Orthodontics help straighten improperly aligned teeth. Teeth alignment problems can ruin the appearance of your smile and leave your teeth more vulnerable to issues like tooth decay and gum disease.
Orthodontics uses devices like braces and clear aligners to improve the alignment of teeth by gradually pushing them to better positions over time. Common teeth alignment issues that dentists fix include:
Treating orthodontic issues with oral appliances can take up to 36 months. Patients around the ages of 9 to 14 tend to have the shortest treatment times because their jaws and facial structures are still developing.
The signs that a person has teeth alignment issues that need to be corrected with an orthodontic appliance include:
Teeth alignment issues often start early in life, but children typically do not notice such things. It is up to parents to look for signs that their children have teeth alignment issues, such as:
Misaligned teeth often lead to other problems, like gum disease, when left untreated. Fortunately, there are a few options to choose from when it comes to treatment.
Braces were the standard for orthodontic treatments for over a century, and they are still extremely effective at improving teeth alignment issues. The main components of braces are metal brackets cemented to each of the patient’s teeth and wires that connect the brackets on each arch of the jaw.
Braces are fixed appliances, so they stay in for the duration of the patient’s treatment. They can be used to treat a wider range of alignment issues than any of the alternatives.
These are transparent trays that fit tightly over teeth. They work just like braces, gradually pushing the patient’s teeth to better alignment over time. Clear aligners are removable devices, which makes them a more convenient option than braces. They allow the wearer to eat and clean their mouth the same way that they have always done.
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Orthodontic treatments can get you a better smile and protect your teeth from tooth decay, gum disease, and damage. Call or visit our Reston clinic to set up an appointment with our dentist.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
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