Have you ever found yourself wondering exactly what orthodontic services are and how they’re different from regular dental care? Orthodontics is more than just braces. It’s a specialized area of dental care focused on aligning your teeth and jaw for both health and appearance.
What Are Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating misalignments of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic services are commonly associated with kids, but they’re actually designed for people of all ages. Millions of people seek orthodontic care every year!
What Do Orthodontic Services Include?
At a board-certified orthodontist’s office, there are several services and treatments you won’t typically find at a general dentist’s office. While general dentistry addresses the overall health of your teeth and gums with routine dental care, cleanings, fillings, and oral health, orthodontics zeroes in on crooked or crowded teeth and bite problems, using different devices such as braces, aligners, and other corrective tools.
Orthodontists are specially trained to correct these issues, improving both the functionality and appearance of your smile. These services go beyond the scope of routine dental care and focus on long-term solutions that lead to better oral health, less strain on your jaw, and an overall improved bite.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are many orthodontic treatments, and they vary based on the specific needs of each individual. These are some of the most common orthodontic services:
Traditional Braces
The most well-known option for straightening teeth. These consist of metal brackets attached to your teeth and connected by a wire, which is periodically adjusted to slowly shift your teeth into proper alignment.
Clear Braces
These work similarly to traditional metal braces but use clear or tooth-colored materials, making them less noticeable. They’re a great option for patients who want a more discreet treatment.
Clear Aligners
A popular alternative to braces, this uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth. Since they are transparent and can be taken out for eating or brushing, they offer a more flexible and less visible option.
Lingual Braces
These are braces placed behind your teeth, making them nearly invisible. While they work in the same way as traditional braces, they offer a more discreet option for people who don’t want visible hardware.
Retainers
After your teeth are aligned, retainers are used to keep them in place. These can be removable or fixed and are an essential part of the orthodontic process to prevent teeth from shifting back to their original positions.
Expanders
Palate expanders are often used in younger patients to widen the upper jaw to create more space for teeth to grow properly. It’s a preventive method that can save time and avoid the need for more complex treatments later on.
Rubber Bands and Other Appliances
Orthodontists may use additional appliances like rubber bands, headgear, or spacers to correct bite issues or align the jaw. These devices can be critical for correcting more complex alignment problems.
How Do Orthodontics Affect Your Overall Health?
While it’s definitely the main goal, orthodontics isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile. In fact, it can have a big impact on your overall health as well! When your teeth are properly aligned, it becomes easier to maintain good oral hygiene. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss, which helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental issues that can affect your health over time.
But the benefits of orthodontics go beyond just keeping your teeth clean. A well-aligned bite can reduce strain on your jaw and muscles, alleviating pain and discomfort caused by issues like temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ). Properly aligned teeth can also help with speech, chewing, and swallowing, making daily activities more comfortable and efficient.
In the long term, orthodontic care contributes to better overall health by improving your oral health, reducing dental complications, and, most importantly, boosting your confidence.
What Are the Signs You Need Orthodontic Care?
It’s not always easy to tell when it’s time to consider seeing an orthodontist, but these are some of the most common signs that indicate you might benefit from orthodontic care.
- Crowded or Crooked Teeth: This one is usually easy to spot, but even if your teeth are subtly misaligned, it could lead to an increased risk of cavities and gum disease.
- Bite Issues: If you have an overbite (upper teeth sticking out over your lower teeth), underbite (lower teeth jutting out in front of your upper teeth), or crossbite (teeth misaligned from side to side), orthodontics can help.
- Difficulty Chewing or Speaking: Struggling with chewing or speaking clearly might indicate a misalignment issue that could be corrected with orthodontic treatment.
- Jaw Pain or Clicking: Persistent jaw pain, or a clicking sound when opening and closing your mouth, may be a sign of a bite misalignment that could be addressed through orthodontic care.
- Early or Late Loss of Baby Teeth: If a child loses their baby teeth too early or too late, it can cause misalignment as their adult teeth emerge. Orthodontic intervention can help guide proper development.
- Consistently Biting of the Inside of Your Cheek: If you keep accidentally biting the inside of your cheek while chewing, it could be a sign of misaligned teeth that need orthodontic attention.
These visible signs are important indicators, but there are less obvious issues that only a trained orthodontist can detect. Digital imaging and a full orthodontic assessment can identify emerging problems before they become more serious or hard to treat. In fact, many experts recommend an initial evaluation by age 7, even if no obvious problems exist. However, complete oral health is an asset at any age, and it’s never too late for an orthodontic consultation!
What Orthodontic Services Are Right for You?
If you’re noticing any of these signs or just want to know what your best options are for improving your smile, it’s time to talk to a professional. Peterson Family Orthodontics offers personalized consultations to assess your needs and create a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals. Whether you need braces, clear aligners, or simply a follow-up to ensure everything’s staying in place, our team is here to help guide you through the process.
Book your consultation today and get started toward a healthier, more confident smile!