The truth is that crooked teeth are not always avoidable. It sometimes happens because of the jaw size or due to genetics. But the good news is that nearly all problems are treatable. With the new technology and methods, dentists can offer orthodontic treatment to resolve this issue.
Therefore, if you or your kids are having trouble with their teeth and your are looking for a cure for straightening teeth, you are at the right place. In this article, read all about the types and benefits of orthodontics.
Who Needs Orthodontics and Who Shouldn’t Have?
First, let’s explain “what is orthodontic treatment?” and why it should be offered to a person. Orthodontics treatments deal with diagnosing, preventing, and correcting unaligned bites. To explain it in simpler words, we should say this treatment is recommended for people who need to have straight teeth. Since orthodontic treatment for adults enhances the appearance of their smile, it is mostly considered as a cosmetic surgery.
However, in some cases, if the condition of the teeth is affecting the person’s health, it can be seen as a general dentistry and will be considered as a restorative procedure. Therefore, if you wonder about orthodontic services insurance, you should note that cosmetic procedures are not usually covered by dental insurance plans.
Read More: Does Insurance Cover Cosmetic Dentistry?
Generally, people who need a dental procedure to enhance the functionality or beauty of their teeth are the best candidates for orthodontic treatment. In the next section, we will thoroughly explain the problems that orthodontics can correct. But first, let’s see who is not eligible for this procedure. An orthodontic is not recommended for people with the following conditions:

Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes is a long-lasting problem that makes it hard for the body to control sugar levels in the blood. This can lead to issues like slow healing, more chances of getting sick, problems with teeth and gums, and losing teeth. If someone’s diabetes isn’t under control, they shouldn’t get braces until it is.
Read More: What You Need To Know about Dental Treatment for Diabetic Patients
Heavy Smokers
No need to tell you how harmful smoking is; everyone knows this fact. If you are a smoker, we have bad news for you because you are not a perfect candidate for orthodontic treatment. Smoking can also impair the healing process and increase the risk of complications during this procedure. So, quit smoking if you want to regain your beautiful smile.
Furthermore, smoking creates stains and discolouration on your teeth. If you already have discolored teeth, you may need veneers.
Bruxism
Bruxism is a common teeth-grinding or clenching habit, often occurring during sleep. It can result in tooth damage, enamel erosion, jaw discomfort, headaches, and appliance breakage. Individuals with severe bruxism may not be eligible for orthodontic treatment without a protective device like a night guard.
Common Problems that Orthodontic Corrects
Now it’s time to know the benefits of orthodontics. Which dental problems it can fix.
Overbite or Underbite
One of the most common dental issues is when the upper or lower teeth extend too far over or behind the opposite teeth, causing an improper bite. This can affect chewing, speech, jaw function, and facial balance. If the upper teeth are over the lower teeth, it is called overbite; if the lower teeth are over the upper teeth, it is called underbite.
Crowded or Overlapping Teeth
Sometimes there is no space in the mouth for the teeth to grow. Therefore, the teeth will be twisted or pushed out of their normal position. These conditions are called crowded and overlapping teeth, one of the most critical issues you should take care of because they can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly. Furthermore, it can cause jaw pain too.

Crooked Teeth
The condition when the teeth are not grown normally or have been overlapped is called crooked teeth issue. However, this situation occurs typically due to genetics or facial development. So, there might be no way to prevent it. But orthodontics can also fix this problem in adults.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
Different stages of orthodontic treatment may be offered regarding the patient’s situation. Here is the orthodontic treatment list.
Braces
Dental braces are fixed appliances, which are common and effective ways to straighten teeth and improve oral health. Depending on the case, they are usually worn for 18 to 24 months.
However, after their removal, the patient must wear a retainer to keep the teeth aligned to their position. Orthodontic braces come in metal braces, ceramic braces, and lingual braces. Generally, braces on crooked teeth should be adjusted every few weeks; the price of this procedure is calculated based on the average cost of braces per month.

Retainers and Palates
This type of orthodontics is mainly recommended for children who have problems with jaw joints. The benefit of this treatment for young children is that they can prevent the need for braces later in life.
Clear Aligners
Braces are noticeable, especially on the front teeth, which makes it uncomfortable to wear for a long time. That’s why clear aligners are produced, which are transparent and plastic in form, making them invisible on teeth. That’s why it is also familiar with its manufacturer’s name, Invisalign. However, the orthodontic cost of clear aligners is higher than other orthodontics treatments.

What to Expect?
The primary objective of orthodontics treatment is to enhance the appearance and functionality of the teeth. However, in some rare cases, there might be some complications too. That’s why you should also know about the risks of orthodontic treatment, which are as follows:
- Enamel damage
- Periodontal damage
- Temporomandibular disorders (TMD)
- Tooth devitalization
- Tooth relapse
Bottom Line & FAQs
Orthodontic treatment is a vital aspect of dental care that can give you a perfect smile. However, it is not recommended to all people, like patients with bruxism, who have to use a night guard to prevent damage to their teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to consult with an orthodontist to determine the best course of treatment to address their specific needs and achieve optimal oral health.
Check out Acacia Dental to discover the experienced orthodontists in Coolalinga, Darwin, Palmerston, Humpty doo, and Howard Springs.