You’re not alone if you’ve ever wondered why some people wear braces or why kids get regular dental checkups with professionals. One word often pops up in these conversations: orthodontics. But what is orthodontics, really? Is it only about straightening teeth, or is there more going on behind the scenes?
Let’s explore everything you need to know about this fascinating branch of dentistry, from why it matters to how treatment works and who might benefit.
Let’s Start with the Basics: What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specific area of dentistry that deals with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting dental and facial irregularities. These issues often involve misaligned teeth and jaws, which can affect your bite, appearance, and oral health.
Orthodontic treatment involves using carefully designed appliances, like braces or clear aligners, to move your teeth and jaws into proper alignment. It’s not just about getting a perfect smile, though that’s a bonus; it’s about improving function, comfort, and long-term health.
Why Do People Need Orthodontic Treatment?
There’s a long list of reasons why someone might see a dentist. Let’s look at some of the most common issues orthodontics helps to treat:
Crooked teeth or teeth that are misaligned
Crowded teeth where there isn’t enough room in the mouth
Gaps or missing teeth
Overbite (upper front teeth extend too far over lower teeth)
Underbite (lower teeth sit in front of the upper teeth)
Crossbite (some upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth)
Open bite (when upper and lower teeth don’t meet)
Jaw alignment problems and facial asymmetries
If left untreated, these problems can impact more than just your smile. They may contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, jaw pain, tooth wear, and speech issues.
When Should Orthodontic Treatment Start?
Orthodontic treatment is not just for teenagers. While most patients begin treatment during adolescence when the mouth is still developing, many adults seek treatment later in life. Children as young as seven should visit a dentist for an initial consultation to identify any developing issues.
Early intervention can sometimes prevent more serious problems later and may even shorten treatment time. Adults, on the other hand, often pursue treatment for cosmetic reasons or to fix issues that weren’t addressed in childhood.
Let’s Talk About Braces: Still the Gold Standard?
When you think of orthodontics, you probably picture braces. Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective and widely used treatment options.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of brackets fixed to the teeth and connected by archwires. These wires are regularly adjusted to apply gentle, steady pressure, gradually guiding the teeth into their correct positions. Elastic bands may also be used to correct bite issues and improve jaw alignment.
Braces are ideal for complex cases, and they’re especially useful for issues involving both the upper jaw and lower jaw, as they can target very specific teeth.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, are a popular choice among adults and teens looking for a more discreet way to straighten their teeth. These custom-made, removable trays are changed every few weeks to gradually straighten teeth.
They’re best for milder cases and have the added benefit of being removable, making brushing, flossing, and eating normally easier.
What Other Types of Orthodontic Appliances Are There?
Orthodontic appliances come in all shapes and sizes. Your dentist may recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Removable appliances: This includes clear aligners or removable retainers, which are worn after treatment to help maintain the new position of the teeth.
Fixed appliances: These include traditional braces and expanders attached to the teeth.
Palate expanders: These are used to widen the upper jaw in growing children.
Space maintainers: They help maintain space for adult teeth to come through properly when baby teeth are lost earlier than expected.
Each tool works by applying gentle, continuous pressure to the teeth and jaws to guide them into better positions.
What’s Involved in the Orthodontic Treatment Journey?
Orthodontic treatment is a step-by-step journey that begins with a consultation and continues through several important phases. Here’s what to expect.
Step 1: Clinical Exam and Imaging
Your first visit will involve a thorough clinical exam, X-rays, and possibly digital scans of your mouth. These will give the dentist a full picture of your teeth, jaws, and bite.
Step 2: Custom Treatment Plan
Based on the diagnosis, your dentist will develop a personalised treatment plan. This includes selecting the right type of braces or aligners and estimating the treatment’s duration. For most patients, orthodontic treatment takes between 12 and 36 months.
Step 3: Appliance Fitting
Whether you’re fitted with traditional metal braces or clear aligners, your orthodontic appliance will be custom-made to suit your unique dental structure. Brackets will be bonded to your teeth, or aligners will be fitted to match your exact dental structure.
Step 4: Adjustments and Monitoring
You’ll have regular checkups throughout the treatment so the dentist can adjust wires, replace elastic bands, and monitor progress. These adjustments are essential to ensure teeth continue moving in the right direction.
Step 5: Retention Phase
Once your teeth reach their final positions, you’ll be given removable or permanent retainers to maintain the alignment. Without retainers, teeth tend to shift back over time.
How Orthodontics Improves More Than Just Appearance
Having straight teeth isn’t only about achieving a great-looking smile in photos. Proper alignment contributes to a healthier mouth in several important ways:
Easier cleaning: Straight teeth are simpler to brush and floss, minimising the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Improved bite: Good jaw alignment can prevent jaw pain and excessive tooth wear.
Better function: Chewing, speaking, and breathing can improve with proper teeth and jaw positioning.
