While orthodontic care is most commonly delivered as a standalone treatment aimed at improving smile esthetics, facial contours and the bite, it can also be used as an adjunct for treating other problems related to the teeth and face.
Prosthetic dentistry is the field of dentistry concerned with replacing missing teeth and fixing existing teeth that have been damaged.
In order to properly replace missing teeth or repair existing ones, it is sometimes necessary to first reposition the teeth to an ideal location through orthodontic treatment. Without prior orthodontic treatment to properly reposition the remaining teeth, replacement or repair can be impossible, visually conspicuous, or at risk of early breakage.
The origin of TMJ problems is usually multi-factorial, meaning that more than one cause contributes to the problem. In cases in which the teeth and bite are contributing factors in the development or perpetuation of TMJ problems, orthodontic treatment can play an adjunctive role in TMJ therapy.
Tooth and jaw relationships can sometimes be contributing factors in breathing, snoring and sleep apnea problems. When this is the case, orthodontic treatment can be of help in the treatment of these problems.
Improperly positioned teeth and/or jaws can make it impossible or very difficult to chew certain foods and pronounce certain words. In these situations, orthodontic treatment can be part of the solution.
If a person is finished growing and has a significant jaw discrepancy, surgery may be the only option for fully rectifying the underlying cause of the problem. In this situation, orthodontic treatment usually plays an integral role in the overall treatment.
