Orthodontics is a subfield within dentistry that’s focused on tooth placement, jaw abnormalities and bite problems – and it’s an area in which many San Diego Dentist Association members focus. Each is ready to make sure you get the treatment you need for the beautiful, healthy, functional teeth and smile that you deserve. Originally developed for children’s dental health needs, orthodontics also work well for adults who didn’t have successful orthodontic treatment when they were children. Orthodontics can be adapted to work at any age.
Concerns with crooked teeth, an underbite or an overbite, for example, can make functions like chewing, eating and even speaking distinctly quite difficult. Over time, significant medical problems can also develop, including digestive issues as well as gum disease and tooth decay from not being able to clean teeth properly.
Exactly What Can Orthodontics Treat?
Orthodontic dentistry offers techniques which will realign the teeth and revitalize the smile
How teeth are arranged and how they can be moved into better arrangement is the primary study and purpose of orthodontics. The San Diego Dentist Association member you choose can treat a wide range of oral and overall health problems at their San Diego dental office using modern orthodontics. Treatments available include solutions for these concerns and more:
- Caused when your upper jaw extends more than usual over the lower jaw, this condition can make you look toothy and your chin look weaker and smaller than it is.
- Caused when your lower jaw extends under your upper jaw, this condition makes it look like you have a very prominent jaw, and you may struggle to eat correctly.
- Caused when your mouth has so many teeth that they don’t seem to fit in naturally, the condition can lead to misalignment, rotation or tooth displacement.
- Crooked teeth. Sometimes teeth are simply positioned in an aesthetically unpleasing manner and can be adjusted with braces, Invisalign clear aligners or other procedures.
Understanding The Orthodontic Treatment Process
Orthodontic dentistry provides a range of choices to realign teeth, enhance function and improve a smile. The treatment you need depends on the specifics of your situation. Following a visual examination, your SDDA dentist can determine what additional tests and diagnostics are necessary. These might include panoramic digital x-rays to see the whole mouth and jaw in a single image, a bite impression to help the team understand how your teeth function in relation to each other and more. With these tests, they can make a firm diagnosis and recommendations. You may have several treatment options.
In the past, dental braces were the most common orthodontic treatment, but Invisalign and similar clear aligners are more popular today because they don’t involve wires or metal brackets. Clear aligners are appropriate for mild to modern issues, and braces are still the standard for severe alignment issues. In the case of braces, brackets may now be ceramic instead of metal. They are connected together with a wire that is gradually tightened over a period of several months, spurring teeth to move to the correct positioning.
Other orthodontic treatments available from the San Diego dentist you choose may include headgear for severe bite problems, retainers, tooth movers, palate expanders and more. Your dentist can work with you to determine the best course of action and the most conservative way to achieve your goals with the least impact on everyday life. They can discuss costs as well. For most people, the solution may be simpler than you think, and all it takes is a consultation to find out.
To learn how orthodontics can work in your favor, reach out to an SDDA dentist now. Each is a gentle, friendly professional with a knack for helping and can assist you with your tooth straightening and aligning needs in a pleasant, professional environment.