The primary goal of orthodontics is to improve the appearance and function of misaligned or crooked teeth.
Sometimes, problems that affect the normal development of teeth run in families. This suggests that there may be certain genes that you inherit from your parents which disrupt the development of your teeth and jaw. Genes are units of genetic material that control how your body and characteristics develop.
In many cases, developmental problems with a person’s teeth and jaw occur for no apparent reason. However, a person’s teeth and jaw can sometimes be damaged in an accident, such as a fall, or as a result of activities, such as thumb sucking, that persist well into childhood.
In children, crooked or abnormally arranged teeth are not usually an immediate health problem. However, these types of abnormalities may affect the later development of the child’s teeth, mouth and jaw. In severe cases, such abnormal developments can affect a child’s physical appearance as they grow older.
Reasons for treatment
Some of the most common reasons why people are referred to an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment are listed below.
- Protruding upper front teeth - one of the most common reasons for needing orthodontic treatment, particularly as the teeth may be more prone to damage during falls or contact sports.
- Crowding - people with narrow jaws often lack enough space for their teeth, resulting in crowding.
- Impacted teeth - the adult teeth come through in the wrong position.
- Asymmetrical teeth - in some people, the centre of their upper and lower teeth do not match, giving their teeth an asymmetrical or crooked appearance.
- Deep bite - the upper teeth cover the lower teeth too much.
- Reverse bite - the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth.
- Open bite - the upper and lower front teeth do not meet when the mouth is closed; an open bite often occurs as a result of prolonged thumb sucking.
