Are you a candidate for braces?

by | Nov 15, 2013 | Dental Health

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Approximately three million teenagers in the US have braces; the reasons for having them vary from one patient to another. Although you may notice that your teeth are crooked or misshapen it will normally be your dentist who first mentions braces and associated orthodontic treatment. As many dentists do not perform this specialty, you will usually be referred to an orthodontist on Long Island for consultation.

Many dentists will send their juvenile patients to see an orthodontist when they are about seven years old. This may seem absurdly young but pre-screening gives the orthodontist the opportunity to employ any preventative measures that will eliminate the need for braces in the future. As it is never too late to employ braces, adults can consult with their dentist at any time.

The first appointment with the orthodontist on Long Island will consist of a visual examination; this exam will pay particular attention to the facial structure and the teeth. Once the exam has been completed, there will be a discussion between the parents and the orthodontist. If; in the opinion of the orthodontist; corrective measures should begin, and should the parents agree, then a course of treatment will be established. The initial work will include complete facial X-Rays, models of the patient’s teeth and photographic records of the oral cavity and the patients face. The orthodontist uses this information to formulate a plan for the correction of the teeth.

Why do some people need braces?

There is an ideal position for the teeth, both upper and lower. When this condition is not ideal and the teeth do not come together in a perfect bite, braces are required to improve the situation. This condition is technically known as occlusion, it is a way to describe the alignment of the teeth using a molar as the point of reference. There are three different types of misalignment that can be corrected by orthodontics.

Type 1 occlusion is known as the gold standard, it is the ideal relationship between the upper and lower teeth. Type 2 is when there is an over-bite where the upper jaw protrudes, type 3 is just the opposite and is known as an under bite, this is a situation where the lower jaw protrudes forward.

If you feel you need to consult with an orthodontist on Long Island you are invited to call Adelberg and Montalvan Pediatric Dental clinic. Both traditional braces and Invisalign Teen braces are available.