Orthodontists Help in More Ways Than One
Sugar Hill orthodontists are known for putting the braces on and straightening the teeth, but their work is helpful in more ways than you might think. They are highly trained in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial abnormalities. In other words, orthodontists do more than just make your teeth look good; their work can actually make you healthier and improve the overall quality of your life.
If you have been diagnosed with a bite problem, and your dentist has recommended braces or an alternate orthodontic treatment, keep in mind that the goal is not to simply make your teeth look straighter. Orthodontic treatment can prevent these common dental problems, or stop them from progressing:
- Periodontal disease
- Cavities
- Tooth loss
- Difficulty chewing and/or speaking
- Excessive wear or damage to tooth enamel
- Jaw problems or TMJ disorders
- Snoring
Even if your teeth appear to be relatively straight, you can still suffer from a bad bite, or malocclusion. This means that the upper and lower jaws are not meeting together properly. The bite problem may have begun as a developmental issue, an inherited condition, the result of a thumb-sucking habit, the result of missing teeth, or an injury.
An abnormal bite can typically be diagnosed between the ages of 6 and 12, and treatment often begins between the ages of 8 and 14, but there is no firm timeline for getting started. Adults of all ages can also be great candidates for orthodontics, too. In fact, more and more adults are recognizing the advantages of adult orthodontics and are taking the opportunity to finally get the healthy smiles that they’ve always wanted.
If orthodontic treatment is recommended for you, there’s another way that orthodontists can help. They can provide you with a custom approach that complements your lifestyle. For adults and teens, this may involve clear aligners rather than a metal appliance. For children, this may involve a two-phase strategy or fun-colored elastics. Don’t underestimate the great works that Sugar Hill orthodontists can do! Call to learn more and schedule an appointment today.