Orthodontics offers cosmetic, oral health, and functional benefits for individuals of all ages. It is used to treat a range of teeth and jaw alignment issues, and many patients report having increased confidence in their appearance and better oral health through treatment.
Orthodontics is available at Paramount Dental Care & Specialty in Long Beach and the surrounding area. We help our patients through the process, answering any questions they have along the way. To learn more about how orthodontics can help you achieve the smile of your dreams and improve oral health, call us at (562) 450-1261 today.
Request An Appointment
An Overview of Orthodontic Treatment
Many achieve a more beautiful, healthy smile through orthodontics, and having a general understanding is helpful when deciding if treatment is appropriate. Orthodontics is a dentistry form that focuses primarily on improving the jaw and teeth alignment to provide cosmetic, oral health, and functional benefits.
The process starts with a simple and easy consultation visit. During this appointment, our team helps patients make an informed decision about the best orthodontics treatment for a better smile. Orthodontics can help individuals who are not satisfied with the appearance of their smile or have oral health issues caused by misalignment.
“Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that focuses primarily on improving the jaw and teeth alignment to provide cosmetic, oral health, and functional benefits.”
The Difference Between a Dentist and an Orthodontist
As defined by MedLine Plus, Orthodontics is the dentistry branch that deals with abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. Like a dentist, an orthodontist completes four years of undergraduate school followed by four years of dental school. However, to become an orthodontist, one must complete specialized training beyond that in the area of orthodontics.
Orthodontists tend to work with patients solely on issues having to do with tooth and jaw alignment abnormalities. So when one goes to an orthodontist for help with those issues, they have the advantage of getting treatment from a professional with more extensive experience in that specific area.
“Orthodontists tend to work with patients solely on issues having to do with abnormalities of the tooth and jaw alignment.”
Orthodontics Can Fix a Range of Issues
Anyone who wants to improve their smile’s appearance and health through better jaw and teeth alignment should consider the benefits of orthodontics. Several issues orthodontics commonly fixes include:
Crooked Teeth. Patients who have teeth that do not align properly with surrounding teeth that cause a cosmetic or functional concern may benefit from orthodontics.
Spacing issues. Orthodontic treatment improves problems with spacing between teeth, including overcrowding and gaps between teeth.
Bite complications. Issues such as underbites, overbites, crossbites, and other jaw or teeth issues that do not allow for an ideal alignment while the mouth is closed can be remedied with orthodontics.
“Anyone who wants to improve their smile’s appearance and health through better jaw and teeth alignment should consider the benefits of orthodontics. ”
Achieve a Better Smile with Orthodontics
One of the more notable benefits of orthodontics is an improved appearance while smiling, which provides many patients with increased confidence each day. Additionally, orthodontics often helps with oral health by making it easier to access harder-to-reach areas of teeth. Many also find it easier to eat and talk through improved jaw and teeth alignment.
The benefits of orthodontics extend beyond the mouth. Periodontal disease can cause problems in other parts of your body, like your heart. Orthodontics’ contribution to the prevention of that disease is just one way the treatment can benefit the body as a whole. Orthodontics can alleviate headaches, face and neck pain as well. Dental professionals can use orthodontics treatments to help sleep apnea and other dental-related sleep problems.
“One of the more notable benefits of orthodontics is an improved appearance while smiling, which provides many patients with increased confidence each day.”
How to Keep Good Oral Health During Treatment
It is important to practice good oral hygiene during treatment to reduce the risk of oral cavities, oral infections, stained teeth, and other oral health concerns. Good oral hygiene during orthodontics starts with a high-quality and consistent daily oral care routine. This routine should include brushing daily, using mouthwash as directed by the orthodontist, flossing after each meal, and keeping retainers and other dental devices in good condition through proper cleaning and storage. It is also essential to regularly visit the orthodontist to check for signs of any oral health complications that may develop and ensure there are no setbacks during the treatment process.
“Good oral hygiene during orthodontics starts with a high-quality and consistent daily oral care routine.”
