Orthodontic Treatment Services

Treating Crooked Teeth or Misaligned Bites

Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of malocclusion. It is a specialized form of dentistry that treats crooked teeth and misaligned bites. An orthodontist is a specialized dentist who diagnoses and treats malocclusion.

As a disclaimer, Dr. Kak is a general dentist with specialized training in orthodontics. She is not a licensed orthodontist. Call ATI Dental Care to schedule an appointment today.

What Is Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment straightens your teeth and corrects malocclusion. Braces are the most common form of orthodontic treatment. They help align your teeth in an orderly fashion. Some other forms of orthodontic treatment include Invisalign aligners, clear aligners, etc.

Why Is Orthodontic Treatment Required?

Orthodontic treatment is essential to fix any of the following issues:

• If your teeth are crowded or crooked, they may affect your oral hygiene and create bad breath or give you an unappealing smile.
• Your teeth may be misaligned or overlap if they are crooked. This makes it difficult to chew food and speak properly.
• If your front teeth are too far apart, it may lead to oral health issues like gingivitis or cavities.
• An orthodontist also provides dental braces and aligners to correct bite issues, like crossbite or overbite.
• Orthodontic treatment can also help you fix a bad bite, which may damage your oral health in the long run.
  

What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?

Orthodontic treatment is beneficial because it:

• Straightens and aligns your teeth, resulting in a beautiful smile.
• Prevents oral health issues like tooth decay and gum disease by improving your oral hygiene habits.
• Improves your eating habits as you can chew food easily.
• Decreases the risk of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) by relieving pressure on your jaw joints.
  

How Is Orthodontic Treatment Performed?

There are two types of orthodontics for adults: fixed braces and removable appliances like retainers or Invisalign clear aligners.

Fixed Braces

Fixed braces are the traditional orthodontic treatments that straighten crooked teeth with metal brackets attached to each side of each tooth's archwire. The brackets attach to the tooth archwire, which is connected to the back molars with elastic ligatures or rubber bands.

Fixed braces usually comprise metal brackets attached to each side of each tooth archwire connected with elastic ligatures or rubber bands. Fixed braces can be easily removed while eating food or brushing your teeth.

Removable Appliances

Removable appliances include Invisalign clear aligners and retainers. Clear aligners treat malocclusion without altering your natural teeth's appearance as they are made from clear plastic material. They fit comfortably over your teeth and gently shift them into position without any discomfort or interference with your regular dental care routine, such as brushing and flossing.

Retainers also keep your teeth in their new alignment after braces treatment has ended. They ensure that you keep all the benefits gained from braces treatment once the treatment is over, preventing teeth from moving back to their original alignment over time. If you do not wear retainers after wearing braces, they will eventually shift back into their original position over time, possibly resulting in crooked teeth again. Thus, retainers should be worn for a specific amount of time after being prescribed by your orthodontist.

Please reach out to our dental practice at (630) 216-8635 or request a call online so we can guide you further.