Orthodontic treatment is a method used by orthodontists to move and straighten teeth to improve their functioning and the person’s appearance. An orthodontist can help you maintain the good oral health of your gums, jaw joints, teeth, and your bite while giving you a bright, beautiful smile. If you have a problem with your smile, we highly encourage you to schedule an appointment at our office to get an intro to orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontia is a special branch of dentistry that deals with improper bites and crooked teeth. An orthodontist must undergo special training after finishing dental school. He or she may extract some teeth and use braces, clear aligners and retainers to put the teeth in the right position.
Orthodontic treatment is usually recommended for people who have crooked or crowded teeth. Some people have prominent front teeth that stick out of the mouth and push the upper lip. These teeth may be easily damaged but can be put back in line with orthodontic treatment.
The way the upper and lower jaw meet is called the bite. When this is not correct, the tooth enamel can wear away faster than normal and food may not be chewed properly. This condition can lead to cosmetic concerns as well.
It is recommended for children to visit an orthodontist early as an intro to orthodontic treatment so any of the above problems can be diagnosed before they become more serious and difficult to treat. Most people have orthodontic treatment during their teenage years, but more and more adults are starting to get the treatment that they wish they had had as a child.
When you have a consultation with our specialists, you may have a full examination. You will be given your options for treatment. Adults may start treatment immediately, but children may need to wait until they have enough permanent teeth.
Braces are the most common intro to orthodontic treatment. They are available in metal, ceramic or clear plastic. The metal and ceramic braces have brackets and wires that push and pull your teeth into the correct position. Clear bisphenol A-free plastic aligners are almost impossible to see and also gradually move teeth into the correct position. The aligners are custom-made and a new one is worn every two weeks. They are removable and there are no dietary restrictions. The teeth can be cleaned in the usual way.
Metal and ceramic braces work the same way. Ceramic braces may be tooth-colored and difficult to see. Braces are smaller than they were 40 years ago and self-ligating technology works faster to deliver healthy results. There are dietary restrictions because some hard foods may break the wires or brackets and sticky food will be difficult to remove. Special instructions will be given for cleaning.
To find out the right orthodontic treatment for your oral issues, visit Petty & Bielik Orthodontics in Oak Lawn. We want to help you achieve the smile you have always wanted. Contact us today to book your complimentary consultation appointment.