How a Braces Specialist Can Help Your Smile

Having a mouthful of crooked teeth or just having minor misalignments can greatly affect your confidence. If you want to improve your smile, you should see a braces specialist. Also known as an orthodontist, this dental professional can recommend an effective treatment that straightens your teeth but also suits your lifestyle. No matter what complaint you have about your mouth and smile, braces may be the answer.

Issues that braces can fix

Most people are aware that braces fix crooked teeth. However, braces can treat other issues that are impeding your bite or smile. Common problems that braces may help with include:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crowded teeth
• Difficulty chewing
• Headaches
• Open bite
• Spaces between teeth

Options for braces

Braces are customized for each patient. A braces specialist will closely examine your teeth and jaw to develop a personalized treatment plan. Although there are various options for braces, they all work similarly in that they slowly put pressure on the teeth to gradually shift them into the desired positions.

Traditional

Traditional metal braces are still the most common type, especially for children and teenagers. They consist of attached metal brackets that are connected with wires. The wires attach to the brackets via O-rings, which are small elastic bands. These are changed each time the orthodontist tightens the braces. These braces are typically recommended when there are severe misalignments. 

Ceramic

Ceramic braces are similar to traditional ones. However, the brackets are made of clear ceramic rather than metal. Since they are less visible, they are more popular with adults or those who do not want to make a statement that they are wearing braces.

Sublingual

Sublingual braces are also less visible because they are attached to the backs of the teeth. Traditional metal brackets and wires are often used, although the braces specialist can also customize the brackets and wires. These are often more comfortable and they may speed up treatment times. 

Self-ligating

Self-ligating braces use nontraditional brackets. These brackets have metal doors that hold the wires in place, so there is no need for O-rings like with traditional braces. This allows for the teeth to move on their own without needing to be adjusted every four to six weeks. This means less pressure and as a result, less pain.

Clear aligners

Although they may not technically be braces, aligners are another option to straighten teeth. They are clear, which makes them popular with adults and teenagers because they are almost invisible. They are also taken out to eat, brush, and floss. Aligners are usually better for mild to moderate misalignments.

How orthodontic treatment can help your smile

Understanding the following advantages may help patients decide to undergo treatment from the braces specialist.

Straighter teeth

Having straighter teeth is the most noticeable effect of orthodontic treatment on a person's appearance. Many people who suffer from self-consciousness due to their crooked teeth want to consult with the dental professional regarding orthodontic treatment. Patients may feel self-conscious about smiling widely in public if they have crooked teeth or an uneven bite. Straighter teeth might encourage a person to show their teeth more often.

Adjust a misaligned bite

Most cases of malocclusion may be corrected with orthodontic treatment. A braces specialist can provide treatment for severe underbites and overbites. Bite issues can make a person's smile uneven, which can have a negative effect on their self-esteem. An individual's smile may be enhanced by using braces to correct the bite.

Healthy teeth and gums

Orthodontic treatment can also enhance a patient's oral health. Most people believe that braces and aligners are simply utilized to correct one's teeth. But orthodontic treatment may also boost the health of the teeth and gums.

Since there are many crevices in which food might get trapped, bacteria thrive in crooked teeth. After a while, the food accumulation will lead to bacterial growth. Bacteria may cause an infection over time. Orthodontists may straighten teeth using braces or aligners, which improves oral health by decreasing the likelihood of bacterial infections.

Conclusion

Having a mouth full of straight teeth can help your self-esteem. Numerous procedures can straighten teeth and fix a misaligned bite, and a braces specialist can recommend a good option based on the severity of the issue, your aesthetic goals, and your budget.

If you have crooked teeth and want to improve your smile, a braces specialist can help determine which straightening method is right for you. Contact our office today to set up a consultation.

Request an appointment here: https://paramountdentalspecialty.com or call Paramount Dental Care & Specialty at (562) 450-1261 for an appointment in our Long Beach office.

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