Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that treats irregularities in your teeth and jaws. Its main area of focus is diagnosing and treating bite issues.
The Three Levels of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments in Beavercreek, OH, are based on the position of your teeth and how your jaws are aligned. Each treatment class is treated using different methods of orthodontics.
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Level One – Appearance of Your Teeth
Level one is the most basic level of orthodontics. It only deals with the cosmetic appearance of your smile. Level one treatments include all types of braces (Invisalign, metal, and ceramic).
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Level Two – Your Bite and the Appearance of Your Bite
Level two focuses on the way your teeth fit together when you bite. Level two treatments will result in less tooth erosion and a decreased chance of developing bruxism. They will also give you a balanced bite and reduce your risk of gum recession, TMJ, and bone atrophy.
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Level Three – Jaw Alignment, Bite, and the Appearance of Your Bite
Level three focuses on assessing and treating your facial muscles, jaw joints, maxillofacial structure, and other oral issues.
Why Are Orthodontic Treatments Important?
Orthodontic treatments are important because your bite and the way your teeth fit together will play a huge role in your oral health now and in the future. Correcting bite issues now (versus waiting) will reduce your chances of developing oral issues such as enamel and tooth erosion, gum disease, cavities, and other kinds of teeth and jaw damage.
Diagnosing Orthodontic Issues
Correctly diagnosing and treating orthodontic issues requires your dentist to have specialized training, experience, and the right technology and equipment.
The orthodontic diagnostic treatment process includes reviewing your dental and medical history, a thorough orthodontic exam, and taking X-rays of your jaws and teeth.
After reviewing the results, if you have oral issues that need to be addressed, your dentist will make a recommendation and provide you with a customized treatment plan.
The Most Common Orthodontic Problems
The following are the most common orthodontic problems.
- Crowded or crooked teeth.
- Rotated teeth.
- TMJ conditions.
- Crossbites.
- Gapped teeth.
- Overlapping teeth.
- Overbite (when the upper teeth stick out over the lower teeth).
- Underbite (when the lower teeth stick out further than the lower teeth).
- Impacted teeth (when teeth are fully or partially embedded and trapped in the jawbone).
The Different Types of Orthodontic Treatments
These are the most common orthodontic treatments.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign is the name brand of one of the most popular clear dental aligners. These clear dental aligners are used to straighten your teeth without the use of traditional metal braces.
Dental aligners use a series of clear plastic trays placed over your teeth like a retainer to straighten your teeth over time gradually. The aligner trays are switched out every two weeks to adjust the shifting change of your teeth.
Most people love clear dental aligners because they are removable. That means there aren’t any dietary restrictions because you can remove them when you eat. Clear dental aligners also make brushing and flossing easier because they’re removable.
Simply Clear Aligners
Simply Clear Aligners are similar to Invisalign, but there are some differences. Simply Clear Aligners are received faster because they are made in the dentist’s office instead of being sent off.
Simply Clear Aligners are made of BPA-free plastic. Invisalign uses SmartTrack material, which is said to be more durable and comfortable. Additionally, Invisalign is best suited for moderate to severe orthodontic needs. Simply Clear Aligners are best suited for mild to moderate alignment issues.
The dentist will go over both types of aligners, and together, you can decide which one is right for you.
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets, and they come in various forms, such as lingual, ceramic, and self-ligating. Traditional metal braces have brackets that are attached to your teeth and held together by wires that slowly pull your teeth into their desired position over time.
Retainers
Retainers are oral appliances that are usually worn after you have completed your braces or clear aligner treatment. Retainers are used to help retain the position of your teeth, so your bite and teeth don’t shift back out of place.
There are two types of retainers.
- Fixed Retainers – these are sometimes called permanent retainers. They are thin wires that are glued to the backs of either your upper or lower teeth or both.
- Removable Retainers – these are just as the name suggests—removable. They are usually made of acrylic or plastic. Sometimes, they have wires attached to them, and sometimes, they are clear and wire-free.
The one your dentist recommends will depend on the teeth alignment issues you had and if there are any remaining issues that need to be addressed.
Once that’s decided, your dentist will custom-fit your retainer to your teeth. Your dentist will also tell you when and how long you must wear your retainer.
They might recommend you wear it up to 24 hours a day at first and then tell you that you can cut back to only wearing it at night. How long you have to wear your retainer after you get your braces or clear aligners off will depend on the status of your teeth at that time.
The Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
As you will probably agree, the benefits of opting for orthodontic treatments are pretty much priceless in the long run!
- Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss.
- Correcting orthodontic issues will help protect your teeth from abnormal wear and tear that causes damage to your bite, teeth, and jaws.
- Properly aligned teeth and jaws are more efficient.
- Straight teeth give you a better smile and more confidence.
- Straight teeth will give you a better facial structure.
- Having a proper bite will make it easier for you to chew, which, in turn, will provide you with better digestion. It will also make it easier for you to speak properly.
- Straight teeth will help prevent tooth decay and tooth loss.
- Teeth that aren’t properly aligned can cause the surrounding bone to erode and deteriorate.
- Properly aligned teeth help keep you from experiencing temporomandibular joint disorder.
Contact Keep Smiling Dental
At Keep Smiling Dental, we believe in providing our patients with all the care and respect they deserve. We have a warm and welcoming environment that is appealing to all ages. We also use state-of-the-art technology and equipment to provide you with the best possible dental care now and going forward.
If you need to have your teeth straightened, please contact Keep Smiling Dental today!
