Around 3.5 billion people around the world have serious oral health problems. Many of these issues can be fixed by a regular dentist, but others should be solved by orthodontists.
Having misaligned teeth may not only impact the way you are perceived by others and your self-esteem; it may affect your overall well-being. If your teeth are misaligned, you may be dealing with issues such as painful or difficult chewing, gum disease, or tooth decay.
If so, your best course of action is to consult with an orthodontist at R+R Dental to understand how your teeth can be realigned. If your child has misaligned teeth, having the issue resolved sooner rather than later may have a positive impact on their life.
How Does an Orthodontist Help You?
Your orthodontist can help when you or your child have:
- Crooked or misaligned teeth
- Problems with your bite, whether an overbite or an underbite
- Teeth that are either too far apart or too crowded
- A jaw that is misaligned
A good orthodontist can help straighten your teeth and help boost your confidence.
Why Is Having a Healthy Bite Important?
When the upper and lower teeth align as they should, you can eat, chew, and speak properly. Years ago, it was believed that only children and adolescents benefitted from orthodontic treatment, but this vision has changed to the point where orthodontists these days treat dental issues regardless of the patient’s age.
Can Someone Be Denied Orthodontic Treatment?
If your teeth are plagued with severe dental problems such as gum disease or extensive tooth decay, it is not a matter of having orthodontics denied. What happens is that your orthodontist may recommend you address those issues first, before seeking a correction for misaligned or crooked teeth. Also, if you have cavities, get those fixed first and then seek orthodontic treatment.
What Types of Treatments Do Orthodontists Offer?
Nowadays, there are several options when it comes to getting your teeth aligned, among them:
Braces
Four million people wear braces, because they are very effective for treating teeth alignment issues. The purpose of this treatment is to gradually pull your teeth into their desired position. To achieve this result, a combination of brackets, bands, and wires are used. You may have the option of selecting between traditional metal braces and clear ceramic ones. The length of time this treatment takes depends on the state of your teeth when the treatment starts and how far your teeth are away from their optimal location.
Clear Aligners
Aligners have turned into a popular alternative to braces. In this treatment, instead of wires and brackets to straighten teeth, your orthodontist will provide you with a series of custom-made, clear trays that you will have to wear for one or two weeks before switching to a new one. The purpose of these clear trays is to slowly move your teeth to their final desired location.
Retainers
Once you are finished either with your braces or clear aligners, your orthodontist may require you to wear a retainer to prevent your teeth from moving back to their original position. Your orthodontist will have a retainer custom-made for you and will explain how to use it to maintain the desired results.
Palate Expanders
In cases where a child may have issues with their teeth while still quite young, an orthodontist may recommend a palate expander while the child’s facial bones and structures are still developing. By starting early with a palate expander, your child’s upper jaw will create extra space for the rest of their teeth when they come in. By taking this proactive step, parents can help their children avoid tooth extractions or other painful procedures later on in life.
What Are the Main Advantages of Receiving an Orthodontic Treatment?
Besides the obvious cosmetic benefits of having your teeth looking nice and straight, orthodontic treatments offer many additional benefits:
- Teeth are easier to clean when they are properly aligned.
- Straight teeth are essential when it comes to adequate chewing motions and proper speech function.
- When your bite is aligned, you will have a reduced risk of developing cavities or gum disease as well as any other issues.
- Allowing you to enjoy a healthy and beautiful smile.
Are There Any Disadvantages to Receiving an Orthodontic Treatment?
Any disadvantages associated with orthodontic treatment will generally be short-term. This means that you may feel pain or have days when you are uncomfortable wearing braces, aligners, or retainers. Yet, this will only happen while you are undergoing treatment. Once this is finished, the only thing left for you is to enjoy your gorgeous smile.
Make sure to take the time to properly clean your orthodontic devices to avoid getting cavities, and don’t forget to wear your retainer as directed by your doctor. Following these guidelines will ensure that you can enjoy a great smile for the rest of your life.