Orthodontic Services

What is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry focused on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. An orthodontist is a dental professional in this area. Orthodontic services include:

• Straightening teeth
• Fixing bite issues
• Properly aligning teeth and lips
• Closing gaps between the teeth.

Orthodontists mainly provide orthodontic services for children, young adults, and teenagers. However, older adults can receive these services if their gums and jaws are healthy enough to handle the treatment.

Orthodontic treatment typically includes several types, such as fixed or removable space maintainers, clear aligners, traditional braces, removable retainers, and headgear worn alongside braces.

Dental Issues Addressed by Orthodontics

If you or a loved one experiences any of these issues, orthodontic treatment might be a good option:

• Open bite—This is the gap between the biting surfaces of the side or front teeth when the back part of the teeth is in contact.
• Overbite—It occurs when your upper front teeth extend too far over your lower teeth.
• Misplaced midline—This happens when the center of the upper teeth does not align with the center part of the lower teeth.
• Crowding—This occurs when there are more teeth than the ridges can hold.
• Spacing—This refers to gaps between teeth due to teeth that do not fill the mouth correctly or missing teeth.
• Crossbite—This happens when the upper teeth do not sit in front of your lower teeth when biting.
• Underbite—This occurs when the lower teeth sit too far forward, or the upper teeth sit too far back.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

An orthodontist uses various devices to move teeth, retrain muscles, and influence jaw growth. These devices apply gentle pressure to the jaws and teeth. Your specific issue will guide your orthodontist in choosing the right tools. Orthodontic devices fall into two categories:

1. Removable Devices

Examples of removable dental devices include:

• Aligners—Orthodontists increasingly opt for aligners instead of traditional dental braces to shift teeth. Aligners work like fixed devices but stay nearly invisible. You can remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing.

• Jaw Repositioning Devices—Also referred to as splints, these devices help you properly train the jaws to close. You can wear them on the lower or upper jaws. They are often used to treat TMJ disorders.
• Cheek and Lip Bumpers —These devices keep the cheeks and lips away from the teeth. Since cheek and lip muscles can strain your teeth, bumpers help alleviate that pressure.
• Removable Retainer—These dental care devices prevent your teeth from returning to their original positions. Patients typically wear them on the mouth’s roof.
• Headgear—Orthodontists use headgear to slow down the development of your upper jaws. It also keeps your back teeth in place while moving your front teeth backward.
• Palatal Expanders—These devices widen your upper jaw. Made of plastic, it fits on the mouth’s roof. By turning screws, the device applies pressure that opens the joints of the palate’s bones, making the area wider. This tool is often used when a child loses their tooth too early, keeping the gap open until permanent teeth come in. The dentist places a band on the teeth next to the gaps. A wire connects to the teeth on the opposite side.

2. Fixed Dental Devices

The following are some of the fixed devices:

Special Fixed Appliance

These devices stop tongue-thrusting or thumb-sucking. They can be uncomfortable, and you should only use them when no other options are available.

Braces

These are the most popular orthodontic tools. They include wires, brackets, and bands. The bands anchor the braces around your teeth while archwires run through the bracket. Tightening the archwire creates tension, gradually moving the teeth into their correct position.

The process can take several months to a few years. Your orthodontist makes adjustments every two weeks or as needed. There are many braces to choose from, so talk to your dentist or orthodontist about what might work for you and your family.

Fixing crooked teeth makes them easy to clean and reduces the risks of cavities and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth also reduce strain on chewing muscles, helping to prevent headaches, TMJ issues, and neck or shoulder pain. Orthodontic care produces a cleaner, healthier oral cavity and an attractive smile.

The following are the different types of braces:

• Metal Braces

An orthodontist fixes metal braces on your teeth and removes them after treatment. The orthodontist will tighten the braces to move the teeth throughout the process. Your orthodontist can suggest you avoid certain drinks and foods during treatment. Wearing metal braces varies based on your specific treatment and response, typically lasting from a few months to about 4 years. Metal braces correct most alignment and bite problems.

• Invisalign

Invisalign consists of clear plastic aligners that are easy to remove when you want to brush your teeth or eat. Your orthodontist will provide new aligners every 2 weeks to help straighten your teeth and adjust your jaw. Invisalign can address both simple and complex alignment issues.

