Who needs orthodontic treatment?
A. Everybody wants to have a beautiful smile and this is one of the best reasons for choosing to have orthodontic treatment. An attractive smile boosts self-esteem, which can improve the quality of your life. But there are other equally good reasons for considering orthodontic treatment. Major orthodontic problems can exist without you knowing it, so even if you have the perfect smile, these problems can, if left untreated, severely jeopardise the health of your teeth, gums and jaws. Teeth that are too crowded are difficult to clean and can decay and cause gum problems. Premature loss of teeth can cause the surrounding teeth to tilt and can cause other unerupted teeth to be held back. Teeth that stick out are not only unattractive but can cause abnormal wear of the tooth surfaces and excess strain on the supporting jaws, because they do not meet properly when chewing. And misalignment of the jaws can result in the abnormal position of the jaw joint, which can cause headaches, migraines
Not everyone’s teeth are perfectly straight. In fact, many people have crooked or overcrowded teeth. If your dentist thinks your teeth need straightening, he or she may refer you to an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in this type of treatment. During treatment, fixed braces or a removable appliance may be worn to gradually move teeth to their correct position in the mouth.