Orthodontics
Anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Crooked, uneven, crowded, or misaligned teeth may make you feel self-conscious but they also affect your overall health.
Orthodontic treatment corrects these issues. Teeth that are in their ideal position are easier to clean and are less vulnerable to injury.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental irregularities.
Some? general dentists can perform orthodontic treatments. But if your case is complex, they may refer you to an orthodontist in your area. Orthodontists are specialists in orthodontic treatment who are trained and skilled in designing smile improvements, recommending the right corrective appliances, and restoring teeth alignment and facial symmetry.
Why are orthodontic treatments important?
Orthodontic treatments correct misalignment so teeth look and function better. Dental braces and Invisalign® are examples of orthodontic appliances. They apply gentle pressure on the teeth to shift them into proper position.
Leaving orthodontic issues untreated may lead to decay and cavities, gum disease, chewing and speech difficulties, and bone deterioration.
You may consider several orthodontic treatment options if you’re interested in enhancing your smile. These treatments not only give you an attractive smile, but they prevent or reduce the risks of developing health problems.
Choosing the best treatment option can be challenging though, so it’s crucial to start with a consultation with your dentist in Peace River, Alberta.
Who may benefit from orthodontics?
You may need orthodontics if you have a ‘bad bite’ or your upper and lower teeth don’t come together properly. For example, your upper front teeth are protruding or overlapping your bottom teeth too much.
Several factors can contribute to a bad bite. It can be due to impacted teeth, prolonged bottle feeding, injuries, or thumb sucking habits.
When your teeth are misaligned, you may find it harder to chew certain foods, pronounce some words, and keep tooth surfaces clean. Misalignment can also cause premature wear and tear on your teeth, causing pain, chipping, fractures, and breakage.
Correcting a bad bite can eliminate and prevent these dental problems. There are different types of bad bites. Your dentist can classify your bite and recommend a customized treatment plan.
Orthodontic treatments aren’t just for kids and teens. Adults can benefit from orthodontics also and improve their smile and overall health.
Different types of orthodontic treatments
Your dentist may recommend one or a combination of orthodontic treatments depending on the condition of your teeth, preferences, and lifestyle.
Here are the treatments which correct misalignment of the teeth:
- Braces
- Retainers
- Removable appliances, such as Invisalign
- Oral surgery
Your dentist can explain to you in greater detail the pros and cons of every option and recommend the best treatment plan for your specific needs.
Starting orthodontic treatments as early as possible can prevent major dental problems down the road.
How long do orthodontic treatments take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment depends on the extent of the issue and the methods used to correct them. You also need to see your dentist regularly throughout the treatment period, which can last from several months up to 2 years.
Learn more about orthodontic treatments in Peace River, Alberta
Do you have misaligned teeth? Do you want to improve your smile?
Call us today to schedule an evaluation with a dentist in Peace River, Alberta. Learn more about orthodontic treatments you may consider.
Our dental office welcomes patients of all ages. We also provide emergency dental care and do our best to see you on the same day.