Why Would I Need an Orthodontist?

It is possible for children and adults to share a similar problem. Malocclusion, or bad bite, is the common reason that both would need to see an orthodontist, a dentist who specializes in realigning crooked teeth into a straight smile. Dentists who practice orthodontics in Riverton are able to move teeth and improve your bite by correcting how your jaw lines up and how your teeth fit together.

Problems That Are Fixed

People with crowded or crooked teeth often have tooth decay problems as well as gum disease and tooth loss. There isn’t enough room for teeth to erupt from the gum. Those with overbites and underbites have overlapping teeth that are difficult to clean. In the case of an underbite, the lower jaw extends out to the point that the lower front teeth sit in front of the upper front teeth. With an overbite, the opposite is true, where the upper front teeth extend out over the lower front teeth, so much that the lower front teeth are capable of biting into the roof of the mouth. A crossbite is when the upper teeth sit inside the lower teeth, which could lead to misaligned jaw growth and tooth stratification. Spacing problems are usually caused by missing teeth but sometimes they are merely cosmetic issues. Bad bites eventually cause problems when talking and chewing and conditions are further worsened from wear, jaw clenching, and teeth grinding.

How It’s Done

Orthodontists use braces, aligners, and other appliances, such as headgear that attaches to the head or the neck, to add force so that teeth will move. To hold teeth in position, retainers are used. Plewe Orthodontics offers treatment to people of all ages and a variety of braces are now available. They include clear aligners, traditional metal braces, and ceramic braces to repair misaligned teeth. Clear aligners gradually move the teeth while metal braces use brackets and archwires to straighten teeth. Ceramic braces are similar to metal braces, except they use translucent material and are more cosmetically appealing. However, they are also more fragile.

How to Choose an Orthodontist

It’s never a bad idea to ask around within your circle of friends and family for recommendations. After choosing a few, you may wish to interview them before making a decision. You’ll definitely want to feel at ease and like the personality of the orthodontist. Some factors to consider in your selection of a practice handling orthodontics in Riverton include visually seeing the results of the orthodontist’s work and the type of treatment plan the orthodontist suggests. You may wish to see a service provider who is conveniently located and makes scheduling appointments easy. Payment plans may also be offered. Also notice how friendly the staff is. Another bonus is whether discounts are offered, particularly for all members of the same family.

Choose a practice in orthodontics in Riverton to get treatment to improve your smile. Doing so brings both aesthetic and practical improvements. From crooked to misaligned teeth, braces and other treatments help straighten teeth and improve the bite, as well as resolve related dental issues.