When wearing orthodontic appliances is a necessity

Although some people's permanent teeth grow in the proper position and with the correct spaces, many do not. On many occasions, we have seen mouths with "badly positioned," crooked, crowded teeth...that aesthetically attract our attention but also usually cause serious functional problems to their owners since they do not allow them to bite correctly.

Sometimes this incorrect bite is not only due to the teeth not being aligned, but in many cases, it is also due to the size of the maxilla and mandible (where the teeth are set) not being correct.

This word is derived from Latin and means "bad bite." Malocclusion can be a problem because it interferes with proper chewing - crooked teeth that are not correctly aligned do not function as well as straight teeth. Since chewing is the first part of eating and digesting, it is essential that the teeth can do the job. Teeth that are not aligned properly can also be challenging to brush and keep clean, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. And finally, many people who have crooked teeth may feel self-conscious about how they look; orthodontic appliances can help them feel better about their smile and overall appearance.

If the dentist suspects a patient needs braces or other corrective devices, he or she will refer the patient to an orthodontist. Orthodontists are dentists with special training in diagnosing and treating misaligned teeth and jaws. For example, dentists can determine if teeth will be misaligned once the patient begins to have a permanent dentition (sometimes as early as age 6 or 7). At the same time, the orthodontist may recommend interceptive treatment therapy, which involves using devices to influence facial growth, help teeth grow better, and prevent the development of more serious problems.)