[Songjeong-dong Dental Clinic] When Is Orthodontic Treatment Needed? From Causes to Treatment Timing

When is orthodontic treatment needed?

From causes to treatment timing

When people hear the term orthodontic treatment, many first think, “It’s something you do to look better.” In fact, a neat alignment of the teeth can soften the impression and help people smile with confidence, so many start orthodontic treatment with that expectation. But the real purpose of orthodontic treatment is not simply external beauty.

When the teeth are crooked or the jaw position is misaligned, chewing function can decline over time, strain can be placed on the temporomandibular joint, and in severe cases the health of the teeth and gums can also be threatened.

Crooked teeth and more than that

The most common case is crowded or crooked teeth, or “fang teeth” that protrude out of line. This not only looks less attractive,

but food can easily get stuck between the teeth and brushing can be difficult, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. On the other hand, if there are gaps between the teeth, speech may sound airy, and many people also feel self-conscious when smiling. A malocclusion in which the upper and lower jaws do not fit together properly

is also a problem.

If the teeth touch only on one side or the chewing surfaces do not align, biting force decreases and the movement of the jaw becomes unbalanced. Some

people have severely protruding front teeth that make it difficult to close the mouth, or a protruding jaw that disrupts facial balance.

Although it may seem like a simple cosmetic issue on the surface, there are actually a variety of functional problems hidden beneath it.

Why do these problems happen? Let’s look at the causes

Looking at why these problems occur, genetic factors have the greatest influence. If a child inherits a parent’s jaw structure or tooth size as is, a narrow jaw and large teeth can leave insufficient space and lead to crowded teeth. Childhood habits also cannot be ignored. Oral habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting, and mouth breathing can change the direction of jaw development or disturb the alignment of the teeth.

Problems can also arise if baby teeth fall out too early. Because baby teeth help preserve space, permanent teeth may not have enough room to erupt and may come in at abnormal angles. During the growth period, if one side of the jaw grows more than the other or develops asymmetrically, that too becomes a reason orthodontic treatment may be needed.

Orthodontic treatment may be necessary due to these various causes and symptoms, but deciding to begin treatment itself often requires considerable thought and courage. Questions such as how long treatment will take, whether the cost will be burdensome, and whether there will be inconveniences in daily life all come with it.

In particular, for adults, factors such as work life, relationships with others, and sensitivity about appearance can make it difficult to start. However, with the development of various orthodontic appliances, treatment methods that minimize inconvenience in daily life, such as clear aligners and partial orthodontic treatment, are now widely chosen. Orthodontics is no longer a treatment only for children, and it is increasingly recognized as a treatment that people in their 20s to 40s can naturally consider as well.

"Orthodontic treatment: Understanding the step-by-step process"

The treatment process is broadly divided into diagnosis, treatment planning, appliance placement, periodic adjustments, and retention. At the first visit, X-rays or

oral scans are used to accurately assess the current condition, and a comprehensive diagnosis is made that includes not only tooth alignment but also jaw position and bite condition. After that, an appropriate orthodontic method is selected based on the patient’s age, dental condition, and desired results, and a treatment plan is established.

At this stage, it is very important for the patient to understand the direction of treatment on their own through sufficient explanation and consultation. Orthodontics can be successfully completed only when it is not a treatment known to the doctor alone, but a process created together with the patient.

"How long does it take? Orthodontic treatment and the retention phase"

The period of wearing orthodontic appliances is, on average, about 1.5 to 2 years, but there are large individual differences. If only simple alignment improvement is needed, treatment may be completed within 6 months to 1 year, and if the jaw position or overall bite also needs to be corrected, it may take longer.

After treatment ends, a retainer must be worn to help the teeth stay in their proper positions. If this period is neglected, the hard-earned results can collapse again, so it is an important stage that requires attention until the very end.

A step toward change, start now"

At S Leader Dental Hospital, treatment is designed not by looking only at the teeth, but by comprehensively considering jaw position, oral function, and daily habits. Because orthodontics is a long and careful process, it is important to understand and empathize with the direction of treatment together so that

the time feels less tedious and less anxiety-provoking. During treatment, adjustments are made to minimize pain, and we also carefully provide advice that may be helpful in daily life, such as oral hygiene management and eating

methods.

Songjeong-dong Dental Clinic :: S Leader Dental Hospital