No matter how old a person is, almost anyone can benefit from teeth straightening. However, it is important to find an orthodontist for teeth straightening because they are ADA-recognized specialists in treatments to align the bite and straighten teeth. Working with an orthodontist to correct alignment problems with the teeth offers a host of benefits beyond just the cosmetic. Having straighter teeth is better for chewing and speaking function, helps you keep your mouth healthier, and may even reduce some dental-related pain.
Many dentists offer teeth straightening treatments, but this does not mean they are orthodontists. An orthodontist completes a two to three-year residency after dental school that focuses on treating malocclusions and other alignment issues of the teeth and jaws. Their additional years of study and regular daily practice in this specialty make them best suited to assist patients with teeth straightening. Orthodontists use braces, clear aligners, and various other orthodontic therapies to help patients obtain a healthy and properly aligned smile.
What usually brings someone to seek orthodontic treatment is unhappiness with how their teeth look. While orthodontic treatment can address these cosmetic concerns, the benefits do not stop there. Here is a closer look at the four key benefits of orthodontic treatment.
The alignment of someone’s smile can affect their self-esteem. Whether teeth are crooked, crowded, or unevenly spaced, an orthodontist can bring the smile back into balance. Other orthodontic issues, such as underbites and overbites, can even impact how a person looks when not smiling because it can affect the shape of the bottom half of their face. An orthodontist can match the patient with a customized treatment plan to address their concerns and help them achieve a straight smile they are excited about showing off.
Just as tooth and jaw alignment issues can affect appearance, they can also affect how someone eats and speaks. Many speech impediments can result from or worsen by a misaligned bite or crooked teeth. In addition, a properly aligned bite and smile are optimal for chewing function. Therefore, improving the alignment can, as a result, improve the way the person chews and speaks.
What not everyone realizes is that straighter teeth are easier to keep healthier. When crowding and crookedness are eliminated, the toothbrush can clean more thoroughly and make it easier to floss. This helps to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. In addition, a properly aligned smile creates fewer places for plaque and bacteria to become trapped. The result is a cleaner smile, fresher breath, and less risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
A great deal of discomfort can be relieved with a straighter smile. A misaligned jaw or teeth can put unnecessary pressure on the person’s jaw and muscles. This can result in jaw pain and even headaches. Tooth alignment issues can even aggravate teeth grinding and other issues that put extra wear on tooth enamel. When tooth enamel wears down, the teeth can become more sensitive and vulnerable to decay, leading to painful toothaches.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Orthodontist in Reston, VA
This is just a short overview of how teeth straightening can improve your smile and oral health. To learn more about how to find an orthodontist, call our team today. We look forward to helping you.
Request an appointment or call Precision Orthodontics & Pediatric Dentistry at 703-391-8800 for an appointment in our Reston office.
Orthodontic evaluations and treatments are a small part of what an orthodontist can offer. A comprehensive understanding of teeth, jaws, and facial structures are compelling reasons to find an orthodontist. Orthodontists undergo special training to identify and address malocclusions, misaligned bites, and crowded teeth. In addition to straightening teeth and restoring proper jaw alignment, orthodontic…
An orthodontist can help you straighten your teeth for a healthy smile you are proud to show off. These days, it is much easier to find an orthodontist who offers the treatments you need that fit both your needs and lifestyle. In addition, patients can enjoy better oral health by understanding the type of care…
Anyone who wants to correct teeth misalignment and bite issues first must find an experienced and trustworthy orthodontist. Establishing orthodontic care early on can help prevent the need for more extensive procedures down the road. Patients already established with an orthodontist can schedule appointments for ongoing treatment more quickly and easily. Although many people choose…
If your child is concerned about crooked teeth or a bad bite, you may want to consider Invisalign® for teens. This is an alternative to metal or ceramic braces that has numerous benefits, especially for those who are self-conscious about their appearance. There are various reasons why Invisalign may be the right choice, but not…
As a child's mouth and teeth develop throughout their teenage years, it may become apparent that their teeth have misalignment or spacing problems. Invisalign® for teens presents an alternative to traditional metal braces but without sacrificing the quality of the results of corrective treatment. The specifics of a teen’s condition may impact the eligibility of…