Orthodontics involves the treatment of teeth and bite irregularities, especially problems with how the teeth look as well as alignment and occlusion issues. If you have crooked or misaligned teeth, a San Diego Dentist Association member can help you look and feel better about your smile. Treatment may include Invisalign clear aligners or, in limited cases, metal braces.
An Orthodontist Defined
Woman with teeth braces
An orthodontist is a special kind of dentist with extra training – usually 3 years additional university and clinical training. When you visit an orthodontist, you can be sure they have the advanced training and skills necessary to help you. Orthodontists are members of the American Association of Orthodontists in most cases, an organization that can help you verify if the dentist you’re considering is an orthodontist.
What Does An Orthodontist Do?
Everyone should see an orthodontist during their childhood. Most experts recommend seeing an orthodontist before age 7 to make sure teeth are coming in correctly. Even if you or your child has never been to this special type of dentist, don’t be discouraged. It’s never too late to be assessed for possible beneficial treatment.
An orthodontist works to resolve a wide range of problems. They function as a cosmetic dentist to make you or your child look better, but they also deal with teeth problems that cause difficulties chewing or properly cleaning teeth. If teeth don’t meet correctly or are visibly crooked, an orthodontist can help.
What Kinds Of Orthodontic Treatments Are Available?
You will find that a wide range of conditions can be treated with orthodontic dentistry at the right San Diego dentist’s office. Here are some examples of what orthodontists can do:
- Dealing with anteroposterior deviations. If you have an overbite, underbite, problems with speaking related to your teeth or can’t chew normally, orthodontic treatment can help.
- Eliminating overcrowding. When you have too many teeth for the jawbone to accommodate them all, orthodontic treatment can move teeth around for better balance.
- Resolving aesthetic issues. If you have cosmetic concerns about your teeth that can’t be resolved with another type of cosmetic dental procedure, an orthodontist can help you have a more beautiful smile.
How Does An Orthodontist Realign Teeth And Jaws?
Orthodontists use innovative procedures and appliances to realign teeth and jaw issues. Before treatment, the orthodontist does simple testing including x-rays to understand your gums, teeth and jawbone. They will also take bite impressions. After examining the images and impressions, the orthodontist can make recommendations. Recommended treatments may include:
- Clear aligners. The standard for misaligned teeth, a series of custom clear aligners can move teeth gently into proper alignment over time without pain, wires or brackets. The most common brand name is Invisalign.
- Metal braces. Still useful in limited circumstances, braces involve wired brackets attached across teeth and slowly tightened over time to move teeth into alignment. Braces are smaller and less visible than in the past.
- Sometimes used to treat overbite or underbite, headgear goes over the head and affixes to braces, encouraging precise jawbone movement to create better alignment.
- After teeth have been moved into alignment, retainers are usually necessary for several months to keep teeth from returning to their previous positions.
For straighter teeth or to correct bite issues, reach out to an SDDA dentist now for affordable treatment you can trust that’s close to home.