Orthodontics ensures that teeth are positioned correctly in the mouth and jaw. That’s important because misaligned or poorly-shaped teeth can wear at tooth enamel, create stress fractures in the teeth, put undue strain on the jaw muscles, and even lead to TMJ (temporomandibular joint disorder), a painful and all too common problem. Crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, gaps between teeth, and other misalignments can all also lead to longer-term harm to your overall dental health.
The knowledgeable dentists at Premier Care Dental Group understand that straightening teeth is not just about an outwardly beautiful smile, but about keeping teeth, gums, roots, and jaw muscles healthy for years. Straighter teeth reduce stress on the jaw, muscles, teeth, and gums, and the whole mouth is easier to brush and floss.
For most people, dental braces are synonymous with orthodontic dentistry. Braces are very different today than a few decades ago – they are can now be made from a variety of materials. They are much smaller and more comfortable, with better adhesion to teeth, so patients do not have to worry as much about eating the wrong thing and breaking a wire. The length of an orthodontics treatment with braces is also typically shorter because they are more effective overall.
Invisalign
Everyone knows that straight teeth look and perform better than crooked or misaligned teeth. Even so, few of us want to deal with traditional braces that can impact the way we look for months or longer. As you might have guessed, Invisalign offers an orthodontic solution that’s nearly invisible. Better yet, since Invisalign aligners are removable, you can eat and take care of your teeth normally as they gradually straighten.
Orthodontia for Young People and Adults
A lot of us tend to think of going to the orthodontist as a rite of passage for the tween and early teen years and, in a great many cases, it makes a lot of sense to address it early. Today’s somewhat less conspicuous braces may actually make some young people feel at home since they stand out less than the old fashioned metal braces and it’s likely that many of their friends are wearing the same thing. We’re not saying it’s as like getting the latest pair of athletic shoes, but it’s not something for young people to be afraid of. It’s also still the gold standard approach to create a healthy and attractive bite.
On the other hand, adults who did not get orthodontia in their youth for one reason or another often consider the thought of correcting their bites with more than a little bit of trepidation. At Premier Care Dental Group, we understand and do our best to work with patients so they can understand their options and the pluses and minuses involved in each of them.
Invisalign and traditional orthodontia each have their place. While we understand the cosmetic concerns some adults have about braces and retainers, no one of any age has any reason to be embarrassed about doing what’s needed to improve their smile and their oral health.
When patients come to Premier Care Dental Group they can expect to meet with a dentist who will listen closely to their needs and concerns, and will help them to create a treatment plan with which they can feel comfortable. Good communication, we believe, is an important part of providing outstanding dental care. And, of course, when it’s time for a procedure, we always do our best to ensure that patients of all ages are as comfortable as possible.