Why should I straighten my teeth or my child’s teeth?
When your teeth aren’t well-aligned, it not only affects your appearance, it affects how well your teeth and jaw work.
Misaligned teeth can throw off the balance of your bite, leading to complications such as uneven wear-and-tear on your teeth and the jaw pain of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
What kinds of problems are corrected by orthodontics?
Cottage Dental recommends orthodontics to resolve a number of alignment and spacing issues in both children and adults.
Even young children may benefit from early orthodontics if they don’t have enough space in their mouths to accommodate permanent teeth or if their permanent teeth are at risk of growing in crooked.
Some common alignment issues that orthodontics correct are:
- Crowded teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Twisted teeth
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Open bite
You may also choose orthodontics if your teeth are functionally well-aligned, but could be improved aesthetically. For instance, you may choose to make your teeth look more even or of equal lengths.
Is traditional orthodontics or Invisalign better?
Your Cottage Dental provider helps you decide which type of orthodontic system you or your child would most benefit from. Traditional metal wire-and-bracket braces are the most cost-effective choice and may also be necessary if you have extremely complex alignment and bite problems.
Invisalign custom-molded, clear trays are more comfortable and discreet than braces. The treatment time also tends to be much faster.
What are some of the benefits of orthodontics?
Orthodontics improves the way your smile looks, but can also resolve other oral issues and prevent possible complications. Some benefits of straighter teeth with orthodontics are:
- Teeth are easier to clean
- Teeth are more likely to stay cavity-free
- May improve chewing
- May improve speech
- Resolves TMJ pain
A better-aligned smile can also make you feel better about yourself and boost your self-esteem.
When should my child have an orthodontic consultation?
Cottage Dental recommends that your child have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7.
When you bring your child to Cottage Dental for a checkup, your dentist alerts you to alignment problems and makes recommendations to treat them. Early orthodontics can shorten treatment time once your child’s permanent teeth erupt.
To set up an orthodontics consultation, contact Cottage Dental and Kid's Corner Dental today by phone or online form.