A. The length of time depends on several factors. These include the severity of the malocclusion, the quality of the patient’s oral care during treatment, and if the patient makes it to all scheduled visits. Orthodontics can take anywhere from three months to more than two years.
Q. How do I choose the right orthodontist?
A. Communication is essential during treatment. It is crucial to choose an orthodontist that is easy to communicate with throughout the process. To ensure the dental professional you consider is right for you, be sure to ask many questions during your consultation..
Q. Can orthodontic treatment fix severe misalignments?
A. Orthodontic treatment can fix even the most severe alignment issues. The treatment options may vary depending on the severity. Be sure to talk to the orthodontist about the best form of treatment for you.
Q. When should I (or my child) start orthodontic treatment?
A. Early orthodontic treatment can begin as soon as six years old. Many parents seek treatment options for their children during their teenage years. There is never a bad time to schedule a visit, and no one is ever too old to consider the benefits of orthodontics, regardless of whether you are a teenager or in your 60s.
Q. Do I still need routine dental treatment during orthodontics?
A. Because some orthodontic devices can impede cleaning, patients need to pay even closer attention to their teeth. Orthodontists encourage patients to continue with routine dental visits to ensure good oral health during treatment. Although there are several benefits, this helps patients prevent oral health concerns such as cavities.
Orthodontic Terminology
Aligner Therapy
Aligner therapy is the teeth-straightening process in which the patient continues the applied pressure of the teeth with a series of aligners and seeks professional checkups from the dental professional.
Dentition
Dentition refers to the way the teeth are arranged in the mouth.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is the condition in which the upper and lower teeth do not meet properly when the bite is closed. Conditions of malocclusion can include overbite, underbite, crossbite and open bite; all of which are treatable with Invisalign®.
Orthodontic Appliance
Orthodontic appliances have multiple forms that can help treat malocclusions, irregularity with the teeth and disproportionate jaw issues.
Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the specialty branch of dentistry that deals with preventing and correcting teeth and jaw irregularities.
Orthodontic Brackets
Orthodontic brackets are the portion of the braces that attach to the teeth and hold the wires in place. The brackets remain on the teeth with a type of dental glue.
Overbite
An overbite is a type of malocclusion that occurs when the upper teeth jut out over the lower teeth, covering them and causing other issues.
Phase 1 Orthodontics
Phase 1 orthodontics is orthodontic treatment that is performed before the permanent teeth have erupted.
Teeth Crowding
Teeth crowding is a lack of space in the mouth for all of the teeth to grow properly, leading to the need to extract some of the teeth.
Underbite
An underbite is a malocclusion that occurs when the lower jaw and front teeth sit beyond the upper front teeth.
Consult with us
Orthodontics can help people in many areas of life by improving appearance and oral health and making it easier to function, giving them the confidence to live life more boldly and do the things they love. If you are interested in learning more about treatment, Call us at (562) 450-1261 today.
Your teeth and gums are crucial to your overall preventative dental care. Gum disease is a severe dental problem that can lead to more than just tooth decay. If left unchecked, gum disease will eventually spread to other organs in the body and cause severe damage.Fortunately, there are many ways you can prevent gum disease…
Screening for oral cancer is an important part of preventative dental care. Unfortunately, oral cancer is a disease that is not often talked about. Very few events support oral cancer research and awareness, even though oral cancer takes one life every day in the United States. Many people do not seek or receive treatment until…
It's not uncommon for new patients to feel anxious about their first preventative dental care appointment. The truth is most people get nervous when they visit the dentist because it can be a vulnerable experience. But there are things you can do to make sure your visit goes as smoothly and painlessly as possible. In…
Periodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases affecting the gums and other supportive oral structures. A periodontist can help patients manage periodontal issues, ranging from mild gum inflammation to advanced cases that require surgical intervention. This dental specialty can help you maintain your oral health and prevent…
Preventative dental care has long been the focus of dentists and patients alike. Taking proactive steps to protect your teeth and gums not only helps you prevent tooth decay and gum disease but can also decrease your risk of developing other illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, and diabetes. Here’s how oral health affects…