Orthodontic Treatment Phases At Hiremath Orthodontics

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Orthodontic Treatment Phases At Hiremath
Orthodontics
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Orthodontic treatment is highly predictable
and immensely successful
Depending on the severity of the malocclusion
(bad bite) or irregularity, orthodontic
treatments may occur in either two or three
distinct phases.
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There are many benefits of correcting misaligned
teeth. Straight teeth are pleasing to look at and
greatly boost confidence and self-esteem. More
importantly, properly aligned teeth enhance the
biting, chewing and speaking functions of the
jaw.
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There are several types of irregularities,
including
Overbite The upper teeth protrude further than
or completely cover the lower teeth. Underbite
The lower teeth protrude further than the upper
teeth causing the chin to look prominent. Crossbit
e Some of the upper teeth may close inside the
lower teeth rather than on the outside. Overcrowdi
ng Insufficient room on the arch causes some
adult teeth to erupt incorrectly and become
rotated.
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The Phases of Orthodontic Treatment
Generally, orthodontic treatment takes between
six and thirty months to complete. The treatment
time will largely depend on the classification of
the malocclusion, the type of dental devices used
to correct it and the perseverance of the patient.
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Here is a general overview of the three major
stages of treatment
Phase 1 The Planning Stage
The orthodontist makes a diagnosis in order to
realign the teeth in the most effective and
expedient way. The first several visits may
comprise of some of the following
evaluations Medical and dental evaluations
Dental and physical problems tend to go hand in
hand. Problems in the oral cavity can lead to (or
be caused by) medical problems. The goal of this
evaluation is to ensure that prior medical and
dental issues are completely under control before
treatment begins. Which includes having a
cleaning prior to treatment. Some Patients need a
study model (castings/bite impressions) The
patient is asked to bite down into a dental tray
filled with a gel substance that hardens around
the teeth. The trays are removed from the teeth
and filled with plaster to create models of the
patients teeth. Study models enable the
orthodontist to scrutinize the position of each
tooth, and how it relates to the other teeth.
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Photographs Many orthodontists like to take
before, and after photographs of the face and
teeth to assess how treatment is progressing, and
the impact the treatment is having on the
patients face shape.
Panoramic X-rays or a 3D image X-rays are
fantastic tools for viewing potential
complications or pre-existing damage to the jaw
joint. X-rays also allow the orthodontist to see
the exact position of each tooth and its
corresponding root(s). Computer generated images
Such images allow the orthodontist to treatment
plan and examine how specific treatments may
affect the shape of the face and symmetry of the
jaw.
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Phase 2 The Active Phase
All of the above diagnostic tools will be used to
diagnosis and develop a customized treatment plan
for the patient. Next, the orthodontist will
recommend custom orthodontic device(s) to gently
move the teeth into proper alignment. This
orthodontic appliance may be fixed or removable.
Most commonly, traditional fixed braces are
affixed, which utilizes individual dental
brackets connected by an archwire. Removable
devices are also some times needed. Examples of
removable devices include the headgear, facemask
and or a rapid palatal expander. These devices
are designed to be worn for a specified amount of
hours each day to expedite treatment. Whatever
the orthodontic device, the orthodontist will
regularly adjust it to ensure adequate and
continual pressure is being applied to the teeth.
It is essential to visit the orthodontist at the
designated intervals and to call if part of the
device breaks or becomes damaged.
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Phase 3 The Retention Phase
When the teeth have been correctly aligned, fixed
braces and removable devices will be removed and
discontinued. The most cumbersome part of the
orthodontic treatment is now over. The
orthodontist will next create a custom retainer.
The goal of the retainer is to ensure that the
teeth do not begin to shift back to their
original positions. Retainers need to be worn for
a specified amount of time per day for a
specified time period. During the retention
phase, the jawbone will reform around the
realigned teeth to fully stabilize them in the
correct alignment.
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Whether your orthodontic needs are correction of
mild crowding, spaces, severe jaw discrepancy or
anything in between, we promise to provide you
with exceptional care as we enhance the
esthetics, function, and stability of your smile.
If you have any questions, concerns, or would
like to schedule an appointment, please contact
us today. We look forward to providing you with
the personal care you deserve. Sincerely,Dr.
Hiremath
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For more information, please visit us online at
www.hiremathortho.com
Hiremath Orthodontics 151 Ridgepoint Parkway
Suite 100Keller, Texas 762487748 Denton
HwyWatauga, Texas 76148Phone [phone]