• Lingual Dental Braces

Orthodontists place lingual braces on the back of your teeth, making them invisible to others. They work like traditional braces but are less noticeable. However, if you or a loved one has a deep overbite, these braces may not be the best choice, as the pressure could cause the brackets to come loose.

Cleaning around lingual braces can be challenging because they sit at the back part of the teeth. Initially, speaking is difficult, but this usually improves over time. You may also feel some soreness on your tongue from the brackets.

• Retainers

Most patients who complete orthodontic treatment will use retainers. After the orthodontist removes your braces, you wear these to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back. You can wear retainers on the bottom or top jaw for not less than 6 months. Retainers can sometimes replace braces for those with minor dental alignment issues.

• Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces work like metal braces. However, they use ceramic material that matches the color of your teeth, making them less visible. However, you should avoid certain foods and beverages that can stain the braces.

Orthodontic Surgery

For those seeking faster orthodontic treatments, surgical options are available. Procedure to straighten your teeth may be a good choice if you or a loved one has issues like jaw misalignment, underbite, or overbite. This surgery corrects skeletal issues to align your jaw correctly, using plates, screws, and wires. However, if your teeth are only slightly crooked, surgery is usually not needed.

The procedure involves moving the gums and bones that support the teeth. Though considered a minor operation, it still carries risks, such as bleeding, pain, infection, and swelling.

If you have crooked teeth due to a jaw misalignment, your orthodontist may suggest orthognathic surgery. Orthodontists perform it in a hospital setting.

Orthodontic Emergencies

Although rare, orthodontic emergencies can happen, and you need quick medical care to prevent severe dental damage. These emergencies include injuries to your oral cavity, infected or swollen gums, or severe swelling and pain in the face or mouth. If you experience any dental emergency, contact your dentist or orthodontist immediately.

Understanding Orthodontic Treatment Procedures

Orthodontic treatment usually takes 6 to 30 months. The length of time depends on several factors, such as the problems being treated, the treatment method used, and the patient’s response. The process has three main stages, including:

Planning Stage

Your orthodontist will examine your dental and medical history to find the problems and ideal solutions. Accuracy is essential at this point to ensure proper planning and successful treatment. Some assessment methods include:

• Digital photographs—An orthodontist will take digital photos of the face during, before, and after treatment. These photos help track your progress and the effects of the treatment.
• Panoramic X-ray—These X-rays allow your orthodontist to see the specific place of concern. They provide a complete view of your tooth structure, including the teeth roots.
• Dental and medical evaluations—Certain conditions can affect dental health and lead to other medical issues. Therefore, your orthodontist will confirm that you are in good health before starting treatment. The evaluation aims to manage any existing dental or medical problems to minimize the risks of complications during treatment.
• Digital study model—Digital scanners will scan your teeth to create models. These models help the orthodontist check how your teeth align. They also help design devices or braces that can fit your teeth.
• Computer-generated images—Orthodontists use these tools to plan treatments on computers. They show how the jaw’s look and symmetry might change.

Active Stage

The next phase is the orthodontic treatment. Here, your orthodontist will suggest the ideal procedures based on the evaluations. Depending on your needs, the orthodontist can use fixed or removable devices to gently move your jaw, bones, or teeth into the correct position.

Regardless of the device your orthodontist chooses, they will make regular adjustments to apply the right amount of pressure to your teeth. You can have scheduled visits for the adjustments. You should keep these appointments to avoid delaying your progress. If any part of your device becomes damaged or breaks, you can also go to your orthodontist for help.

Retention Stage

When the orthodontist successfully aligns your teeth or jaw, they will remove the braces, completing your treatment. They will then make dental retainers for you. This retainer keeps your teeth from returning to where they were.

To ensure it works well, you must wear it for a few hours daily. This step helps your jawbone settle around your newly straightened teeth, keeping everything in place. Therefore, you should stick to the recommended wearing time to maintain the alignment of the teeth and jaws.

The Ideal Age for Orthodontic Treatment

The most appropriate time for children to receive orthodontic treatment is during their early years when:

• Children lose baby teeth
• Gain permanent ones.

Starting treatment at a younger age can help prevent future dental problems. However, this does not imply children will need braces immediately. It might take up to 5 years before the orthodontist fits them.

