How an Orthodontist Fixes Crowded Teeth With Braces

An orthodontist fills a critical role when crooked teeth, bite dysfunctions, and other issues affect your smile. If you are unhappy with the way your teeth work, braces might be the right option. Having crowded teeth is another condition that you may struggle with. This can have both cosmetic and health implications. You can find success in overcoming this problem by wearing braces. Your dentist can explain to you how this treatment works and what you can expect from it.

Causes of crowded teeth

When a person’s teeth do not fit properly or comfortably in their jaw, it presents a condition called crowded teeth. This can happen due to one of several factors. Some people are born with a smaller jaw, which does not allow for all the incoming teeth to fit well. A person may also have unusually large teeth, so they will grow in behind one another. Thumb-sucking as a toddler can also be a cause for crowded teeth. When a person loses baby teeth too early, it can lead to crowding issues in the mouth.

An overview of braces

For decades, patients have gone to an orthodontist with misaligned teeth and crowded teeth. Braces have long been a common treatment. Traditionally, braces consist of metal brackets and wires, along with elastic hands. The patient typically wears braces for two to three years. More recently, orthodontists have used ceramic instead of metal for braces. These are less noticeable in the mouth and are often preferable to patients.

Preparatory work

The orthodontist will first discuss the treatment with the patient and caregivers when applicable. During this consultation, the dentist will make sure the patient understands the process. The patient should address concerns and ask questions at this time. The orthodontist will then take X-rays of the mouth and make impressions of the patient’s teeth. This enables the team to make the right treatment plan. It may be necessary to remove one or more teeth to create space in the mouth.

Placing the braces

At a following appointment, the orthodontist will place the brackets and wires around and to the teeth. The elastics secure these in place. Using dental cement, the orthodontist will fix the brackets to the teeth. Wires go between the brackets. These put pressure on the teeth to move them into the proper places. Every few weeks, the patient will go into the office to have the elastics tightened.

The time factor

Every patient is different and has unique needs. The severity of the crowded teeth will determine how long the person wears the braces. The orthodontist will closely monitor how effectively the teeth are moving and creating enough room in the mouth. Most patients will wear braces for at least two years. Once the treatment ends, the person will likely wear a retainer to keep the teeth in place.