“What is Orthodontics?” Are orthodontics people or a type of treatment? Orthodontics is a type of dental care, while orthodontists are the specialists who frequently offer them.
“Are orthodontics truly necessary or cosmetic?”
“Should I invest in orthodontics?”
We hear questions like these get asked a lot, so don’t worry if you’ve wondered the same thing. The dentists at Canal Vista Family Dental are happy to explain everything there is to know about orthodontics.
What is Orthodontics? A Definition
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and skeletal irregularities. Orthodontists use corrective devices to align teeth and jaws, such as braces or aligners.
Orthodontic treatment can improve the appearance of your teeth, make it easier to clean your teeth, and improve your overall dental health. People mistakenly believe that orthodontics is only for children, but in reality, orthodontic treatment can benefit people of all ages.
Orthodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is commonly referred to as an “orthodontist.”
Now that we’ve answered the question of “What is Orthodontics?”, let’s discuss some of the frequently asked questions about this dental specialty!
Are Orthodontics People?
The term “Orthodontic” is the service/treatment that’s provided in helping align your teeth. Orthodontists are people though! They are dentists who have specialized in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of dental and skeletal irregularities. Orthodontists use orthodontics to align teeth and jaws.
Are Orthodontics Truly Necessary or Cosmetic?
Some people believe that orthodontics are only necessary for cosmetic reasons, but this is not always the case.
Orthodontics can also be necessary for functional reasons, such as to correct a misaligned bite or to improve the function of your teeth and TMJ. If you are experiencing problems with your bite or if your teeth are not aligned correctly, then you may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
“Should I Invest In Orthodontics?”
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, you may be wondering if it is worth the investment. Orthodontics aren’t cheap, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment can be worth the cost.
Investing in orthodontic therapy options like braces or clear aligners can improve your oral health as well as your self-esteem!
Common Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are a number of different types of orthodontic treatment available, including traditional braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces.
Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment, and consist of a series of metal brackets that are attached to your teeth with special adhesive. Braces are then connected to a metal arch wire that helps to straighten your teeth. There are also ceramic versions available, which are a bit more discreet.
Clear aligners are a type of orthodontics that uses a series of clear plastic trays to straighten your teeth. They’re removable and invisible, so adults tend to prefer these orthodontic systems the most.
Lingual braces are a type of braces that are attached to the tongue-side surface of your teeth. This type of braces is not as common as traditional braces since they are custom fitted to your teeth.
The type of orthodontic treatment that is best for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Advantages of Orthodontics
Orthodontic treatments can improve the appearance of your teeth, lower the risk of tooth decay and gum disease, provide better TMJ health as well as reduce wear to dental work. Orthodontics can also help correct bite problems, which can lead to headaches and jaw pain. In some cases, orthodontic treatment can even improve your speech.
Orthodontics can correct a number of dental irregularities, including:
- Overbite: When the upper front teeth cover a large area of the lower teeth
- Underbite: When the lower teeth cover any of the upper teeth
- Crossbite: Teeth have a combination of over and underbites, where teeth overlap one another irregularly throughout the mouth.
- Open bite: Open space between the upper and lower front teeth when the jaws are fully closed together.
- Crowding: Lack of space causing the teeth to be rotated and crowded against one another
Each of these dental problems can cause further oral health concerns if left untreated. Orthodontic treatment can help correct these issues and prevent them from getting worse.
Who Should Get an Orthodontic Exam?
It’s recommended that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven. This is because many jaw growth and tooth eruption problems can be corrected early on before they cause more serious issues down the road. However, adults can also benefit from orthodontic treatment, so don’t hesitate to ask your dentist if an evaluation is right for you.
How to Know When I Need an Orthodontic Exam
If you are experiencing problems with your bite or if your teeth are not aligned correctly—or if you feel embarrassed about the way your teeth look—you could benefit from orthodontics. It is important to get an evaluation from a dentist to determine if treatment is necessary. Some common symptoms of orthodontic problems include:
- Teeth that don’t meet correctly when you bite down
- Misaligned teeth
- Teeth that are crooked or crowded
- Jaw pain
- Headaches
- Poor oral hygiene due to difficulty brushing and flossing around misaligned teeth
- Speech problems
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, ask our dentist, Dr. Bestandji, if orthodontic treatment is right for you.
How Much Are Orthodontics?
Orthodontics prices can fluctuate, but the benefits of orthodontic treatment are definitely worth the investment. The average cost of orthodontic treatment ranges from $3,000 to $8,000, but the cost can vary depending on multiple factors such as the type of treatment you choose, the length of your orthodontic therapy, and if you have dental insurance.
If you are considering orthodontic treatment, our dentist can provide you with a no-obligation cost estimate during your exam.
Schedule an Orthodontics Evaluation Today
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to consult with a dentist to see if orthodontic treatment is right for you.
At Canal Vista Family Dental, our team of experienced dentists can evaluate your teeth and determine if orthodontics is right for you. We offer clear aligners that are custom made to fit your needs. Schedule your evaluation today to achieve the perfect smile!
