Because a confident, healthy smile will change your life, many people turn to an orthodontist for help. A smile plays a huge role in how you present yourself to the world. Orthodontics is a specialized field focused on correcting crooked teeth and jaws that goes beyond appearance; it supports oral health and overall well-being for all ages. When families understand what orthodontic treatment is, they can make informed choices for orthodontic care that will last a lifetime.
While answering the following questions, we explore what orthodontics involves, how it works, and why it matters:
- What is orthodontic care?
- What is orthodontic treatment like?
- Why should I investigate orthodontic care?
- When is orthodontic treatment essential?
- When should orthodontic care begin?
Understanding the Purpose of Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatments correct misaligned teeth and bite issues, improving the function, feel, and appearance of your teeth. When teeth are properly placed, chewing, speaking, and jaw comfort are improved. Orthodontic care is crucial for maintaining long-term oral health by reducing the risk of uneven tooth wear, cavities, and gum disease. Investing in orthodontic care today protects your future oral health.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Every smile transformation starts with an initial consultation to develop a personalized plan. X-rays, digital scans, and/or dental impressions will give the orthodontist an evaluation of your teeth, jaw, and bite alignment. With the information gathered, a customized treatment plan will be created.
Whether braces, clear aligners, or retainers are right for you, all methods apply gentle, continuous pressure to move teeth into their proper place. Braces and wires are used in braces, aligners are removable and not noticeable, and retainers are used to keep teeth in place after treatment.
Active orthodontic treatment usually takes about 12 to 24 months, followed by retainer use to maintain the teeth’s position.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Thankfully, we now have more options, making it easier to find the perfect, individualized solution. The most common types are:
- Traditional Braces: Metal braces are durable, affordable, and ideal for kids and teens with complicated ortho treatment plans.
- Ceramic Braces: Ceramic braces offer aesthetic appeal as they blend in with the color of teeth, but require more care to prevent staining.
- Clear Aligners: Products like Invisalign® are removable trays for patients with mild to moderate alignment issues. They are practically invisible and easy to clean, but must be worn 20-22 hours a day.
Your orthodontist will help you determine the best treatment option according to your age, needs, and lifestyle.
Benefits of Orthodontic Care
A beautiful smile will boost confidence at school, work, and social events, but the benefits of orthodontic care go beyond straightened teeth.
Chewing, speaking, and cleaning are improved when your bite is properly aligned. Proper teeth alignment also prevents uneven tooth wear, gum recession, and TMJ (jaw joint) issues, leading to jaw pain and headaches.
The emotional benefits of a confident smile will be well worth the investment. Children gain a sense of independence and pride with a beautiful smile, and parents enjoy helping their child build a healthier future.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Is Necessary
Smiling with confidence is important, but orthodontic care is all about preventing long-term oral health problems. It’s important to seek treatment for crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, or excessive spacing, as they cause chewing and speech problems. These issues can worsen over time, causing more complex and costly solutions in the future. Misaligned teeth can lead to uneven tooth wear, jaw pain, tooth decay, or gum disease because they are hard to clean. Facial symmetry and breathing patterns can be adversely affected in severe cases.
What Age Is Best to Start Orthodontic Treatment?
Early assessments will give parents a “heads up” for potential treatments needed later. To answer the question: “When should my child see an orthodontist?” the American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. That said, starting treatment earlier is helpful if jaw growth needs to be guided to make room for incoming teeth and to correct bite issues sooner.
The good news is: it’s never too late to start orthodontic treatments. Find a trusted orthodontist to recommend the best treatment for your situation, and you’ll receive excellent results.
Smile with Confidence at Miles of Smiles
Orthodontic care delivers exceptional benefits for your oral health and quality of life. Whether you’re looking for braces for your child or aligners for yourself, knowing your treatment options will help you make informed decisions.
At Miles of Smiles in Temecula, CA, our caring team will guide your every step. Ready to move forward toward a healthier, happier smile? To learn more about orthopedic treatment options or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.
