Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that seeks to correct improperly positioned teeth and jaws. Jaws and teeth that don’t fit together are harder to clean, they cause extra strain on chewing muscles, and put your teeth at greater risk for tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other dental problems. They can hurt your appearance, confidence, and quality of life.Will I Need Orthodontics?
By using diagnostic tools - including a full medical and dental history, administering a clinical exam, making models of your teeth from plaster, and taking photographs and X-rays, Dr. Fariba Mutschler can determine whether orthodontics is a good choice for you. If they are, Great Grins for KIDS - Portland can develop a treatment plan specifically for you.
Candidates for orthodontics usually have one of the following conditions:
| • | An overbite, where the upper front teeth stick out too much over the lower teeth |
| • | An underbite, where the lower teeth stick out too much |
| • | An open bite, in which there’s a gap between the biting surfaces of the front or side teeth when your back teeth come together |
| • | Too many gaps between the teeth due to missing teeth or teeth not filling up the mouth |
| • | Crowding of the teeth without enough space on the dental ridge |
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
We prescribe and install several different types of dental appliances, both removable and fixed, which gently apply pressure to reposition teeth, retrain muscles, and shape jaw formation. Your individual needs will determine which appliance or method we’ll recommend. The severity of your problem will determine which orthodontic approach will work most effectively.
Fixed Dental Appliances
The most common fixed appliance is braces, which are made of brackets, bands, and wires. The brackets are usually bonded to the front of the tooth, while bands are put around the teeth to hold the appliance in place. The wires go through the brackets and attach to the bands. We will tighten the archwire each month, which puts more tension on the teeth to gradually move them to their correct position. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years for the appliance to bring about the desired results.
The previous generation had larger and heavier braces which showed more metal than they do today. Braces feature bright colors and clear styles, making them popular with children and adults alike.
Fixed Dental Appliances
Here are some examples of removable appliances:
| • | Aligners move teeth just like fixed appliances do, minus the metal brackets and wires. Clear aligners are very difficult to see while in use, which allows for a natural appearance. They are removed when one needs to eat, brush, or floss. |
| • | Removable space maintainers consist of an acrylic base that goes over the jaw and wire, or plastic branches between certain teeth to maintain the space between them. |
| • | Jaw repositioning appliances are worn on either the upper or lower jaw and train the jaw to close in a more natural position. |
If you’re considering orthodontics, call our office at (971) 470-0054 and we will be happy to discuss which option is best for you.
