If you are unhappy with your crooked or crowded teeth, you may benefit from orthodontic treatment. This field of dental specialty is designed to help correct teeth that are out of line, to prevent pressure being put on the jaw. If you have crooked teeth or a bite that is improperly aligned, it can not only be unsightly, but it can also lead to health problems down the road. It can be more difficult to clean in between teeth, leading to tooth decay and periodontal disease, for example. In addition, this can put added pressure on the jaw, leading to headaches and excess strain on the shoulders and back.
Some of the various conditions that can be improved by orthodontics include gaps in the teeth or an overcrowded mouth. Patients may also come in to correct an overbite in which the upper teeth stick out too far over the bottom teeth, or the opposite situation in which the bottom teeth stick out too far past the upper teeth. Any problems with the jaw bones can also make you a candidate for orthodontic treatment, which works with the movement of the jaw and teeth alike. These problems will first be detected by your general dentist, who will refer you to an orthodontist.
There are two main options to choose from when it comes to orthodontics, in most cases. The first is traditional braces, which used to be the only choice. This involves having brackets and bands placed on your teeth, with metal wires running through them that can be adjusted each month to bring your teeth into alignment. The main benefit of metal braces is that they are low in cost. However, they can involve more maintenance than Invisalign straighteners, which are simply changed every two weeks and can be removed for eating and cleaning purposes. Invisalign is a system that involves a series of clear tooth aligners that produce the same results as old-fashioned braces.
The treatment time for these various methods will depend on your age and the current state of your teeth. Traditional braces tend to take longer to produce results, and could last anywhere from several months to several years. Invisalign, on the other hand, will usually produce results in about a year. The first step towards choosing either of these methods is to come in for a full consultation, which involves a discussion of your dental and medical history, a clinical exam, and photographs, X-rays, and impressions of your teeth and bite.
Located inside Atlas Park Mall in Glendale, Queens, our team of experts at Atlas Park Dental can work with you to choose the most effective and comfortable orthodontics treatment for your needs. With over twenty years of experience in cosmetic and general dentistry, we have seen the technology change over the past two decades in this field, and are able to put the latest methods into practice to ensure that you get the brightest, straightest smile possible. Taking the time to correct your smile can lead to heightened self confidence and an improved state of oral health.
Questions? Call us at (718) 894-2110 or Contact Us.