Orthodontics - Everything You Need to Know

Orthodontics is a field of dentistry that concentrates on fixing tooth alignment issues and teeth malocclusions. It addresses different kinds of irregularities of the teeth, including poor alignment, overbite, occlusion, and overcrowding. Orthodontic treatments are done not just to improve the aesthetics of the teeth and smile but also to ensure that the patient undergoing the procedure has a proper bite. 

Why do teeth misalignment happen?

Teeth can become misaligned due to several reasons like missing teeth, external trauma, abnormal jawbone growth, or even genetics. 

What Is the Importance of Orthodontics?

Besides affecting one's self-confidence, crooked teeth can impact oral health as well. Misaligned teeth are harder to clean and may lead to tooth decay and gum disease in the long run. Crooked or misaligned teeth can affect the proper chewing of food, leading to digestion-related issues. Such teeth can also lead to excessive wear and tear on the teeth, jaw muscles, etc., causing cracked teeth, severe headaches, jaw strain, and temporomandibular joint disorder. Misaligned teeth can also cause problems with one's speech as well.

Aligning one's teeth and jaws using orthodontic treatments can prevent all these issues and prevent various dental issues in the long run. Besides, orthodontic and corrective treatments help prevent more severe issues that might impact one's oral health and facial aesthetics. In short, patients undergoing orthodontic procedures have decreased risk of tooth decay, cavities, plaque buildup, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, etc. 

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments

Some of the benefits offered by orthodontic treatments are as follows:

• Enhances one's self-esteem.
• Promotes a patient's oral health.
• Fixes dental concerns like a misaligned bite, crooked teeth, protruding jaw, speech issues, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder.
• Monitors the eruption of permanent teeth.
• Orthodontic treatments can help patients belonging to every age group.
• Orthodontic treatments fix facial disfigurements that occur as a result of improper jaw alignment, crooked teeth, or teeth overcrowding. 

How do orthodontic treatments work?

Orthodontic treatment works by applying gentle but continuous pressure on the patient's teeth, making them move to their orthodontically right positions and align perfectly. 

Types of orthodontic treatments

At Stonewall Dental Associates, the common types of orthodontic treatments we provide are as follows: 

• Traditional Braces 

Conventional metal braces are manufactured from the best quality stainless steel and consist of brackets and wires that work to align the teeth. Unlike the metal braces from the past, today's braces use smaller brackets to make the treatment more comfortable and aesthetically appealing. Metal braces are very effective and can treat any orthodontic issues. 

• Clear Braces

Ceramic braces or clear braces consist of brackets manufactured from a clear, transparent ceramic composite material, thus making it less visible. Clear braces offer all the same benefits as conventional metal braces while being less evident.  

• Invisalign Aligners

Invisalign aligners comprise a series of clear, transparent, and removable aligners that are fitted directly to the teeth to straighten them. Because of their transparency, Invisalign aligners are almost unnoticeable when worn.

Besides, since Invisalign aligners are easily removable, patients can take them out while eating, drinking beverages, or while brushing. Invisalign is one of the most comfortable and convenient orthodontic treatments, making it popular among both teens and adults alike for orthodontic treatment. 

If you have misaligned teeth and wish to enjoy the benefits of orthodontic treatments, call Stonewall Dental Associates at (703) 368-1000.