Orthodontics: Understanding Braces & Alignment - A Comprehensive Guide

An orthodontist is a dentist with two to three years of additional specialized training. An orthodontist corrects the alignment of teeth and jaws, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

Age

• The American Association of Orthodontists indicates that orthodontics is for all ages and that there is one adult out of every five patients. It is recommended that children visit an orthodontist by the age of seven.

Advantages

• The advantages of orthodontics include better function of teeth, easier cleaning and better appearance, according to the American Association of Orthodontists. According to The Orthodontics Braces Information Page, orthodontics may lower the chances of developing heart disease.

Types

• There are different types of braces, including the usual metal braces and Invisalign braces, which are not visible, according to The Orthodontic Braces Information Page.

Costs

• Costs for orthodontics vary, depending on the geographical area and the type of treatment needed. Some dental insurance plans provide some coverage and many orthodontists offer payment plans, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.

Surgery

• In some cases surgery may be needed to correct severe bite problems, according to The Orthodontic Braces Information Page. An improper bite can result in other issues, such as speech problems, chewing difficulties and temporomandibular joint (jaw joint) disorder (TMJ).