Our Blog

From the Blog

Explaining What Orthodontics Is

May 1, 2021

Are you feeling self-conscious and are concerned about your crooked or protruding teeth? You are not alone in facing this predicament because not everyone has naturally perfect aligned teeth. However, orthodontics can help you achieve what you are missing to have a beautiful smile. Aren’t you aware of what orthodontics is? This blog explains orthodontics in detail to have you rethinking your smile.

A smiling girl

Orthodontics Is a Specialized Branch of Dentistry

Orthodontics was not a dental specialty until 1901, although ancient Egyptians and the Greeks made primitive attempts to straighten their teeth. Orthodontics is described by the American Academy of orthodontics as a branch of dentistry for preventing, diagnosing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. If you need orthodontic treatment and contact the dentist near you, they will likely refer you to an orthodontist.

Orthodontists are dental specialists spending two to three years after graduating from dental school in orthodontics learning how to move teeth into correct alignment, direct facial development safely, and ensure healthy growth of the jaw.

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Essential?

Correcting orthodontic issues to improve aesthetics and self-confidence is not the only reason why orthodontic treatments are essential. There are other important dental health reasons behind the treatment.

You can have difficulties chewing and speaking if you are affected by a malocclusion. The problem also wears away the enamel of healthy teeth, putting extra stress on your gum tissue and surrounding bone. Additionally, crooked and overlapping teeth are challenging to clean, putting you at risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

What Kind of Orthodontic Problems Can Affect You?

Orthodontic misalignments known as malocclusion indicate many different conditions. You may have inherited malocclusion with jaw growth problems, genetically missing teeth, extra teeth, crowded or protruding teeth, and gaps between your teeth. However, premature loss of baby teeth, thumb-sucking, accidents, and dental infections can also result in the need for orthodontic treatment from the dentist Boynton Beach, FL.

Present-Day Orthodontic Appliances

In the days gone past, orthodontic treatments were perceived as needed only by children. Thankfully adults also realize the benefits of orthodontic treatments for themselves. Fortunately, working adults benefit from inconspicuous orthodontic appliances than were available earlier. The duration of the treatment is also shortened because of present-day orthodontic appliances.

Although metal brackets and wires have retained their popularity, alternative appliances are equally effective in moving teeth to give you a better-looking smile if you are affected by any problems mentioned above. You can have clear ceramic braces worn on front teeth less visible than metal but not as sturdy. Entirely hidden lingual braces are also available and attached to the back of the teeth. You can even have clear and removable braces for convenience when eating and cleaning your teeth.

How to Determine Whether You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

If you are affected by problems like an overbite, underbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, spacing, and misplaced midline, these are clear indicators that you need orthodontic treatment. However, the best professional to determine which orthodontic treatment is appropriate for you is the dentist Boynton Beach representing orthodontics .

The dental professional uses diagnostic tools like clinical exams, x-rays, plastic models of your teeth to develop a treatment plan best suited for you and your teeth. You may confront challenges looking at different orthodontic treatment plants. Still, if you try to know more about orthodontics and its importance, you can begin experiencing the benefits of orthodontic treatment with better-looking teeth and dental health.

Orthodontic Treatment Works Best with Excellent Oral Hygiene

When you invest time and resources seeking orthodontic treatment, you desire the best possible outcome. If you want to succeed in your goal must remember oral hygiene is key to success. Food particles and bacterial plaque accumulate around the orthodontic appliances making it challenging for you to brush and floss as recommended. Not cleaning your teeth thoroughly will make you a victim of tooth decay and gum disease or leave you with permanent areas of discoloration. Therefore you need to follow some oral hygiene guidelines recommended by the American Academy of orthodontics. They are:

  • Clean your teeth with fluoride toothpaste after every meal and snack and before getting into bed. If you are traveling, pack a travel toothbrush to help you with brushing.
  • You must floss at least once a day which may be challenging with orthodontic appliances. However, the orthodontist can recommend special flossing tools making the job easier and even providing a demonstration.
  • Frequent dental visits for exams and cleanings are essential.
  • Inquire with your dentist about using a prescription rinse, helping to prevent declassification.

Now that you have information about orthodontics, you shouldn’t be wary of having the imperfections with your teeth corrected. Call us now to book an appointment with our orthodontist near you. We also welcome patients living in Boynton Beach, Hypoluxo, San Castle, Heather Lake Drive, Ocean Ridge, Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Herder Parkway, Floral Drive, and surrounding areas.

Font Resize
Contrast
Click to listen highlighted text!