Orthodontics

What does an orthodontist do?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who undergo additional training after completing general dentistry education. Their focus is on correcting misaligned teeth, improper bites, and jaw irregularities. While achieving a straighter, more attractive smile is one aim of orthodontics, these specialists also work to improve oral health and function. Crooked or crowded teeth, for instance, can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to cavities and gum disease. Bite issues, such as overbites or underbites, can cause jaw pain or even make chewing or speaking a challenge. Orthodontists help individuals—children, teenagers, and adults—address these issues, ensuring long-term health and comfort.

Common orthodontic issues

Orthodontics addresses a wide range of dental problems. Some of the most common issues include:

• Overbite or underbite: When the top front teeth extend too far over the lower teeth, it’s called an overbite. An underbite occurs when the lower teeth protrude in front of the upper teeth, often causing functional difficulties and aesthetic concerns.
• Crowding: When there isn’t enough space in your jaw for your teeth to align properly, they may overlap or become crooked. Crowded teeth are harder to keep clean, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Spacing issues: Gaps or spaces between teeth can occur naturally, especially if some teeth are missing or smaller than others. Excessive spacing can detract from the appearance of your smile and cause issues with proper chewing.
• Crossbite: A crossbite happens when the upper teeth don’t align correctly with the lower teeth, resulting in some upper teeth biting inside the lower teeth instead of outside.
• Open bite: This refers to a condition where the upper and lower teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed, often caused by habits like thumb sucking or tongue thrusting during childhood.

Fortunately, orthodontic treatments are designed to correct these and other alignment issues effectively.

Treatments in orthodontics

Modern orthodontics offers a variety of treatment methods, ensuring there’s a suitable option for different lifestyles, needs, and preferences. Some of the most common treatment methods include:

• Braces: Traditional braces are a tried-and-true method for straightening teeth. They use metal or ceramic brackets and wires to apply gradual pressure, guiding teeth into proper alignment over months or years.
• Clear aligners: Clear aligners, such as Invisalign, provide a discreet alternative to braces. These custom-made, removable trays fit snugly over your teeth, gradually shifting them into place while giving you the freedom to eat, drink, and brush without restrictions. Clear aligners are particularly appealing to adults and teens who prefer a more subtle orthodontic treatment.
• Palatal expanders: Used primarily in children, these devices help widen the upper jaw to create more space for incoming teeth. This early intervention can prevent more complex issues later in life.
• Retainers: After active treatment with braces or aligners, retainers are used to maintain the new position of your teeth. Retainers can be fixed (permanently bonded to the teeth) or removable, depending on your orthodontist’s recommendation.
• Other corrective devices: In some cases, special appliances may be used to address specific issues, like jaw irregularities or severe bite problems.

How orthodontics benefits oral health

While improving the appearance of your smile is one of the most noticeable outcomes of orthodontics, the benefits extend far beyond aesthetics. Orthodontics contributes to your overall oral health and daily comfort in several key ways:

• Improved chewing and biting: When your teeth are aligned correctly, it becomes easier to bite and chew food, reducing wear and strain on your teeth and jaw joints.
• Better oral hygiene: With straight teeth, brushing and flossing become significantly more effective, reducing the likelihood of cavities and gum disease.
• Reduced risk of dental injuries: Protruding teeth are more prone to accidental chipping or breaking. Orthodontic treatment can align these teeth, minimizing the risk of damage.
• Long-term dental health: Proper alignment reduces uneven wear and pressure on teeth, safeguarding your dental health as you age.
• Boosted self-esteem: A straighter smile can have a profound impact on self-confidence, making you feel more at ease in both social and professional environments.

When should you seek orthodontic care?

Orthodontic care can be beneficial at any age, although early intervention often simplifies treatment. Children as young as seven can benefit from an initial orthodontic evaluation, as the jaw and teeth are still developing, allowing for early correction of potential alignment issues. However, adults seeking orthodontic care should feel equally encouraged—modern techniques and discreet options like clear aligners make treatment accessible and aesthetically pleasing.

Whether you’re struggling with crowded teeth, noticeable gaps, or persistent bite issues, it’s worth consulting an orthodontist if you:

• Have difficulty biting or chewing food properly.
• Experience jaw pain or discomfort.
• Feel self-conscious about your smile due to misaligned teeth.
• Have children showing early signs of misalignment, such as consistently mouth breathing or thumb sucking.

Valby Tand: Combining tradition and innovation in dental care

At Valby Tand, we are proud to provide orthodontic solutions that combine over 75 years of expertise with the latest advancements in dental technology. Since 1945, we have been dedicated to offering high-quality dental care to the residents of Valby and surrounding areas.

What sets us apart is our commitment to both precision and comfort. As the first clinic in Denmark to utilize a fully digital dental bank, we ensure meticulous planning and execution for every orthodontic treatment. Our state-of-the-art 3D scanning technology allows us to create highly accurate digital impressions, eliminating the discomfort of traditional molds and ensuring effective treatments tailored to your unique needs.

Whether you’re considering braces, clear aligners, or other orthodontic solutions, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way. At Valby Tand, we believe in combining tradition, innovation, and patient care to help you achieve the healthiest, most beautiful smile possible.

Trust us to take care of your smile—experience unparalleled expertise and cutting-edge technology with Valby Tand.