Three Things You Should Know About Orthodontics

If you are considering straightening your teeth with orthodontics, we encourage you to visit our Cleveland dental office for an examination and consultation. We can conduct a physical exam, take X-rays, and discuss what you do not like about your smile in order to come up with a game plan for how to address those issues. In our office, we can straighten your teeth with orthodontic solutions or use cosmetic dentistry.

Cosmetic dental solutions provide you with numerous options and the opportunity to select the procedure you feel will work best for your lifestyle and your smile goals. Before your consultation, here are three things you should know about straightening your teeth:

Orthodontic Process

The process takes time. There is no magical solution for straightening the teeth. If the patient wants to move them into the correct position and align the jaw, it is important that the procedure follows a natural course. If teeth are pushed into position too quickly, it could lead to root and tooth damage, future sensitivity or irritation.

Our goal is to achieve the desired results safely, and that means sticking with a set treatment plan. When we examine the patient, we will give the patient an idea of how long it may take to straighten the teeth correctly.

Orthodontic Options

Patients do not have to wear metal braces. Typically, when people think of orthodontics, they think of metal braces with brackets secured to each tooth. While this is a highly effective and dependable solution, it is no longer the only option. If one wants to straighten the teeth discreetly without everyone noticing, then the best option is Invisalign®. Wearing clear aligners can straighten the teeth and align the jaw without being obvious.

They are also easier to wear and easier to remove while eating or brushing the teeth, making this solution far more convenient than wearing braces would be. We highly recommend this solution for busy professionals and those concerned about their appearance.

Orthodontics and Health

Straight teeth are beneficial for one's health. If a patient is looking for another reason to straighten his or her teeth, look beyond the appearance to one's overall health. Crooked teeth are more likely to trap food, plaque, and tartar between them. This increases the risk for developing both cavities and gum disease, in addition to having bad breath.

Also, when the teeth are crooked or the jaw is out of alignment, there is a chance of more pressure on some teeth. This can lead to premature wear and even soreness in the jaw or face.

If you are interested in straightening your teeth, visit our office to learn more about orthodontics. Keep in mind that if you want to improve your smile but are concerned that orthodontics will take too long, we can present you with other options. This includes using dental veneers to make your teeth appear straighter, even if they are technically in the same position. We can also use bonding, teeth whitening, and dental crowns to improve the appearance of your smile quickly. Call today to learn how.