Dr. Catania Explains Orthodontics

We at Dr. Catania's office know that it is important to take care of your teeth and sometimes it's confusing to know when you need a dentist and when you need an orthodontist. So we had Dr. Catania explain orthodontics.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and facial irregularities (i.e. "bad bites" and "crooked teeth").

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a specialist who has completed an advanced education program following dental school, to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development.

What are some possible benefits of orthodontics?

--A more attractive smile
--Reduced appearance-consciousness during critical development years (improved self-esteem)
--Better function of the teeth
--Increased self-confidence
--Increased ability to clean the teeth
--Improved force distribution and wear patterns of the teeth
--Better long-term health of teeth and gums
--Guide permanent teeth into more favorable positions
--Reduce the risk of injury to protruded front teeth
--Aid in optimizing other dental treatment

What are some signs that braces may be needed?

Below are some of the more common signs that orthodontics may be needed:

--Upper-front teeth protrude excessively over the lower teeth, or are bucked
--Upper-front teeth cover the majority of the lower teeth when biting together (deep bite)
--Upper-front teeth are behind or inside the lower-front teeth (underbite)
--The upper- and lower-front teeth do not touch when biting together (open bite)
--Crowded or overlapped teeth.
--The center of the upper and lower teeth do not line up.
--Finger- or thumb-sucking habits which continue after six or seven years old
--Difficulty chewing
--Teeth wearing unevenly or excessively
--The lower jaw shifts to one side or the other when biting together
--Spaces between the teeth

If you have any of these conditions and you would like a consultation, give us a call today at Dr. Catania's office. We would love to chat with you.