Reasons For Braces Beyond the Aesthetics
By Jon Dematteis | Published on December 29, 2011 | 0 Comments
When most people think of orthodontia, they think of metal braces that are used to create stunning smiles. What most people don’t realize, however, is that the reasons for orthodontia go far beyond the aesthetics. According to Dr. Jon Dematteis of Ortho Sync Dentistry in White Plains, an orthodontist is trained in treating a number of conditions that have nothing to do with the outward appearance of a person’s smile.
The No. 1 thing that braces do is bring teeth into alignment. While bringing teeth into alignment has the side benefit of making them straighter and more beautiful, Dr. Dematteis says it also makes teeth more functional, as well. Teeth that are not in the correct alignment are more difficult to clean, and some people with severe overbites, underbites, and crossbites report that they actually have trouble chewing and eating as a result of this. If a person’s teeth don’t function properly – and if he or she cannot chew food in the correct way – then braces are going to be an important way to fix the issue.
As an orthodontist in White Plains, Dr. Dematteis says he also treats patients with skeletal deformities. If people’s upper jaws are not aligned correctly, then it falls on the shoulders of an orthodontist in White Plains to correct that issue and make it better. Whereas most people can spot deformities that result in crooked teeth, Dr. Dematteis says certain alignment issues can be more difficult for the layperson to diagnose. Most parents have no way of knowing whether the dentition in their children’s mouth is forming in the way that it should, which is why the White Plains orthodontist recommends that all children visit his office at an early age.
Dr. Dematteis actually sees patients between the ages of six and nine years old. During these early examinations, he checks for skeletal discrepancies, upper arch issues, and spacing problems that could become more severe as the years go by. If a problem is especially severe, then Dr. Dematteis will recommend starting the child with a functional orthodontic appliance to get his mouth ready for the permanent teeth to come in. Functional appliances are removable appliances that use screws and springs to make adjustments to the size and position of the jaws and the teeth. An increasing number of children between the ages of six and nine are now wearing these appliances, thanks in large part to recent improvements in orthodontic technologies.
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Phone: 914-357-0271
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.