Orthodontic treatment can dramatically improve a person’s oral health and aesthetics. It can reduce the risk of tooth decay, gum disease and crooked teeth. It can also alleviate issues like jaw pain and headaches.
The woodlands orthodontics are licensed dental professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of jaw and face irregularities (malocclusions). They have two to three extra years of specialized training beyond dental school.
Braces
The goal of orthodontic treatment is to give you a healthy, beautiful smile. Modern orthodontic innovations are making it easier than ever to achieve a straighter smile.
Whether you choose traditional metal braces or clear ones, they use gentle pressure to help your teeth move into the desired position. They also correct bite problems and other issues that can lead to dental complications in the future.
The components of braces include brackets, arch wires, and bands. The brackets are small squares bonded to the front of each tooth. The arch wires run through the brackets and provide the primary force that shifts the teeth. The bands fit around the molars and secure them to the arch wire. Elastic ligatures, which come in various colors, connect the arch wires to the brackets and add additional pressure to aid in movement.
Invisalign
Invisalign is a discreet treatment option that eliminates wires and brackets. Using digital scans or impressions, your orthodontist creates a personalized treatment plan that shows how your teeth will shift with the use of clear aligners.
The trays can be easily removed before meals and for brushing, which makes it much easier to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine. If you have crowded teeth, cleaning your teeth can be difficult because food tends to get stuck in the spaces, which can lead to gum disease.
Invisalign also corrects misaligned bites, including overbites, underbites and crossbites. Overbites and underbites cause uneven wear on your teeth, which can lead to pain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) problems and tooth decay. Crossbites cause the upper teeth to sit behind the lower teeth, which can lead to a chipped or cracked tooth.
Early Treatment
Orthodontic care begins at an early age, improving bite and dental health to help your child avoid more serious problems down the road. It also increases their self-esteem, making it easier for them to maintain good oral hygiene and build a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
The first step in orthodontic treatment is to schedule an appointment for a comprehensive examination. During this visit, we will take initial records, including X-rays and photographs, to determine whether early treatment is necessary.
During the early phase of treatment, we typically use appliances such as braces and palatal expanders to guide growth and development, preserve space for permanent teeth, and correct skeletal discrepancies. In most cases, this will prevent the need for future removal of permanent teeth and more extensive and complex orthodontic treatment later on.
Teen Treatment
A beautiful smile requires more than just a set of straight teeth. It’s about improving overall oral health, increasing self-confidence and ensuring a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Orthodontic treatment in teens can also help reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic procedures in adulthood. This is because the jaw and teeth are still growing, allowing for early intervention and correction of potential problems.
It’s recommended that all children see an orthodontist by age seven to evaluate whether they need treatment. This early evaluation can detect and address issues that may not be apparent at a later stage, including overcrowding, misaligned bites and improper tooth growth. This can minimize or eliminate future complications and achieve optimal long-term results. Two-phase orthodontic treatment can accomplish these goals by addressing skeletal and dental changes in stages.
Adult Treatment
You’re never too old to get the straight smile you deserve. With the help of modern the woodlands orthodontics, it’s easier than ever to correct crooked teeth and close gaps. From traditional braces to clear aligners, we have options that fit seamlessly into adult lifestyles.
The goal of early treatment is to prevent a malocclusion (bad bite) before it causes permanent damage to the teeth, face or jaw. In most cases, this can eliminate or reduce the need for more extensive orthodontic treatment as an adult.
It also helps minimize problems such as overcrowding, which may cause difficulties brushing or chewing, or lead to severe gum disease. In addition, we may use removable appliances to encourage or assist the growth of the jaw, such as a palate expander or tooth movers.
