Why do you need braces? The benefits of orthodontic treatment often go beyond the obvious physical changes of an improved bite and straighter teeth. They’re also a great way to improve overall self-image.
While having beautiful straight teeth is important, it’s even more important to prevent any potential health problems associated with the teeth or jaw.
Crooked teeth or jaw problems may contribute to improper cleaning of teeth. This can lead to tooth decay and, possibly, gum disease or total tooth loss. Orthodontic problems that go untreated can lead to chewing and digestion difficulties, speech impairments, and abnormal wear of tooth surfaces.
Over time, excessive strain on gum tissue and the bone that supports the teeth can affect the jaw joints, leading to problems such as headaches or face and neck pain.
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children get an orthodontic evaluation no later than age 7. Though we can perform orthodontic treatment at any age, timely treatment ensures maximum dental health.
With all the recent advancements in orthodontics, wearing braces has never been easier. State-of-the-art appliances and treatments are now available, from traditional metal braces to clear and tooth-colored brackets, to NASA-type wires that are heat activated and require fewer adjustments!
Some patients may even be candidates for treatment with Invisalign, a revolutionary way to straighten teeth using clear, retainer-type aligners that require no braces or wires!
We will thoroughly discuss which treatment option is best suited for you!
Reasons Why You May Need Braces
- Breathing or swallowing problems – Mouth breathing can lead to snoring and sleep apnea.
- Crossbite – 0ne or more of the upper teeth bite inside the lower teeth (towards the tongue).
- Crowding – involving extra teeth or malpositioned teeth.
- Deep Overbite – the lower front teeth bite into the upper tissue of the upper teeth.
- Disfiguring of the face and mouth – affects the development of the jaw and position of the teeth.
- Jaw and jaw joint pain
- Missing or extra teeth – due to tooth decay, injuries, or inherited problems.
- Overjet (protruding upper teeth) – upper teeth that protrude beyond normal and are usually associated with a short lower jaw.
- Self-image – an attractive smile can boost a person’s self-image and confidence.
- Spacing between teeth – teeth are missing or may be too small or too large.
- Speech, chewing, or biting problems
- Underbite (lower jaw protrusion) – lower jaw is longer than the upper jaw.
Specific to children:
- Finger or thumb sucking – these habits can cause protrusion of the upper incisor teeth and mouth breathing.
- Teeth erupting out of position – can be guided to proper alignment.
What are Phase I and Phase II Treatments?
Phase I, or early interceptive treatment, is limited orthodontic treatment (i.e. expander or partial braces) before all the permanent teeth have erupted. Such treatment can occur between the ages of six and ten. We sometimes recommend this treatment to make more space for developing teeth, the correction of crossbites, deep overbites, underbites, or harmful oral habits.
Phase II treatment is also called comprehensive treatment because it involves full braces when all the permanent teeth have erupted. This usually occurs between the ages of eleven and thirteen.
What Does Orthodontic Treatment Involve?
Orthodontic treatment comprises four stages:
1. Planning Stage. Your visit will include an initial exam and consultation and may include x-rays. You will discuss your treatment plan and all options for types of braces, approximate length of treatment, and costs. We will work with any dental insurance plans you have and assist you with financing options. This is all done free of charge.
2. Placement Stage. After careful planning, your orthodontist will design and apply braces or fabricate custom-made appliances for you.
3. Active Stage. Active treatment involves visiting your orthodontist regularly for adjustments and following specific requirements to ensure successful treatment.
4. Retention Stage. When you complete your treatment, we remove the braces and/or appliances and make a new appliance. Usually, these retainers are removable, but you need to wear them continuously. Doing this will maintain the changes made to your teeth until the teeth and bone stabilize in their new positions.
Treatment and retention times vary depending on each individual case. Your orthodontist will ensure you have a successful treatment for a beautiful smile that can last a lifetime.
Orthodontics can not only help straighten your teeth, giving you an appealing smile, but can greatly contribute to the health of your jaw, teeth, and overall health.
Think You May Need Braces? Contact Us for a Free Consultation!
Love Orthodontics is proud to offer many treatment options for our patients. We always provide a free consultation for anyone interested in getting braces.
Dr. Grewal and our staff are happy to answer all of your questions and discuss which options might be right for you! We have offices in Springfield, Branson, and Carthage to make it easy for you to come in.
Your free consultation will include needed X-rays and a standard examination to adjudicate the best treatment options for you. You will then have time to discuss all treatment options and prices and get your questions answered so that you know exactly what you need to do.
We can also work with you on any insurance plan you may have, as well as other financing options to work out the best plan of treatment for you.
We will provide you with all the information necessary to assist you in making an informed decision regarding your or your family’s oral health needs.
And yes, all of this is complimentary, done at no charge to you, and free of any obligations.
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