Orthodontic services are about more than improving your smile–they can have significant health benefits as well. In addition to straightening teeth, orthodontics can correct jaw relationships and airway (breathing) problems, protect jaw joints, and reopen spaces where teeth have drifted in.
Benefits of orthodontics
Malocclusions (the imperfect positioning of the teeth when the jaws are closed) can lead to a variety of problems. Protruding teeth are more susceptible to accidental chipping. Crossbites can result in unfavourable growth and uneven tooth wear. Open bites can result in tongue-thrusting habits and speech impediments. Crooked teeth contribute to gum and bone loss and tooth decay, while a bad bite can lead to headaches, jaw joint wear and pain, and abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces.
When to start orthodontic treatment
Orthodontic treatment can benefit clients of any age—not only children and teens—but there is an optimal time for each child to begin their treatment. Starting treatment at that time can make it easier to achieve the desired results and sometimes reduce the duration and expense of treatment. If your child requires orthodontic treatment, your dentist will advise you on the most appropriate timing.
Benefits of interceptive treatment
Interceptive orthodontics is a phased approach to orthodontics in which malocclusions are diagnosed and treated as soon as they are detected in a child. The results of this approach include the following:
- Creating room for crowded, erupting teeth
- Creating facial symmetry by influencing jaw growth
- Reducing the risk of trauma to protruding front teeth
- Preserving space for unerupted teeth
- Reducing the need for adult tooth removal
- Reducing treatment time with braces or Invisalign
Adult orthodontics
It’s never too late to consider adult orthodontics. As long as the underlying structures that support the teeth are healthy, tooth alignment can be changed at any age.
Orthodontic treatment later in life can improve the look of your smile, but the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Many different techniques for adult orthodontics are now available, including removable clear aligners (such as Invisalign). During your examination at Affinity Dental Sherwood Park, we will determine the course of treatment best suited to your individual needs and discuss whether the treatment can be done by a general dentist or should be done by a specialist. We can outline the treatment plan, expected duration of treatment, and approximate cost.
Contact Affinity Dental Sherwood Park today for more information about our orthodontic services for adults and children.