Ortho Benefits and When to See a Professional
Teeth that are crowded, have gaps, or are otherwise out of alignment can cause a number of serious dental problems.
At Dental Concepts in Salinas, CA, our resident orthodontist, Dr. Robert Sutter, will meet with you to examine your smile, provide an accurate diagnosis, and discuss the many ortho benefits. Then, we can work on customizing a treatment plan to help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment is a method used to diagnose, correct, and prevent dental problems caused by misaligned teeth or an incorrectly positioned jaw. Braces, retainers, and other functional appliances are used to correct the problems caused by malocclusions and restore a healthy bite and smile.
Benefits of Ortho Treatment
Your oral health has an effect on both how you look and how you feel. Making sure your teeth are properly aligned and cared for is a good way to care for your body as a whole. When you undergo orthodontic treatment, there are a number of benefits that arise as a result, including:
- An aesthetically pleasing smile increases your confidence
- Well-aligned teeth are easier to clean
- Correcting orthodontic problems prevents gum disease
- An evenly distributed bite relieves pain in your jaw
- Improved overall tooth functionality
- Prevention of abnormal wear and tooth loss
When to See an Orthodontist
Crowded, gapped, or crooked teeth are the number one sign that you or your child need to make an appointment to see an orthodontist. There are a number of other indicators, however, that might mean you should schedule a consultation. Look for these problems in both yourself and your children:
- Trouble biting and chewing
- Shifting, clicking, or protruding jaw
- Difficulty with speech
- Grinding and clenching teeth/jaw
- Facial Asymmetry
- Protruding teeth
- Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or not at all
If you are unsure of whether or not you need treatment, make a consultation appointment with us and Dr. Sutter will discuss your candidacy.
When deciding whether or not you need treatment, we will identify any deformities in your teeth, determine the cause of the issue and then develop a strategy based on your specific needs. Our team will make sure that you fully understand the plan we develop so you can make a decision that is totally informed.
At what age should you see an orthodontist?
Typically, orthodontic treatment begins in childhood, but it is not uncommon for adults to need braces or retainers as well. The most important factor is having the proper number of teeth, so children who are missing teeth may need to wait to begin treatment.
Interceptive Treatment
While it is usually necessary for all of a child’s teeth to be in before beginning an orthodontic procedure, interceptive treatment can sometimes start while there are still baby teeth present. Some issues, if left untreated, will become more serious over time so early intervention is recommended.
Treatment Options
Our goal at Dental Concepts is to provide you with the best possible treatment options. Dr. Sutter, has been practicing for over 40 years and is an expert when it comes to correcting your teeth. We offer orthodontic braces, retainers, and functional appliances to help you achieve the smile you want.
Experience Ortho Benefits in Salinas, CA
Our team at Dental Concepts is here to provide you with top-notch orthodontic care. Call us at (831) 443-3633 or make an appointment to talk to our team about beginning your journey to straighter teeth.