Orthodontics in a Few Words

Why turn to orthodontics?

Beyond having a beautiful smile, orthodontics is above all about dental and oral health. Its preventive role is in fact absolutely essential. Orthodontics can permanently change the position of the teeth and a person’s facial morphology. It is therefore essential that orthodontic treatment be undertaken and monitored professionally

What are the benefits?

• Better dental hygiene: treatment aligns the teeth correctly, making brushing easier. This reduces the risk of cavities, periodontal disease, and gum recession.
• Proper function during chewing and swallowing
• Improved speech.
• Better balance of functional forces.
• Long-term stability of tooth positions.
• A more harmonious facial aesthetic.
• And, of course, a beautiful smile.

Moreover, an improved facial appearance helps boost self-confidence and, therefore, overall quality of life — particularly during childhood and adolescence, but later in life as well.

A beautiful smile is defined by tooth alignment and symmetry, the width of the smile, gum health, and tooth color.

The causes of an orthodontic problem

We essentially distinguish two main groups of determining factors: heredity and acquired factors. However, a hereditary cause can be “aggravated” by acquired factors, so the exact origins of the problem can be multiple and sometimes difficult to pinpoint.

Causes are generally due to a disruption in the development of facial growth between birth and adulthood, or a disruption in dental development. These disruptions stem from variations in chewing, swallowing, breathing, and other functions. In addition, habits such as thumb-sucking also disrupt dento-facial development.