removable and can be made from metal, acrylic, and polyurethane — each depending on type and duration for correction.
Orthodontic surgery is needed when there is a major correction in teeth that can no longer be helped with braces or retainers alone. Malocclusions, protrusions, cleft palate, and jaw problems can be a candidate for surgery.
Proper care for our teeth should start at a young age to prevent major problems in the future. Always make it a habit to visit dentists for expert care for your pearly whites.