Orthodontics
Straight teeth and braces is what most people are referring to when they speak of orthodontics. While tooth alignment is the most obvious part of orthodontics, it is only one aspect of the entire orthodontic picture. Other components must be considered for a complete and correct orthodontic result.
Key Aspects of Orthodontics
When analyzing and treating an orthodontic patient the following are critical and must be taken into account; each and all of these factors are critical in treating an orthodontic patient and in evaluating how successful orthodontics will be for that individual:
The Bite (Occlusion)
In addition to aligning the teeth from left to right, ensuring that each tooth meets the opposing teeth (the bite or occlusion) correctly is also critical.
Jaw Alignment
The maxillary (upper) jaw must align left to right, tipped up on one side or another, back and forward, and rotated left or right. The mandibular (lower) jaw must also have similar alignment consideration including how it meets the maxillary jaw.
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)
The functional and alignment condition of the TMJ the jaw joints where the lower jaw meets the skull is crucial because an incorrectly aligned and/or dysfunctional TMJ creates problems not only with the teeth, but with the rest of the body as well.
Muscle Alignment, Tension and Jaw Function
These issues in the face, head and neck areas include muscles of the tongue, cheek and lips.
Alignment of Cranium to Jaws, Neck and Entire Skeletal System
If the cranium, jaw and neck don t align correctly together, it can compromise any or all other areas of the skeletal system.
Status of Gums (Periodontium) and Oral Hygiene Habits
Periodontal disease (gum infection) renders the teeth susceptible to eventual tooth loss, which is exacerbated by orthodontics.
Status of Teeth (e.g. decay, fillings), Tonsils, Nervous and Immune Systems
Teeth must be absent of decay and incorrectly contoured restorations must be correctly aligned. Tonsils, which are swollen or infected, alter breathing patterns and eventually change muscle tension on the jaws and face this can significantly affect long-term alignment and stability of the teeth.
Psychological Makeup of Patient
A person unwilling to cooperate with treatment recommendations or oral hygiene will render treatment unsuccessful since these lead to tooth and gum disease and incorrect orthodontic forces.
Orthodontic Procedural Overview
An orthodontic evaluation is necessary prior to orthodontic treatment. This includes a thorough examination, impressions for models of the teeth and jaws, orthodontic X-rays and photographs. These "records" will allow a thorough evaluation to determine the overall treatment sequence, time of treatment and cost.
Alignment of the jaws, the cranium and the body usually precede tooth alignment because teeth are ultimately connected to these structures the whole system must work in synch. These alignments occur with a combination therapy of intra oral appliances, cranial and manual therapies. Cranial or osteopathic alignment prior to orthodontics is an integral part of orthodontics at Natural Horizons Wellness Center.
Tooth alignment is completed with traditional wires, brackets, and bands or a new type of aligning technique called Invisalign in which a progressive series of clear trays moves teeth toward a final alignment. This keeps patients from being branded by bands and wires and makes it easier to eat and clean the teeth.
In Summary
Orthodontic therapy is critical for both aesthetics and proper function of the mouth. When a mouth is functioning properly the nervous system (autonomic and central) connected to the teeth can then function properly. Since the teeth, jaws and cranium affect the entire body, orthodontic treatment must include an overview of the entire structure.
Orthodontic evaluation and treatment is for people of ALL ages not just adolescents. Patients of different ages are treated differently because there are different factors affecting people at different ages (e.g. growth and function plus outcome desires and health issues).
Schedule an Appointment
To arrange for thorough and comprehensive orthodontic evaluation and/or treatment, or to learn more about orthodontics and its impact on overall health of the entire body, contact Natural Horizons Wellness Centers at (877)-292-1571.
