A beautiful smile is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to your overall confidence and oral health. If you have misaligned teeth or an improper bite, orthodontics can be the key to achieving that radiant smile you've always dreamed of.
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, primarily related to the alignment and positioning of the teeth and jaws. Orthodontic treatments primarily aim to achieve proper alignment of the teeth and jaws. This involves correcting issues such as crowded or crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other malocclusions.
A variety of appliances are used in orthodontic treatments to move the teeth into their correct positions gradually. At Worden Dentistry, the most common appliances we use are SureSmile clear aligners and braces, which consist of brackets bonded to the teeth and wires that apply gentle pressure to guide the teeth into alignment.
Common Orthodontic Issues
Misaligned Teeth
Misaligned or crooked teeth can impact your smile's aesthetics and functionality. They can also make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene, increasing the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.
Crowding
Crowding occurs when there is insufficient space in the dental arch for all the teeth to align properly. This can result in overlapping or rotated teeth, making it challenging to clean between the teeth and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a misalignment between the upper and lower teeth when the jaw is closed. Common examples include overbite, underbite, crossbite, and open bite. These bite irregularities can cause chewing and speech difficulties and jaw joint pain.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets and wires attached to the teeth. They gradually apply gentle pressure to guide the teeth into their proper positions. Modern braces are more comfortable and less noticeable than in the past.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces work similarly to traditional braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets, making them less noticeable. They are a popular choice for patients looking for a more aesthetic option.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as SureSmile, offer a discreet alternative to braces. These custom-made, transparent aligners gradually move your teeth into alignment. They are removable, allowing for easy maintenance of oral hygiene and offering more flexibility in your daily routine.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces, but the brackets and wires are placed on the inner surface of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the outside. Lingual braces are suitable for patients who want effective treatment without visible braces.
Orthodontic treatment can significantly improve the alignment and function of the teeth and jaws, leading to a healthier and more confident smile. If you have concerns about the alignment of your teeth or jaws, visit Worden Dentistry at 2336 Aberdeen Dr, Tyler, TX 75703, or call (903) 581-1646.
