Dr. John Walker, Dr. Liz Walker, and the orthodontic professionals at Walker Orthodontics are experts in treating malocclusions with braces near Acton, MA. Crooked teeth, or malocclusions, are a misalignment or an improper relation of the dental arches between the teeth when they approach each other as the jaws close. The best way to fix a malocclusion is through orthodontic treatment with braces.
Types of Malocclusions
The types of malocclusions that are treatable with braces are:
Overjet. An upper protrusion; occurs when the upper front teeth are pushed outward.
Crowding. Permanent teeth are prevented from growing in properly or growing in incorrectly.
Misplaced midline. The incorrect relationship of the centerline of the upper and lower teeth.
Open bites. The front teeth don’t overlap when the mouth is closed, creating a hole directly into the mouth.
Overbites. The upper front teeth come too far down over the lower front teeth and can, in extreme cases, cause the lower front teeth to bite into the roof of the mouth. An underbite is the opposite situation.
The Orthodontic Process
If you suspect that you have one of these types of orthodontic situations:
Schedule an initial consultation to be evaluated for treatment by an orthodontist. Your dentist can refer you to a qualified Acton orthodontist in your area.
During your first appointment with the orthodontist, observations and measurements will determine the type and amount of work that needs to be done. This step will also help to determine the treatment options available, the length of treatment, and the cost.
When being fitted with braces, the doctor will carefully affix each bracket to each tooth and then attach the archwire, which slowly bends the teeth into place over time. With Invisalign clear aligners, a digital scan of your teeth will be used to create plastic aligner trays that are specially made for your teeth.
Typically, you will have appointments scheduled every eight-to-ten weeks to adjust your braces and make sure that they’re doing their job (that your teeth are moving correctly).These appointments usually take fifteen-to-twenty minutes.
The last step now is to remove your braces. The Walker Orthodontics associates will make an appointment for a “debanding” procedure, which will take about 80 minutes. After removal of the braces, your orthodontist will provide you with a retainer to keep your teeth from moving back into their incorrect positions. It is recommended that you wear your retainer for as long as you want your teeth to remain straight.
Dr. John Walker, Dr. Liz Walker, and the team at Walker Orthodontics near Acton, MA will be glad to answer any questions that you may have about orthodontic treatment with braces, and they can help you schedule a consultation appointment. So if you’re ready for a brand-new healthy and beautiful smile, then contact: 978.345.7988
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other orthodontic-related topics, feel free to contact Walker Orthodontics, with convenient orthodontic offices in Harvard & Lunenburg, by calling 978.345.7988 or clicking here to request your complimentary, no-obligation Walker Orthodontics Smile Assessment.
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