Orthodontists from smilebar.com specialize in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, including malocclusions. These irregularities, if left untreated, can lead to a host of debilitating dental and health problems.
Orthodontic treatments correct malocclusions by repositioning teeth and adjusting the size of the jawbones. This is done using a variety of unobtrusive appliances, such as braces and clear aligners.
Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments such as braces or clear aligners straighten teeth and correct bite problems. They may also reduce the risk of future dental issues, such as gum disease and tooth decay. Straighter teeth can improve the appearance of a patient, boost their confidence, and make it easier to speak and chew.
Orthodontists are able to treat many types of malocclusions. These include teeth that overlap one another, an underbite and overbite as well as crooked or crooked teeth. They can also correct jaw growth problems. They can also correct an overly protruding or underdeveloped mouth, which can make it difficult to speak and chew properly.
Fixed braces, clear aligners and headgear are all options for treatment. The orthodontist can choose the right appliance for your needs, based on a complete in-person examination of your teeth and jaws, as well as X-rays and photographs. It is important to have a thorough examination, as it allows the orthodontists to catch problems such as crowding or crossbites early on. Incorrect bites may lead to serious health conditions such as TMJ disorders, tooth damage, and other serious health problems.
The orthodontist can also use these tools to help patients of all ages with jaw problems, such as a recessed lower jaw or an underbite. Orthodontists also adjust bites of people who have undergone surgery to correct facial deformities.
Adults who have had TMJ or jaw surgery can also benefit from orthodontic care. Orthodontists recommend that everyone undergo a full exam by the age 7 years. This will give the best chance to correct misaligned jaws and teeth before they become more serious. It can also help them avoid complications such as tinnitus or other problems that are associated with jaw abnormalities. It can even help them eat better, because it will be easier to chew food and the tongue will not be pushed back into the throat as easily.
Braces
Most people associate braces with the treatment of crooked teeth, but it’s important to remember that a straight smile can improve self-esteem, help with speech and chewing problems, and lower risk for tooth loss and gum disease. Braces apply constant pressure to slowly move teeth into better alignment, and the bone under the teeth changes shape to accommodate the shift.
Braces today are more comfortable than they have ever been. The most common type is stainless steel, with brackets bonded to the front of each tooth and a wire threaded through them. The wire is tightened during each appointment to exert pressure on different areas in the mouth and guide teeth into place.
In addition to straightening teeth, braces can also correct crowded teeth. This can be caused either by the baby teeth falling off too soon, thumb-sucking or a jaw too small to accommodate all of your adult teeth. In addition to moving the teeth into their proper positions, orthodontists may use a palate expander to make room for all of your adult teeth by applying constant pressure to the sides of the jaw.
The plaque that builds up on crooked or overlapping tooth surfaces makes it harder to clean and increases your risk of gum disease. Over time, this can lead to tooth decay and permanent damage. Braces straighten the teeth and make it easier to clean them.
Invisalign
Invisalign clear alignment trays can help patients achieve the smile they desire. They apply controlled pressure on misaligned or crooked teeth without using wires or brackets. Unlike traditional braces these clear trays can be removed during meals and social occasions. A series of clear aligners are worn for two weeks, then replaced with the next in the series. This process continues until desired results are obtained.
During treatment patients must wear the aligners for at least 22 hours per day (except when they are brushing or flossing their teeth, or if they need a mouthguard for sports). The clear plastic material fits easily inside the mouth, and is easy-to-clean with a toothbrush. This also reduces irritation that metal braces can cause when they rub against the gums or cheeks. During the treatment period, patients may visit an orthodontist every 6-8 weeks to get new aligners and check their progress, but they can also schedule appointments online or over the phone.
Orthodontic care can help improve the appearance and health of a smile. Invisalign can correct bite issues that can lead to tooth decay and jaw pain. It can also help with clenching or grinding the teeth while sleeping (sleepbruxism). It can even improve chewing efficiency and decrease the risk of gum disease.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, which are also known as invisible braces, provide a cosmetic alternative to traditional metal braces. The aligners are made to order for each patient according to their dental plan. Patients wear them up until 22 hours a day (except for eating and drinking). Each tray is designed for teeth to be moved by a couple of millimeters. In most cases, the final results are achieved in 6-12 months.
The clear aligners, unlike metal braces are removable. Many patients like the fact that they can eat and drink more freely. Patients should not leave their aligners on for too long as they can become stained or distorted by food and drinks. In addition, it’s important to brush and floss regularly while wearing clear aligners, as any food or liquid trapped against the teeth can cause gum disease or cavities.
The treatment is usually quicker than traditional braces. Clear aligners are less abrasive on the teeth. An orthodontist can determine if clear alignment is right for you during your consultation. They will create a treatment plan using digital scans or detailed impressions of your teeth.
If you choose clear aligners, you will be given a set of trays meant to last a few weeks by your orthodontist. Each time you visit your orthodontist, they will check that the trays are fitting properly and are making progress. If you’re having trouble with the trays, your orthodontist will likely give you another set of clear aligners. They may give you “refinement” aligners as well to encourage teeth moving slower than expected.
Other Treatments
Orthodontists are more focused and have more experience in aligning jaws and aligning teeth. It’s crucial to only seek orthodontic treatments from orthodontists with the necessary qualifications. Even though crooked or twisted teeth may seem insignificant, they can cause problems with your ability to speak, chew, and breathe. It can also make it more difficult to reach and clean certain parts of your mouth, making you prone to plaque buildup that leads to tooth decay and gum disease.
Generally, orthodontists are trained to correct misaligned teeth and jaws using a variety of treatments, such as traditional braces, clear aligners and retainers. Orthognathic surgery may be required for some children who have severely misaligned molars. This involves repositioning either one or both jaws.
Orthodontists are also qualified to treat other oral health issues, including jaw pain and abnormal growth patterns in adolescents. They can also treat tinnitus, speech impairments and other TMD symptoms. TMD can be caused by an overbite, an underbite or misalignment between the upper and lower teeth. They are also experienced in treating thumb sucking habits, which can lead to an overbite and malocclusions. In some cases, they can also assist with sleep apnea by helping to align the lower jaw in order to reduce the obstruction that causes this condition.
