Case for the Orthodontist: Orthodontic treatment is about much more than a beautiful smile. While an attractive smile is a nice result, the true benefits of orthodontic treatment go much deeper. In fact, good oral health is very closely connected to good overall health. And good oral health is much easier to achieve with straight teeth.
Orthodontic treatment plays an important role in reducing gum disease. The straighter your teeth are, the fewer places the bacteria has to hide. Brushing and flossing are not only easier but more effective with straight teeth. And proper brushing and flossing lead to excellent dental health, which contributes to better health overall.
When your teeth are properly aligned, it can improve your bite and in some cases, even your speech as well.
Why see an orthodontist and not just a dentist?
A dentist’s goal is to help maintain your dental health. Regular dental checkups and cleanings can help keep oral bacteria at bay and identify dental or hygienic issues. But a dentist will clean your teeth regardless of whether they are crooked or misaligned. An orthodontist, on the other hand, is specially trained to straighten your teeth out.
Orthodontists, in addition to being trained like dentists as doctors in dental health, are also trained in diagnosing and treating misalignments of teeth and jaws. They study for an additional 2-3 years to receive and specialty certification in orthodontics.
When should I see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7. This is because by 7, children usually have enough permanent teeth to indicate if there’s an issue, but they are still growing, so it’s relatively easy to affect the outcome. Orthodontic care early in life can affect jaw growth and bone structure, leading to more space for permanent teeth and a better smile down the road.
However, it is never too late to seek orthodontic treatment. Dr. Tomblyn and his team at Tomblyn Family Orthodontics are here to help. While it may not be as common to see an orthodontist as an adult, orthodontic care later in life can still have a direct effect on your smile, your confidence and even your overall health.
What type of treatments do orthodontists use?
There have been many scientific advances in orthodontic treatment recently, leading to a variety of treatment options. Orthodontic treatment includes devices such as braces, aligners, retainers, wires and rubber bands. There are many types of braces including metal, ceramic, lingual and clear aligners.
The type of orthodontic treatment you choose will be a choice between you and your orthodontist. But the long-term outcome of the treatment will be yours alone.
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