Enhance your smile with Orthodontics
Here at Winston Churchill Dental we want nothing more than for you to have a gorgeous smile that lasts a lifetime. Misaligned teeth can cause a number of health issues, discomfort, and can lower your confidence. We are pleased to offer free consultations to assess every individual case and discuss any and all orthodontic treatment options so you can put your best smile forward. To learn more, read below of the different types of orthodontic treatments, benefits, and how to determine if you are a potential candidate for orthodontic treatment. Be sure to also visit our before and after gallery to see some incredible orthodontic transformations.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty in dentistry that focuses on the correction of teeth and jaws that are positioned irregularly. These corrections are made through the use of orthodontic appliances such as metal braces and clear aligners. Metal braces are the most popular and traditional orthodontic treatment using fixed metal brackets and arch-wires to align the teeth. The use of clear aligners is a newer orthodontic treatment plan that includes a series of transparent custom-made plastic trays. These trays are removable and typically swapped out every two weeks for the duration of the treatment plan. Although clear aligners are removable they are still to be worn for approximately 23 hours a day and only to be taken off for eating to ensure effective treatment.
Benefits of Orthodontics
Teeth that do not align correctly may be at risk for a number of health issues. For one, they are harder to keep clean; due to this, these teeth may be at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and periodontal disease, which is infection of the surrounding structures of the teeth. When teeth that are not aligned correctly, it may also cause extra stress on the chewing muscles, which may lead to headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, and neck, shoulder, and back pain.
After successful orthodontic treatment, teeth are easier to clean, providing a healthier mouth. You will find brushing, and especially flossing to be much easier after the completion of treatment. Orthodontic treatment will result in a more functional and aesthetically pleasing smile that will make you feel confident.
How do I know if I need orthodontics?
If you experience any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:
- Overbite – where the upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth.
- Underbite – where the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth too far back.
- Open bite – space between the biting surfaces of the front and/or side teeth when the back teeth bite together.
- Crossbite – when the upper teeth do not come down slightly in front of the lower teeth when biting together normally.
- Spacing – gaps between the teeth as a result of missing teeth or teeth that do not ‘fill up’ the mouth.
- Crowding – when there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate.
- Misplaced midline – when the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with the center of your lower front teeth.
Call today for a Free Consultation
Only your dentist or orthodontist can determine whether you can benefit from orthodontics. If you believe you require orthodontic treatment, please do not hesitate to call us for a complimentary orthodontic consultation at our office. Here, you will have the opportunity to see before and after orthodontic cases, discuss the best treatment options suited for you, and ask any and all questions you may have.