Thanks to advancements in orthodontic techniques, people of all ages can now receive treatment. It means that adults can also benefit from braces, as there is no age restriction for orthodontic care.

Advantages of Orthodontic Treatment

The following are the advantages of an orthodontic treatment:

• Less wear on teeth—Misaligned teeth can wear down over time because of pressure from chewing. Early orthodontic treatment can help prevent this wear, keeping your gums and teeth healthy.
• Better preparation for future dental work—Addressing alignment issues early can make other dental procedures more successful.
• Improved chewing ability—Proper alignment of teeth and jaws enhances chewing, reducing headaches and toothaches and contributing to overall health.
• Boosted self-esteem—Orthodontic treatment can enhance your smile, improve your confidence, and positively impact other areas of your life.
• Healthier teeth and gums—Straightening teeth make them easy to clean, leading to better oral hygiene and healthier gums.

Dental Insurance

To receive orthodontic services, you should choose a coverage package. Not every dental insurance plan includes orthodontic services, so you should check your plan’s details to see what it covers. Also, find out if the coverage plan is only for you or if it covers your loved ones. Some plans might pay for braces and other orthodontic treatments for kids but not for adults.

There are two primary ways to obtain dental insurance, including:

• Buying a health insurance plan with dental coverage for individuals and families.
• Acquiring it through your employer, who may offer a plan that covers orthodontic services.

Things to Consider When Choosing Orthodontic Services

Misaligned teeth can be challenging, and you must find a way to fix them. The effectiveness of your treatment usually depends on the orthodontist services you choose. Here are some factors to think about when selecting the proper orthodontic care.

A Professional Orthodontist

An ideal choice is an orthodontist with many years of experience in the field. An orthodontist with vast expertise is usually versed in the various issues and knows how to address them. They can also fix misaligned teeth and understand what challenges a patient is facing.

Expert orthodontists also possess unique skills, such as reducing pain while preventing injury during tooth realignment. Working with a reliable orthodontist is essential to ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment, and an experienced practitioner has the qualifications to meet this requirement.

Family-Friendly Orthodontist

Dental treatment is not limited to individuals but can also cover entire families. As a result, you would most likely seek out someone who relates well with children and adults. You could also check if the orthodontist relates well with your family because that is the only way to know what each individual needs.

A family-friendly dentist will prioritize your safety while ensuring you receive quality care. Additionally, this orthodontist will call you to inquire about any issues or to see how you are doing.

An Orthodontist Who Addresses Each Dental Treatment Individually

Each dental issue is different and requires unique skills to advance through treatment. For example, some people have misaligned teeth from birth, while others have dental problems or were involved in accidents. Because of this circumstance, a competent orthodontist should handle each case individually.

You must ensure that your orthodontist does not adopt an extensive approach in their treatment plan, regardless of whether they are dealing with a child, an adult, or a teenager. Instead, an orthodontist uses a personalized treatment method to identify the root cause of the issue and then implements the most appropriate treatment approach.

Choosing the Right Dental Plan for Orthodontic Care

First, find out if the insurance package you want covers your preferred orthodontic treatment. Reviewing the plan’s documents will clarify what it includes and does not. Some insurance providers might not cover braces. If you have a specific dentist or orthodontist you want to see, check if they are in your plan’s network. Most insurance plans have a list of providers, and using one from this list can help you save money.

Finally, check the coverage limitations. These can include the maximum amount you can pay for orthodontics each year, the required time between treatments, or a lifetime cap on orthodontic benefits, which indicates how many times the insurance plan will cover your treatment.

If your current plan does not include orthodontic services, consider other available discounts for these treatments. These discounts could require you to see an orthodontist who is part of the network. You should check with your insurance company first to understand what your oral health plan covers.

Find a Calabasas Orthodontic Clinic Near Me

Orthodontic treatment can help you align teeth. Patients looking for orthodontic care usually have multiple treatment choices based on their orthodontist’s evaluation. With effective results from teeth alignment treatments, you can expect a healthier and more attractive smile, no matter which method you choose. If you are considering orthodontic services, the first step is to book a consultation with a skilled dentist who can provide these services.

We at Calabasas Smiles Advanced Dentistry offer quality orthodontic care to fix teeth or jaw alignment issues. Our team is dedicated to providing quick, professional, and effective orthodontic services. After your treatment, we will stay in touch to ensure you achieve the desired results.