Orthodontics Specialist

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with issues of the alignment of the bite and the jaw. The orthodontist at Willow Glen Dental Specialists can correct current bite and jaw problems -- and may even be able to prevent other issues from ever developing (such as dental caries and periodontal disease). These structural changes that make the mouth stronger are an even more significant benefit of orthodontics. However, the best result of orthodontics is a great smile!

What type of teeth alignment issues does orthodontics correct?

• Crowded mouth: This occurs when teeth overlap each other in some places. This is a common orthodontic challenge and one or more teeth may require extraction first.
• Crooked teeth: Many patients have crooked teeth, which traps more plaque that can lead to caries and periodontal disease.
• Gap between teeth: Usually, this occurs as a space between two teeth. For example, a small gap between the two most prominent front teeth is a common problem for many patients today. Also, gaps between teeth can trap food and plaque which can also cause periodontal disease and cavities.
• Overbite: An overbite occurs when the top teeth overlap the bottom ones when you close your mouth. This causes a lot of wear on lower anterior teeth that can make them look shorter.
• Overjet: This is the horizontal position of upper and lower teeth relative to each other, such as "buck teeth".
• Crossbite: This is the misalignment of the dental arches.
  

What are your options for teeth straightening?

Willow Glen Dental Specialists offers several different options in teeth straightening. These include:

• Traditional braces: Traditional metal braces correct overbite, underbite, crossbite, and other bite issues.
  
• Ceramic braces: Ceramic braces work very much like traditional metal braces, however, brackets are transparent ceramic.
  
• Clear aligner therapy: This includes products like Invisalign or Clear Correct. These are teeth straightening systems that uses clear retainer style aligners rather than metal or ceramic brackets and wires. These aligners are clear and flexible plastic that fit over the teeth snugly. You switch the aligners out every two weeks, but possibly sooner, until the teeth move into the proper position.You'll wear Invisalign for around 22 hours a day on average. The only time that your aligners aren't worn is while eating and while brushing.

The orthodontis will explain your options and help you determine which option is best for you.

How long will it take to correct your bite problems?

It depends on your specific bite problems and on the degree of the issues. The majority of patients are in treatment for anywhere from a year to three years. The orthodontist will explain what movements are needed to correct your alignment and how long it will take. 

Will you need to wear a retainer?

No matter which teeth straightening option you choose, it's very likely that the orthodontist will recommend a retainer. A retainer helps maintain the results of your teeth straightening. This is especially important when treatment was just completed, as that's the time when the teeth are most likely to try to shift back to their prior positions. Retainers are necessary to keep the alignment you've experienced over a long period of time.

Do you have problems with your smile and want to straighten them out? The orthodontist is ready to help their Willow Glen Dental Specialists patients get the straight smile they deserve. Use the online appointment tool to arrange a visit now, or call the office to make an appointment.