A beautiful smile can do wonders for your confidence. But what if your teeth aren’t quite as straight as you’d like them to be?
That’s where orthodontia comes in.
Orthodontia is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists are dentists who have completed additional training to become experts in orthodontics.
What Can Orthodontics Fix?
Orthodontic treatment can address a wide range of dental issues, including:
- Misaligned teeth: Orthodontics can straighten crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth.
- Uneven bites: Orthodontics can correct malocclusions, or bad bites, such as overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites.
- Jaw problems: Orthodontics can help to correct jaw discrepancies that can affect chewing, speech, and facial appearance.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
In addition to creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile, orthodontic treatment can offer a number of other benefits, including:
- Improved oral health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, which can help to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
- Better chewing: A properly aligned bite can improve your ability to chew food effectively, which can lead to better digestion and overall health.
- Clearer speech: Misaligned teeth can sometimes affect speech. Orthodontic treatment can help to improve your speech clarity.
- Enhanced self-esteem: A straighter smile can boost your confidence and self-esteem.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
There are a variety of orthodontic treatment options available, including:
- Traditional braces: Traditional braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. They consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth and connected by wires. The wires are tightened gradually over time to move the teeth into the desired position.
- Clear braces: Clear braces are an alternative to traditional braces that are less visible. They are made of clear plastic and work in a similar way to traditional braces.
- Invisalign: Invisalign is a clear aligner system that is an alternative to braces. Invisalign aligners are made of clear plastic and are worn for two weeks at a time before being replaced with a new set of aligners.
Who is a Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is available for people of all ages, from children to adults. The best way to determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist.
What to Expect During Orthodontic Treatment
During your initial consultation, the orthodontist will examine your teeth and jaws and discuss your treatment options. They will also take X-rays and impressions of your teeth to create a treatment plan.
Once you have decided on a treatment plan, the orthodontist will begin treatment. The length of treatment will vary depending on the severity of your condition.
Following Orthodontic Treatment
After your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will need to wear a retainer to keep your teeth in their new position. Retainers are typically worn at night and for a few hours each day.
Orthodontics can be a life-changing experience. If you are considering orthodontic treatment, be sure to schedule a consultation with Lotus Dental Group to discuss your options.
Additional Tips
- Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly is important throughout orthodontic treatment.
- Avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage your braces or aligners.
- Be sure to attend all of your orthodontic appointments.
With proper care, orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a straighter, healthier smile that you can be proud of.