Orthodontic Treatments: Transforming Your Teeth and Smile

Perfect teeth are something that everyone wishes to have, but only a few lucky ones get natural teeth that are perfectly aligned, straight, and well-functioning. Most people have some extent of flaws in their teeth, either due to genetics or poor oral hygiene. Fortunately, orthodontic treatment can help these individuals.

Springfield, VA cosmetic dentists can help Virginia residents have aesthetically aligned and well-functioning teeth. However, it is recommended to consult a professional and highly experienced orthodontist for the best results.

What conditions can orthodontics treat?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on fixing dental alignment issues like misaligned teeth and jaws, called malocclusion. The word orthodontics is a combination of the Greek words “ortho” and “dontics,” which literally translates to straight teeth. 

Orthodontic procedures aim to improve the appearance of teeth while also enhancing their functionality and ease of cleaning. Orthodontics can treat the following dental problems.

• Occlusal problems: Occlusal problems like crossbite, underbite, or overbite arise when your teeth and jaws are not properly aligned. It can lead to speech difficulties and also affect your facial form and structure. 
• Tooth grinding problems: Grinding or clenching your teeth while you’re awake or sleeping is known as teeth grinding or bruxism. Bruxism can have symptoms like headache, jaw muscle spasm, or tooth pain. Bruxism is mainly caused due to misaligned jaws.
• Overcrowding and spacing problems: Some people have too much space between their teeth, while many have overlapping or overcrowded crooked teeth, which can ruin their appearance and smile. Orthodontic procedures and appliances can fix these issues.
• Facial asymmetry problems: Orthodontics can also address issues like facial asymmetry, which is mainly caused due to significant clinical variation between the two halves of the face.

Common orthodontic procedure

Orthodontics covers a vast variety of dental procedures to straighten your misaligned teeth. Some of the most common ones are as follows.

• Dental braces: Orthodontists use dental braces to gradually move the teeth to the desired positions to align them perfectly using a combination of wires, bands, and brackets. Depending on your needs and condition, your dentist may opt for different kinds of braces, including metal or ceramic ones.
• Clear aligners: Clear aligners like Invisalign are popular alternatives to traditional dental braces. They use custom-made, clear aligner trays to straighten your teeth instead of brackets and wires. However, you may still need to wear the clear aligners for 20-22 hours every day.
• Dental retainers: Dentists provide retainers to patients who have completed orthodontic treatments like dental braces or clear aligners. Retainers keep your teeth from drifting back to the earlier positions and ensure that you get the best results after orthodontic treatment.
• Palate expanders: Palate expanders are dental appliances that can create extra space and widen the upper jaw without the need to extract any teeth. Palate expanders are usually suitable for children as their facial bones are in the developing phase and thus, easier to manipulate.

Benefits of orthodontic procedures

The following are the most significant benefits offered by orthodontic treatments.

• Orthodontics can correct the alignment of your teeth and jaws and prevent issues like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems.
• Orthodontic treatment can significantly enhance speech and chewing function.
• Orthodontic treatment can restore the alignment of your teeth and jaws and reduce the risks of gum diseases, plaque, and cavities by providing ease of cleaning between the teeth.
• Orthodontic procedures can elevate your appearance by improving your teeth’ position and smile.
• Orthodontics can close the excess gaps between your teeth and move the prominent teeth back into their ideal positions.

Final thoughts

Orthodontic procedures are all about fixing the way your teeth and jaws fit together and enhancing appearance, smile, and functionality while preventing further problems. If you have misaligned or crooked teeth, you must visit a professional orthodontist to explore the best treatment option for your condition.