An orthodontist is a dentist who focuses on straightening a person’s teeth and correct misaligned jaws by using braces and retainers. The word ‘ortho’ means straight or perfect; ‘Odus’ means teeth. Orthodontists in Colorado Springs CO focus on helping people with malocclusion, or poor bites. Having straight teeth and aligned jaws do create beautiful smiles, but good dentition is more than that. With it, food can be chewed easier and snoring can be reduced.
Orthodontists in Colorado Springs CO help children with dental problems such as crowded teeth and issues relating to the jaw and teeth. Problems caused by tooth decay or the premature loss of baby teeth, accidents and poor habits can affect the alignment of jaw and therefore the teeth. Genetics can also play a part in how a person’s mouth is formed.
Although there is no definitive age for a child to begin seeing an orthodontist, most agree that by age 7 a child should go in for a check up. At this age, there is enough oral activity for an orthodontist to notice and problems and address them early. Braces may be early for some children, but by the age of 10 or 11 it may be time if all baby teeth have come out.
When a patient visits one of the orthodontists in Colorado Springs CO, the first thing to happen is a patient’s medical history is taken and then followed by X-rays and photographs of the mouth and face. The images used are to help the orthodontist determine the location of the teeth and which ones may need to be removed. In some cases, a mold of the teeth will be taken to create a physical model of the teeth and this will aide the orthodontist in determining how best to apply the braces.
Braces work by applying steady pressure on the teeth which will eventually move them into a straighter position. Retainers serve a similar purpose and can be used after braces have been removed as teeth tend to drift forward over time.
Regular visits to the orthodontist are necessary to clean the teeth and check for cavities. Sometimes, wires need to be adjusted. As the teeth slowly move into their proper alignment, the wires pulling them need to be tightened. Most children will need to wear braces for a period ranging from 1 to 3 years. Afterwards, a retainer may be necessary to keep the teeth in place.
Orthodontists in Colorado Springs CO – Having straight teeth and a beautiful smile are what orthodontists do best. Make sure you work with The Center For Family & Cosmetic Dentistry.
