ORTHODONTICS
If you are unhappy with the way your smile looks, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry concerned with repositioning misaligned teeth and/or disproportionate jaw bone structures of the face. Although esthetics is a major concern for most patients, there are other possible irregularities that you may not be aware of that can affect your oral health, including crowding, spaces, overbite, or open bite.
When teeth are not in the proper position or are misaligned, the teeth are considered to be in “malocclusion.” Malocclusions can cause misaligned teeth, bite irregularities, facial asymmetries, issues with speech, temporomandibular joint pain, and headaches. Orthodontic treatment can provide various solutions to treating malocclusions and their subsequent problems.
Most bite irregularities and malocclusions are inherited; however some can be due to habits of thumb-sucking, tongue-thrusting, or early loss of baby teeth. We recommend children begin to be screened for orthodontic issues by the age of 7. With early evaluation, your orthodontist can help you prevent future, more severe orthodontic issues! In adult life, orthodontics can help create more symmetrical spaces to prepare your teeth to receive restorations such as veneers, crowns, bridges, and implants. Your orthodontist will work side by side with your restorative dentist to help create the most esthetic and functional alignment of your teeth possible. Adult teeth left unrestored after tooth extraction can contribute to various malocclusions and should be evaluated.
At Briter Dental, we can help with your orthodontic concerns. Our Board-Certified Orthodontic Specialist, Dr. Sara Ekhlassi, will review your diagnosis and provide possible options for treating any existing jaw, face and bite irregularities.
We offer two types of orthodontic services, depending on your treatment needs and goals:
1. Traditional orthodontic treatment involves metal wires inserted into orthodontic brackets made from stainless steel or a less visible ceramic material. The wires interact with the brackets to move teeth into the desired positions. Depending on your specific case, additional appliances may be used in conjunction with braces to achieve the best results.
2. Invisalign™ is a new method that involves no metal brackets or wires. Teeth are repositioned with clear plastic aligners that fit closely around the teeth, and are gradually changed over the course of your treatment timeline. These take a little more conscientious effort by the patient than traditional braces, but they are almost invisible.
Each patient is unique and requires a customized treatment plan to gauge the amount of time and necessary appliances in achieving the desired orthodontic goal. Dr. Sara Ekhlassi will review your options and answer any questions regarding your specific orthodontic treatment.
Let Briter Dental and our Specialist in Orthodontics help you straighten and improve your smile, your health, and your life!