Lower dental costs long-term: Addressing orthodontic issues early can help avoid more complex and costly problems later on.
Orthodontics for Children vs Adults: What’s the Difference?
Orthodontic treatment is no longer limited to teenagers. Whether you’re a parent thinking about braces for your child or an adult considering clear aligners, knowing how treatment varies between age groups can help you make an informed decision.
Children: Getting Ahead of Dental and Facial Irregularities
Early orthodontic assessment is key for kids. The Australian Society of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup around age 7. At this stage, your child may still have baby teeth, but a dentist can detect signs of crooked teeth, crowded teeth, or developing jaw alignment issues.
Since a child’s upper and lower jaws are still growing, dentists can use this period to guide the development of the teeth and jaws. This often involves removable appliances or gentle fixed appliances like expanders or space maintainers, especially when teeth are missing, or the upper front teeth stick out too far.
Starting treatment early can:
Prevent more serious dental issues down the track.
Reduce the need for tooth extraction.
Shorten overall treatment time.
Improve appearance and confidence during key developmental years.
Adults: It’s Never Too Late to Straighten Teeth
More adults than ever are turning to orthodontics. Whether for cosmetic reasons or to address long-standing bite problems, adults are discovering the benefits of straightening teeth at any age.
Unlike children, adults have fully developed bones, which can make treatment a little slower. However, modern orthodontic appliances like clear aligners, ceramic brackets, and traditional metal braces offer discreet, effective solutions.
Orthodontic treatment for adults can help:
Straighten crooked teeth or close gaps from missing teeth.
Improve gum health and prevent tooth wear.
Enhance both the appearance and overall function of your mouth.
Prepare the teeth for restorative treatments like dental implants.
Adults may also require a more detailed treatment plan, especially if other dental conditions like gum disease or past extractions are involved. However, with the right dentist, most patients can still achieve outstanding results with more patience and dedication.
What If You Have Missing Teeth?
Orthodontic treatment can also benefit patients with missing teeth. In some cases, space may need to be closed with braces or preserved for future dental implants or prosthetics.
Are There Risks or Discomfort with Orthodontic Treatment?
Let’s be honest: moving your teeth into better alignment isn’t completely effortless. While modern orthodontic treatment is safe and highly effective, it’s natural to wonder if any risks or discomfort are involved.
A Bit of Discomfort Is Normal
Whether you’re wearing traditional braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic appliances, applying gentle pressure to straighten teeth can cause some mild soreness, especially after adjustments. This discomfort usually settles within a few days and can often be managed with soft foods and over-the-counter pain relief.
Some people experience:
Tenderness around specific teeth
Sore spots on the gums, lips, or inner cheeks from brackets or archwires
Difficulty chewing hard or sticky foods in the first few days after tightening
These sensations are normal and show that your teeth respond to treatment.
Trust the Process with Professional Support
The good news is that these risks are manageable with the right treatment plan, regular monitoring, and proper care. Dentists are equipped with the training and clinical experience to detect potential problems early and make adjustments to your treatment as necessary.
Never hesitate to contact your dentist if you ever experience unexpected discomfort, unusual changes, or questions about your progress. Most concerns can be addressed quickly and easily with a simple adjustment or extra guidance.
How to Choose the Right Dentist
When selecting a dentist, make sure they are accredited, have strong clinical experience, and offer a wide range of treatment options. Ask about their approach, what appliances they use, and how long treatment is likely to take.
Reading reviews and seeking referrals from your family dentist or friends can also help you make an informed decision.
Maintaining Results After Treatment
Once your orthodontic journey is complete, keeping those results is key. This involves:
Wearing your removable retainers as instructed
Attending follow-up visits
Brushing and flossing regularly
Seeing your general dentist for checkups
Final Thoughts: Orthodontics Is About More Than a Nice Smile
Orthodontics is a blend of science, skill, and personalised care. Whether you’re a child with growing teeth or an adult who wants to boost your smile and bite, orthodontic treatment can transform your appearance, dental health, and confidence.
If you’re curious about whether orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child, start by booking a consultation with Dr Jack at (02) 9000 1778 or (02) 8806 3712. Begin your journey toward a stunning smile with safe and effective results.
Remember, it’s not just about straight teeth. It’s about ensuring your teeth, jaws, and bite work in harmony for a lifetime of confident, healthy smiles.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
National Health Service. (n.d.). Orthodontics. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/orthodontics/#:~:text=Orthodontics%20involves%20the%20use%20of,well%20as%20wearing%20a%20brace.
American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Clear aligner therapy. https://aaoinfo.org/whats-trending/clear-aligner-therapy/
Colgate. (n.d.). Retainers for teeth: Why wear them and how to keep them safe. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-orthodontics/retainers-for-teeth-why-wear-them-and-how-to-keep-them-safe
