Orthodontics Specialist

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the oldest branch in dentistry and focuses on shifting your teeth and aligning your jaw. Crooked teeth are more than just a cosmetic concern, but modern orthodontic treatments can fix both the appearance problems and oral health issues that arise from malocclusion. 

How does orthodontics work?

The most well-known type of orthodontic treatment is braces, which include metal brackets attached to your teeth, wires that thread through them, and bands that put pressure on your teeth to push them where they need to go. 

Central Avenue Dental also offers Invisalign®, an alternative to braces that places similar pressure on your teeth with hard, durable plastic aligners. These aligners are clear and custom fit to the contours of your teeth. Many adults and teens prefer Invisalign because it’s more discreet but can treat many of the same issues as braces. 

A course of orthodontic treatment can also include additional devices and services like jaw surgery, headgear, and extractions after a complex planning and imaging stage. 

Who should consider orthodontics?

It’s rare for someone to be born with perfectly aligned teeth, so nearly anyone can benefit from orthodontic treatments like braces and clear aligners. Your dentist at Central Avenue Dental might suggest one or more orthodontic treatments if you have one or more of these bite issues:

• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Reverse bite
• Impacted teeth
• Open bite
• Crowding
• Spacing issues

Sometimes, malocclusion is subtle enough that you don’t notice it on your own. Your dentist may recommend orthodontic care if you need it during your regular exams. 

Central Avenue Dental also offers early orthodontic options for children. 

How can orthodontics benefit me?

An unbalanced bite can cause uneven pressure across the jaw and result in concentrated areas of tooth wear. Malocclusion can also make it hard to clean your teeth effectively and puts you at risk for cavities and gum disease. 

Orthodontics can prevent premature tooth damage by balancing your bite and oral health issues by making it easier to brush your teeth. 

Of course, orthodontic treatment improves your smile’s appearance too. Fixing your smile with braces or Invisalign can make your face appear more symmetrical and well-balanced. Sometimes, these treatments help with speech impediments. 

If you’re interested in exploring orthodontics further, call Central Avenue Dental, or schedule a consultation online today.

Make an appointment today