Braces And Orthodontic Treatment Cape Town

by Roy DeVilliers Orthodontist in South Africa

A recent study shows that about three million teenagers wear braces, but they are not the only ones who need such devices - adults too receive orthodontic treatment in Cape Town.

Who can use braces?

While taking a child under the age of seven to an orthodontist may seem over the edge, 7 is a good age for the first orthodontic consultation. The reason to do that is that the orthodontist Cape Town can take measures to prevent possible causes that lead to the necessity of braces for the future. Adults, on the other hand, may consult the orthodontist at any time since the will of correcting teeth and having a great smile does not know any age boundaries.

The first orthodontic meeting ceases to a simple visual check of the patient's facial structure and denture. If by any chance, more evaluation is required, the Orthodontist in South Africa shall settle diagnostic records for the patient using x-rays, molds after the patient's teeth, and photographs of the face and teeth. According to the final interpretation of the gathered information, Orthodontic treatment is guided.

Normally orthodontists do not ask for referrals from the general dentist, but should this be the case, the patient must provide such information after having decided on a good dentist to go to.

Why are braces necessary?

The main purpose of wearing braces Cape Town is to move and align teeth in the ideal position for occlusion. Malocclusion describes bad alignment between upper and lower teeth. The reference points to describe malocclusion are the first molars and depending on how alignment is, there are three types of occlusion:

Category A - known to be the perfect relationship between upper and lower teeth;

Category B - also known as "overbite". The first molar's position is more towards the back of the mouth, which makes the maxilla appear forwards. There are two subdivisions of this class that describe how upfront the maxilla is, but the position of the first molar stays the same;

Category C - "the underbite". The mandible is the one protruding forward because the first molar's position is closer to the front of the mouth.

Patients with the ideal bite, however, may suffer from various forms of crowding or spacing. Either way, braces are a necessity. Orthodontic treatment Cape Town, for that matter, can correct not only the visible physical aspect of the teeth but also:

Sleep apnea because of snoring or mouth breathing;
Speech impediments;
Tooth decay;
Gum disease;
Difficulty eating or chewing;
Jaw aches.

Wearing braces improves the facial structure and makes teeth and gums healthier, yet the self-esteem that comes along with such improvements is not to be neglected.