
If you have crooked teeth, several issues arise. One of the most noticeable is what crooked teeth do to your smile. You may be embarrassed to show your teeth and try your best to hide your smile from those around you. Crooked teeth can also increase your risk for oral health issues like cavities, gum disease, and tooth damage. You may also be faced with bruxism, jaw pain, and TMJ issues. At Beautiful Smiles, we can help to treat alignment issues with orthodontics, such as Invisalign®.
Orthodontist Vs. General Dentist
Orthodontists and general dentists work to help you maintain optimal oral health. However, orthodontists specialize specifically in correcting the alignment of your teeth and jaws. Both orthodontists and general dentists attend four years of dental school. Orthodontists go on to attend an additional 2 to 3 years of education and training.
During those years, we focus specifically on orthodontia. We learn about the different alignment issues and the treatments to correct them. We become trained to use the latest tools, techniques, and technologies to help patients achieve straighter teeth and healthier smiles.
Providing Treatment for All Ages
Orthodontics is typically associated with young adolescents. The ideal age for braces is between 11 and 13. However, braces are only one part of orthodontics. Moreover, orthodontics can benefit patients of all ages.
The AAPD recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. By this age, the baby teeth have begun falling out, and the adult teeth are beginning to erupt. We can detect the presence of, or likelihood for, a variety of different orthodontic issues. This allows us to formulate a treatment plan to ensure that the mouth develops properly. In some cases, issues can be treated early on, reducing or even eliminating the need for later treatment.
The early adolescent years are the most ideal for treatment with braces. At this age, the jaw is still growing and developing. Because of this, the jaw is still malleable, making it easier for the teeth to be moved into proper alignment. Braces are typically placed after the last of the adult teeth, except the wisdom teeth, have erupted.
Older teens and adults can both benefit from orthodontic treatment as well. Some adults were not able to afford braces when they were younger. Some may only now be embarrassed by their crooked teeth. Others may have received orthodontic treatment when they were younger, but their teeth have begun to shift out of alignment again. Whatever the reason for wanting straighter teeth, orthodontics can help.
Learn more about Invisalign for Teens
Benefits of Orthodontia
There are many benefits associated with orthodontia. Benefits include:
• | Improving the quality of your smile. |
• | Boosting your confidence. |
• | Reducing your risk for oral health complications like cavities and gum disease. |
• | Protecting your jaw from issues like bruxism and TMJ disorder. |
• | Lowering your risk for dental and other oral injuries, particularly if you or your child play sports. |
Correcting the alignment of your teeth and jaws helps to improve your smile and your oral health. For more information, and to find out just how orthodontics can help you, contact Beautiful Smiles at (530) 206-9211 today.