Sep
Proper tooth alignment does more than contribute to a beautiful smile. When I think through a comprehensive treatment plan for a patient, orthodontics is sometimes an important consideration. Does the patient need this type of treatment in order to have optimal oral health, function and beauty? Are orthodontics needed in order for the dentistry to last…in order to minimize the need for dental restorations over the patient’s lifetime…and, very importantly, to meet the patient’s own oral health and appearance goals?
Of course, I recommend orthodontics when they are the most appropriate means to create the beautiful smile you want. But, in addition to moving teeth for aesthetic reasons, there are significant other reasons. Moving teeth into proper alignment through orthodontics not only sets up a foundation for a beautiful smile but also aligns your teeth for optimal health and function.
I recommend orthodontics when tooth alignment is an optimal treatment for treating tooth grinding and jaw clenching, due to tooth interferences. Your teeth and jaw joints can work more effectively when your teeth come together in harmony to bite, grind, and chew. As a result, there will be minimal wear and tear on your teeth, jawbones and joints. This means minimal impact on your dental restorations, as well.
Tooth alignment helps preserve original tooth structure, crowns, fillings, bridges, and veneers. Tooth alignment also reduces stress on jaw muscles, tendons, tooth ligaments, and more. If you suffer from TMJ (TMD), tooth alignment might be a necessary step to treat your pain and create a harmoniously working mouth for the rest of your life.
I recommend orthodontics when tooth crowding is contributing to dental caries and gum inflammation. If you have crowded teeth, the re-spacing of your teeth will improve your ability to brush and floss all surfaces more easily and thoroughly, reducing harmful bacteria that cause dental caries and gum disease.
Orthodontics is not a service I provide in my office. I do not profit in any ways other than the peace of mind of knowing my patients are being helped to have optimal oral health and beauty—and the ability for me to then care for and restore their teeth most effectively for the long term. It is part of fine dentistry, and I believe my patients deserve the best dentistry has to offer today. They deserve to have their dentistry predictably last.
If you will benefit from alignment of your teeth and you choose to proceed with a treatment plan involving orthodontics, I will refer you to an orthodontic specialist. The specialist and I will discuss your special case, and the specialist will discuss with you the orthodontic treatment options that are appropriate for you. We will both take time to fully inform you about your options and the advantages and disadvantages of those options. Together…you, the orthodontist, and I…will communicate and settle on a treatment plan that is effective and efficient.
Many times the creation of a lasting beautiful smile cannot be achieved without orthodontics. If I recommend tooth alignment as part of your comprehensive treatment plan, it is because I know that creating an optimal bite is in your best interest now and long into the future. Today, there are many options, including clear aligner technology, clear brackets and wires, and even accelerated (faster) orthodontics, so many adult patients, not just teens, are accepting treatment and enjoying the lasting benefits of improved health, comfort, and confidence in their appearance.