Dental Research: Orthodontic Dentistry

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The most recognized use of orthodontics is the use of braces on teeth to straighten them. Which orthodontics means to straighten teeth.¹ It is also used in altering a person’s bite.¹ A highly unknown part of orthodontics is the dentofacial orthopedics.

This is a process that specialize in the grown of children’s mouth and jaw.² They usually work alongside of orthodontists by putting on head gear that works with the braces to fix anomalies of the face and jaw.²

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What orthodontists do:¹

•    Straighten crowded and crooked teeth.
•    Provide better health to the mouth.
•    Correct a patient’s bite.
•    Places brace and/or head gear.
•    Gives a better smile.

What are braces?¹

•    Metal wiring and brackets that help space the teeth or correct crooked teeth.
•    Two types: Permanent or removable braces.
•    Can be put on as early as 8 years old to adults.
•    Procedure done by an orthodontist in the Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics specialty.
•    Treatment takes 1 to 3 years²
•    After braces retainers are needed.

Things to avoid with braces:²

•    Chewy foods: bagels, hard rolls, licorice.
•    Crunchy foods: popcorn, ice, chips.
•    Sticky foods: caramels, gum.
•    Hard foods: nuts, candy.
•    Foods you have to bite into.
•    Chewing on hard things.

Prices:

•    Vary depending on individual.
•    According to Health Care Fees, the lowest price could be $4,000 and the highest price $9,000

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References:

• ¹Braces and Orthodontics; - Checkdent.
• ²Dentofacial Orthopedics; - Sesame Design.
• Orthodontic Prices; - Health care fees.