One significant aspect of your appearance is your smile. But having misaligned or overcrowded teeth may be the one thing that steals your beautiful smile. You may lose your confidence and self-esteem in the long run. However, with a family dentist Frisco available, there is hope to restore that irregularity and restore your self-esteem.
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What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics deals with positioning your teeth correctly. You may have overcrowding of the teeth, misalignment of the jaws, and crooked teeth, which may cause you speech or eating problems. You may require orthodontic treatments to align and position your teeth. You may have a malocclusion from birth or may get it through an injury or habit over time. Bad bites may eventually cause oral health issues if not addressed early enough.
What are the available orthodontic treatments?
You may have to see an orthodontist if you have a misalignment or bad bites. the following are options to treat bad bites:
- Braces
Your doctor may have to attach ceramic, metal, or plastic bands to your teeth. Braces have a set of springs that will move your teeth to align them by applying force. If you may have a malocclusion, your doctor may use clear braces rather than the traditional ones to align your teeth.
- Surgery
Your doctor may recommend jaw surgery to make corrections to the irregularities of your jaws, realigning them hence improving the working of your teeth. Surgery may be necessary if orthodontics does not resolve your jaw problems. Your doctor may put braces on the teeth before and after surgery till you heal and your jaws align.
What happens during jaw surgery?
Your orthodontist may consult with your face surgeon to draw the best treatment plan for you. Your orthodontist may place braces on your teeth before your surgery. The braces will align your teeth as you prepare for the surgery. During the surgery, your doctor may put you under general anesthesia. Your surgeon may make minor cuts outside your mouth and in your jawbones, moving them properly. Your surgeon may secure the bones with rubber bands, screws, and bone plates after your surgery are complete. Your doctor may also recommend bone reshaping to offer you a better fitting. After your surgery, you may experience swelling and pain that will eventually go away as you continue to recover. You may also have trouble eating, but you can use nutritional supplements. You may need time to adjust to your new appearance.
What are the benefits of orthodontic treatments?
Orthodontic treatment may be effective in addressing the following issues:
- Closing gaps between your teeth
- Ensuring a proper alignment of your jaw and teeth
- Enhancing your eating and speech
- Straightening crooked teeth
- Correcting asymmetry
You may need to consult with your doctor first to determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment. This treatment can benefit you and even your child from as little as twelve years.
If you want to learn more about orthodontics and how they work, visit Lone Star Dental Care or request your appointment online.