What Is Orthodontics And Why Do You Need It?

Most people visit the dentist for cleanings and treatment for other dental issues such as cavities and gum disease. However, most people tend to overlook the importance of orthodontics near you. For the most part, people view orthodontics as a cosmetic procedure, but it has more benefits than improving dental aesthetics.

You’d be shocked to know that very few people have perfectly aligned teeth. But as the years are progressing, more people are beginning to embrace the importance of getting orthodontic treatment.

Children benefit the most since their teeth are developing, making it easier to grow as they should. Hence, the reason why you should bring your little one to see our kids’ dentist in Del Mar is to get their teeth straightened.

But this doesn’t mean that adults cannot benefit from orthodontia. There are excellent solutions that can help straighten your teeth.

Why Do You Need Orthodontics?

When people dismiss orthodontics as a cosmetic procedure, they downplay its overall importance in oral health. Instead, most people fixate on the perfect smile at the end of the procedure and conclude that beauty was the purpose of undergoing the treatment. However, this is not the whole story.

View some of the reasons why you should consider undergoing orthodontics near you:

• • Orthodontic Problems Can Cause Speech Issues

Your teeth play a huge role in how you speak. Misalignment will affect how you pronounce words and even annunciate. This can make communication challenging, especially when you speak to strangers.

• • Orthodontic Issues Can Increase the Chances of Getting Periodontitis And Tooth Decay

Crowded teeth, poorly spaced teeth, or crooked teeth can be a nightmare to clean. In addition, the teeth can be closely packed together, making it difficult for you to floss or brush as you should. Therefore, there will be an accumulation of plaque. Eventually, tooth decay and gum disease can arise as a result.

• • Bite-Related Issues Can Affect Food Absorption

As you already know, digestion begins in the mouth. So, if you cannot chew food properly, your overall digestion rate will be poor.

• • May Cause Jaw Pain and TMD

Whenever your teeth are poorly aligned, you might have some discomfort in how your jaw is positioned. So, you will tend to use more energy when you are chewing, leading to extra stress on the temporomandibular joint. The problem can sometimes escalate and lead to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

• • Improves Your Appearance

When you have a perfectly aligned smile, you might be motivated to wear your smile proudly. A straight smile is always a delight to look at. Your confidence can be off the charts when your smile is straightened.

What Will Our Orthodontist Do For You?

The goal of orthodontia is to give you a functional bite and a healthy smile. Our orthodontist will accomplish this goal by:

• Straightening crooked teeth
• Aligning the tips of your teeth
• Closing wide gaps or space between your teeth
• Treating an improper bite
• Boosting the health of your gums and tooth

Some devices have to be used by our orthodontists to accomplish these goals.

Devices Used in Orthodontic Treatment

Irrespective of the device you choose, they all work under the same principle. All these devices are made to shift your teeth to the appropriate position b gently applying pressure on them. The goal is achieved after some time. In most cases, it’s somewhere between six months and two years.

All these devices fall under two main groups: removable and fixed devices. Here they are:

• • Traditional/Conventional Metal Braces

The traditional metal braces have been synonymous with orthodontics. This is because they are very effective when it comes to severe cases. Now, they have evolved and are made from high-grade stainless steel.

The problem is that they are not aesthetically pleasing to most adults because of the metal brackets.

• • Clear Braces

Clear braces are more aesthetically appealing than metal braces. They are similar to metal braces, but the only thing that sets them apart is that the brackets are created from tooth-colored material.

• • Self-ligating Braces

Also, self-ligating braces are similar to traditional metal braces. The main difference is that their brackets hold the archwire in place using a small spring-loaded door instead of elastics or o-rings.

• • Clear Aligners

Clear aligners are for people who desire a more discreet treatment. You get customizable trays of clear aligners that look like protective mouth guards, only that these have a sleek design.

• • Orthodontic Retainer

An orthodontic retainer is an essential component of orthodontic treatment. At the end of your treatment, it is used to hold your teeth in place as the gums adjust to their new positions.

Contact our kids’ dentist in Del Mar at Sunny Smiles Kids Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics if you need orthodontic treatment.