Orthodontics improve your smile’s health and function. A well-aligned bite prevents problems like early tooth wear, gum disease, jaw pain and sleep apnea. When choosing an orthodontist near me, you need to find one that meets your needs. You should look at practice websites, but take the online reviews with a grain of salt; happy patients will often write positive reviews, while unhappy ones won’t. You should also seek recommendations from dental specialists, especially oral surgeons. They will have worked with many orthodontists in the area and should know who does the best work.
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets that are bonded to your teeth and wires that guide them into their proper position. They can also include elastics to apply more force to teeth or jaws where needed.
Choosing the Right Orthodontist
You should also consider whether your orthodontist accepts your insurance. You should also pay a visit to the orthodontist’s office in person and get a feel for the place. It should be clean and comfortable, and the staff should be friendly and helpful.
Orthodontic treatment can be expensive, and you need to choose a clinic that works with your budget. Make sure you ask about the costs involved and if they offer payment plans or financing options. If something goes wrong, like breaking your retainer, it is important to have an orthodontist who can handle the problem right away.
Getting Braces
Getting braces is more than just about improving the look of your smile. It also helps with the function of your teeth and jaws, and can reduce the risk of certain health issues.
Crowded or crooked teeth create tight spaces where food particles and plaque can hide, increasing the risk of cavities. Straightened teeth are easier to clean and can help prevent tooth decay.
Misaligned teeth can put a strain on the jaw joints and lead to temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD). Braces work to align teeth properly, helping to relieve pressure on the jaws and alleviating jaw pain.
A straight smile is an instant confidence booster and can contribute to success in all aspects of life, especially when it comes to job interviews and romantic relationships. Many studies have shown that people with straighter smiles are viewed as more trustworthy and approachable. A confident smile can also increase self-esteem and lead to a better quality of life.
Keeping Your Teeth Clean
Good oral hygiene keeps your mouth free of harmful bacteria that can cause a host of problems, including gum disease. It also reduces bad breath and protects your overall health.
Cleaning your teeth removes plaque, a whitish film of bacteria that causes tooth decay. Plaque can harden into tartar, which can only be removed by a professional dentist using special tools. During your appointment, the dental hygienist will polish and floss your teeth, and may use a fluoride treatment to prevent cavities.
Teeth cleanings also offer an opportunity for a full examination of your mouth, including the jaw and TMJ, to look for early signs of gum disease, cracked or broken teeth, and other problems. It is important to catch these issues before they worsen and become more expensive to treat. The dentist will also check for an unbalanced bite, known as malocclusion, that can lead to premature wear of your teeth. This can also affect the appearance of your smile.
Getting Treatment for Your Child
Orthodontic treatment is the oldest branch of dentistry that focuses on shifting and aligning teeth and jaws. It is primarily a cosmetic concern, although it can also help with issues such as tooth decay, speech impairments, and gum disease. It is typically undertaken in two phases. The first is typically performed before all of a child’s permanent teeth come in, and addresses problems that are skeletal or habit-related.
Early orthodontics can make a significant difference in the amount of treatment required later on in life. It can also help avoid the need for surgical solutions that are more expensive, painful, and lengthy.
Look for an orthodontist who has invested in cutting-edge technology. A good example is the iTero Element scanner, which can take high-quality digital impressions of your mouth and is more comfortable than traditional molds. This allows for more accurate treatment planning and better care overall.