Even with the most diligent care an individual’s clean teeth can still suffer some problems. Misaligned teeth and jaws are a product of genetics and not negligence. Teeth alignment requires specialist treatment.
Orthodontic is the field of dentistry that works on misaligned teeth and jaws. Dental alignment issues are an aesthetic concern, but anything beyond a minor misalignment can interfere with eating and sometime affect speech. It is always best to deal with any orthodontic issues as soon as an individual’s mouth is sufficiently mature; misaligned teeth and jaws can cause wear to tooth surface, creating problems later on.
Teeth and jaw irregularities are usually treated with braces. In the past braces incurred a social stigma as they were bulky and caused awkwardness with speaking and eating. These issues are almost entirely removed with Invisalign, which are near invisible and cause far less discomfort. Other options include lingual braces behind the teeth, ceramic braces which are less obvious than older style braces, and traditional metal braces which are now smaller and less intrusive than previous models.
It is common for orthodontics to be practiced on patients in their late teens; this is the youngest age at which a patient’s mouth is fully mature, and allows individuals the benefit of corrected teeth and jaws for the longest portion of their life. But many mature patients also undergo orthodontic treatment.
Individuals suffering snoring, sleep apnea, breathing problems or speech impediments may benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment.
