Who Can Benefit From Orthodontics?

At City Place Dental, we know that having a healthy, straight smile can be a game changer. As a leading family dentist in Silver Spring, MD, it’s our top priority to help our patients achieve their dental goals, and orthodontics are one of the top treatments we provide. You can learn more about the many benefits of orthodontics below and find out if it’s the right fit for you!

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that is concerned with diagnosing, treating, and preventing malocclusions (bad bites) and other irregularities in the jaw region and face. Our expert orthodontists are specially trained to correct these problems and to restore health, functionality, and a beautiful aesthetic appearance to the smile of our patients at any age.

Additionally, an improper bite, or malocclusion, can significantly impact the individual’s clarity of speech, chewing ability, and facial symmetry.  A severe malocclusion can contribute to several serious dental and physical conditions such as digestive difficulties, TMJ, periodontal disease, and severe tooth decay.  It is important to seek orthodontic treatment early to avoid expensive restorative procedures in the future.

What Problems Can Orthodontics Treat?

Orthodontics can treat a wide range of dental problems and in most cases, completely realign the teeth.  The typical irregularities requiring orthodontic treatment are as follows:

• Overcrowding – An overcrowded mouth means there is insufficient space within the jaw for all of the adult teeth to fit naturally. Overcrowding may lead to displaced, rotated, or completely misaligned teeth.

• Overbite – An overbite refers to the protrusion of the maxilla (upper jaw) relative to the mandible (lower jaw). An overbite gives the smile a “toothy” appearance and the chin looks like it has receded.

• Underbite – An underbite, also known as a negative underjet, refers to the protrusion of the mandible (lower jaw) in relation to the maxilla (upper jaw). An underbite makes the chin look overly prominent.
  
  

How Can Orthodontics Help?

Orthodontic dentistry uses techniques that realign the teeth and revitalize the smile.  There are several treatments we employ, depending on the results of panoramic X-rays, study models (bite impressions), and a thorough visual examination.

Fixed braces can be used to expediently correct even the most severe cases of misalignment.  These braces consist of metal or ceramic brackets which are affixed to each tooth and an archwire which is used to gradually move the teeth through the duration of the treatment.

Removable appliances include headgear (which consists of a metal wire device attached to customized braces), retainers, Invisalign® aligners (which are almost invisible to the naked eye), palate expanders and tooth movers.  Faceguards are generally used to correct developmental delays in both the upper and lower jaw, and palate expanders are used to combat overcrowding.

Whatever the dental irregularity or the age of the individual, we can help you find the right technique to properly realign teeth and create a beautiful smile.

Learn More Today!

Still aren’t sure if orthodontic treatment is right for you? Schedule an appointment with the City Place Dental team in Silver Spring, MD, here and our skilled orthodontists can answer any other questions or concerns you may have. We look forward to helping you improve your smile!