What is the Primary Area of Concern of Orthodontics?

The primary area of concern of orthodontics is procedures helping you straighten teeth and correct problems with your bite. The treatments are performed by specialists acquiring additional education after completing four years of dental school. The orthodontist near you is a specialist who can treat children, teenagers, and adults.

If you want to learn more about what you can expect from orthodontic treatment, please continue reading this blog to educate yourself.

What Compels You to Seek Orthodontic Treatment?

The following reasons might compel you to seek treatment from an orthodontist in your area:

• Crooked teeth or teeth are sticking out.
• A poorly aligned jaw.
• Gaps between your teeth.
• Challenges when speaking, breathing, and chewing.
• A bad bite is resulting in your upper and lower jaws not meeting correctly when closing the mouth.

An orthodontist assesses children’s developing teeth and jaws and helps manage finger and thumb-sucking habits.

What Can You Expect During Orthodontic Treatment?

When you visit the orthodontist in your neighborhood, the professional will discuss your problem with you and examine your mouth and face. The specialist also requests x-rays and plaster models of your teeth.

The treatment recommended by the orthodontist is discussed with you and often involves using appliances called orthodontic braces helpful for straightening teeth and correcting problems with your bite. Various braces are currently in the market, including the traditional variety comprising metal brackets, wires, and bands. Alternatives are also available in the form of tooth-colored braces, lingual braces, and clear removable aligners.

You will experience discomfort if recommended traditional braces during the initial stages. However, if your pain continues, you can talk to the orthodontist, who might make some adjustments.

How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Last?

Most orthodontic treatments require at least two years to complete. You must visit the orthodontist every month to assess your progress and make any adjustments required. You may also need retainers after completing orthodontic treatment because your teeth can move back into their original position. Wearing the retainer only at night or using it permanently is an option you have. However, you can discuss the matter with the specialist.

Many dentists also provide orthodontic treatments using removable clear aligners that are equally effective to straighten mild to moderate orthodontic issues with your teeth. Traditional braces are the gold standard for repairing any problems with your teeth and jaw to give you a beautiful smile. That said, we do not deny the treatments with clear aligners have not succeeded because over 10 million people have benefited from the therapy. In addition, more adults are currently seeking orthodontic treatments they couldn’t or didn’t receive during childhood. The increasing number of adults seeking orthodontic treatments is primarily because of the availability of clear aligners that are virtually invisible to notice, unlike traditional metal and wire braces.

What Are the Advantages and Risks of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment helps to improve your appearance besides your bite. Orthodontics is helpful if you have problems with speaking, breathing, and chewing. Having straighter teeth prevents damages from a bad bite, tooth wear and improves your oral health.

Crooked and misaligned teeth are challenging to clean and frequently leave you with tooth decay and gum disease problems. Getting your teeth straightened using traditional or alternative orthodontic appliances besides improving your appearance also improves your dental health by eliminating the common concerns associated with tooth decay and gum disease.

The risks of orthodontic treatments are the time required for the therapy and the costs. Initially, you encounter challenges adjusting to the braces or aligners and learning how to care for the orthodontic appliances. In addition, orthodontic treatments are unsuitable if you have unhealthy teeth and gums. Finally, if you are wearing braces, it is essential to clean your teeth correctly and avoid sugary foods and beverages because these substances can lead to white spots on your teeth or tooth decay.

Is Orthodontic Treatment Expensive?

The costs of orthodontic treatments can vary between patients according to the situation affecting them. You can request your orthodontist for an estimate to understand what to expect or even check what is covered in the treatment. If you have dental insurance, you may receive reimbursement for some of the costs of orthodontic therapy. Generally, orthodontic treatments include consultation, pretreatment reviews and orthodontic record taking, orthodontic appliances, and post-treatment reviews.

The primary concern of the orthodontist treating you is straightening your teeth and giving you a smile you will be proud to show off besides improving your dental and overall health. In addition, correcting the problems in your mouth relieves you from unnecessary dental issues requiring frequent visits to dentists and expensive treatment.