Are you looking to better your smile?
When we seek dental work, we generally call up our dentist and book an appointment. While dentists provide a wide array of services, they aren’t capable of handling every oral necessity.
When this happens, patients are often referred to an orthodontist. Of course, we all know that orthodontists work with braces to straighten the teeth. But, what many people aren’t aware of is how orthodontists can help outside of braces.
If you’re wondering how an orthodontist can help better your smile today, you’ve come to the right place. We’re shining a light on what orthodontists can do to increase your smile confidence and strengthen your oral health.
Let’s get started!
1- Initial Consultation
Determining whether or not you need orthodontic work isn’t always easy.
In most cases, a dentist will refer their patients to an orthodontist when there’s a potential for need. From here, the orthodontist will provide an initial consultation with the patient. This may determine when to get braces or if there’s an alternative form of oral corrections.
For many, this initial consultation will be the beginning of their orthodontic journey. For others, this initial consultation is simply a one-time informational appointment. Moving forward, their dentist may recommend visiting again down the road to ensure nothing has changed.
2- Straighten Teeth
Are you looking to straighten your teeth?
Today, over 4 million Americans have braces says this experienced Invisalign dentist in Greenbelt. Of course, getting braces is one of the main reasons to visit an orthodontist to straighten your teeth.
In most cases, this will be achieved through traditional metal braces. These braces will be implemented onto the teeth and tightened on a routine basis until they are removed. The end result is a smile that benefits from straight teeth and an aligned jaw.
However, an orthodontist will also explore other teeth straightening options outside of wearing braces. This might include anything from retainers to traditional brace alternatives such as the Invisalign treatment.
3- Align the Jaw
When it comes to wearing braces, not every patient is doing so primarily to straighten their teeth.
In fact, many patients opt for braces to help align their jaw. This can help to fix anything from an overbite to an underbite as well as a crossbite or a misaligned jaw. While there are cosmetic reasons for correcting these misaligned bites, many patients elect to do so for the sake of physical comfort and alleviating oral pain.
For some, braces can fix these issues. For others, the orthodontist may elect to try a retainer or even opt for surgery. Of course, this is entirely dependent on the jawline and the patient in particular.
4- Reduce Oral Pain
Do you have a pain in your mouth that you just can’t figure out?
When it comes to oral pain, it’s not just the teeth that feel such pain. Instead, oral pain can present itself in terms of headaches, pressure on the jawline, and even sore temples.
When this happens, it’s only natural to schedule a visit with your dentist. If your dentist is unsure as to the issue, they’re likely to refer you to Calgary orthodontists. This orthodontist will determine the source of your pain and proceed with a solution accordingly.
5- Fix Crowded Teeth
Are you suffering from crowded teeth?
Of course, crowded teeth can lead you to feel insecure about your smile. But, this type of crowding can also be downright uncomfortable and cause you to feel pain. When new teeth are growing in, crowded teeth can present a difficult scenario.
Crowded teeth are also all the more likely to experience cavities. This is because simple tasks such as brushing and flossing are more difficult with crowded teeth. With this, plaque and tartar will continue to build over time.
To fix these crowded teeth, an orthodontist will outline a number of different options. This might include braces but it also might include a retainer to expand the mouth. This will be dependent on the patient as well as their age and crowding details.
6- Expanding the Palate
For many young patients, it’s crucial to fix the palate before beginning the straightening process.
This is a process that seeks to expand the roof of the mouth. While this process can result in feelings of pressure, it’s an important part of the process. As a result, teeth can grow inside the mouth without the risk of overcrowding.
Once the palate is expanded, the mouth will be ready to begin the straightening process.
7- Increasing Confidence
How do you feel about your smile?
Let’s be honest, being insecure about your smile can impact your daily interactions. Not only can it make meeting new people feel intimidating, but you’re also far less likely to laugh carelessly and engage in conversation.
If you’re nodding your head, you’re certainly not alone in this insecurity. In fact, more than half of the American population admits to feeling insecure about their smile. At the end of the day, visiting an orthodontist is the best way to begin your journey to a better smile!
Not only will a better smile make you feel better, but you’re also going to look better and feel more confident in your smile! When it comes to your smile, it’s important to feel pride in your appearance.
When to Visit an Orthodontist
Of course, the majority of patients will visit an orthodontist on the quest to straighten their teeth.
But, as it turns out, orthodontists provide a wide selection of services to their patients. This is why a growing number of patients find themselves in orthodontist offices for reasons outside of getting braces.
If you’re looking to better your smile and strengthen your oral health, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your local orthodontist today!
Did you enjoy reading this article? If so, be sure to bookmark our page and visit us again!
Thank you so much for mentioning crowded teeth as something orthodontists can treat. Lately, my son has been getting toothache after toothache, and it feels like this is because of the sudden growth that he’s been experiencing with his teeth lately. I’ll make sure we avoid any further complications by looking for an orthodontist in the area that can treat him right away.