What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialty branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. When crooked teeth or teeth that do not fit together correctly are present, it is harder to clean and care for teeth and gums. Individuals with misaligned teeth can be at higher risk of early tooth loss due to tooth decay and periodontal disease. Teeth which are not aligned may also cause extra stress on the chewing muscles that can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome and neck, shoulder and back pain. Lastly, misaligned teeth typically result in lower confidence in one’s smile.
Our orthodontist Dr. Garlock had to receive two and a half more years of education beyond his four years in dental school to become a specialist in orthodontics. This is required by law and benefits patients knowing that their orthodontic treatment is being done by someone trained to treat all of their problems in a fast, effective, safe and gentle manner. Visit our Aurora orthodontist today.
Why Choose An Orthodontist Over A General Dentist
Often a general dentist will offer minimal orthodontic treatment. There are a number of programs including “6 Month Smiles” and even Invisalign which general dentists may accept to use that seem very appealing. However, unlike the general dentist, an orthodontists has an additional 2-3 years of education and training that focuses entirely on orthodontics. Orthodontist have a greater understanding and experience on the biology of tooth movement and how to efficiently move teeth without causing other issues that may result from a lack of education and training. You most likely wouldn’t hire a plumber to fix your furnace, even though these systems are both a part of a home. Your mouth is the same. Orthodontists specialize in the movement of the systems in your mouth and general dentist handle general dental issues.
How Do I Know if I Need Orthodontics?
A FREE consultation with Dr, Garlock will determine how you can benefit from braces. Depending on your own aesthetic goals, there are a number of options that can be discussed with Dr. Garlock and he will develop a treatment plan that’s right for you. Before any orthodontic treatment is performed medical and dental health history is reviewed along with a release for care from your general dentist. This ensures your mouth is healthy to begin treatment.
Orthodontics Treatments
Overbite: This is often called “buck teeth”. This is where the upper front teeth lie too far forward over the lower teeth making the front teeth the most prominent feature of your smile.
Underbite: This is like a “bulldog” appearance where the lower teeth are too far forward allowing your bottom teeth to overlap the top teeth.
Crossbite: This is a lateral misalignment of the dental arches. It’s when the upper teeth do not align with the lower teeth when biting together normally.
Open bite: Is when there is space between the biting surfaces of your teeth. It can be the front and/or side teeth when biting normally.
Misplaced midline: Occurs when the center of your upper front teeth do not line up with the center of your lower front teeth or with your facial midline.
Spacing: Occurs when there are gaps or spaces between the teeth. This may be a result of missing teeth.
Crowding: This occurs when there is not enough room for your teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate. Teeth often overlap and/or protrude.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Medical devises often referred to by orthodontists as appliances are placed over or onto the teeth. Appliances may be fixed or removable depending on the treatment and options available for your specific need. Appliances are used to help move teeth while retraining muscles in the jaw affecting the alignment of the teeth. Braces and Invisalign are the most common appliances available on the market. These devises work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaw which slowly move teeth into correct position. Typical orthodontic treatment programs run longer than 12 month and may take longer depending on the severity of the problem.