Orthodontics: Prevention is better than the Cure

 Orthodontics is by nature a preventive field. The majority of the cases treated by orthodontists involve identifying and treating problems that have not yet developed. This is why children are generally need orthodontic care more than adults. Because children’s teeth and jaws are always growing, it’s possible to harness that natural growth process to create teeth that are better aligned than they otherwise would be.

These are some of the tools used by orthodontists to prevent problems from developing:

Braces
Braces use metal connectors attached to the teeth to gradually create a straighter alignment. Braces are the most prominent orthodontic treatment, but they’re far from the only one. They’re often regarded as one of the most serious forms of orthodontic care, and they’re sometimes used as a last resort when other methods don’t work out.

Space maintainers
When one of a child’s baby teeth falls out, it leaves a space that may not be filled for some time. In some cases, crowding elsewhere in the jaw may cause that space to be filled by teeth that don’t belong there. If you see this happening in your child, see your orthodontist Calgary about implanting a simple device to keep the other teeth from moving into that space.

Thumb sucking appliances
 Thumb and finger sucking are among the top causes for orthodontic problems in young children. These habits can lead to misaligned bites as well as abnormal spacing between the top and bottom teeth. A temporary in-mouth appliance can be installed to assist in breaking the habit.

Retainers
For mild misalignments of the jaw, retainers are used to apply gentle pressure to the teeth when the individual is sleeping. They’re also used subsequent a braces treatment to help make sure the teeth stay where they should be.

Cross-bite appliances
When the back upper teeth fit inside of the lower ones, this is known as a cross-bite. This misalignment can be repaired by using an appliance designed to expand the upper arch of the jaw, which will spread the upper teeth and create a more normal alignment.

Peoples Plan covers orthodontic procedures for the whole family. Start saving early for any possible orthodontics you may incur later in life with Peoples Plan.