Orthodontic Cosmetic Dentistry – Dental Braces, Invisalign

Information About Orthodontics, Dental Braces and Invisalign Teeth Aligners

General dentistry is a practice that is used to correct or maintain the functionality and hygiene of the teeth and mouth. Many patients follow a proper dental health routine with regular general dentistry visits; however, some never receive the proper orthodontic treatment they need. Orthodontics is the practice of aligning teeth and malocclusions (bad bites) to improve the functionality of the mouth and give patients beautiful, radiant smiles. Orthodontics not only treats aesthetic concerns, but is often necessary to restore patients' mouths to improve their abilities to eat and speak.

Many patients who seek a qualified orthodontist have misaligned teeth or jaws, which can affect the development of jaw lines or smiles. The American Dental Association recommends that all children receive an orthodontic evaluation by the age of seven to ensure proper dental growth alignment. While most patients consider orthodontic treatment for patients in their pre-teens or teens, more adults than ever are undergoing teeth alignment procedures, including dental braces. Almost 30 percent of all orthodontic patients are adults in the United States.

Orthodontic treatment involves shifting the teeth and their roots to produce improved overall dental health. The most common orthodontic treatment is dental braces, or metal brackets adhered to the fronts of teeth that are connected with metal wires. During each visit, the orthodontist tightens the wires to gradually close gaps in the teeth to produce straighter smiles. Most patients require dental braces for two years, depending on their initial evaluation.

Thanks to advancements in dental technologies, patients needing orthodontic treatment have a variety of options. Dental braces have improved since traditional forms to be more comfortable, aesthetically pleasing and efficient, thereby requiring less treatment time. In addition, some patients choose to receive Invisalign teeth aligners, a set of clear, removable retainers. Invisalign is a popular choice among adults needing orthodontic treatment because they can wear the retainers at their convenience. The Invisalign cost is similar to dental braces, which is anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000 depending on the extent of work needed.

Patients who struggle with other dental health concerns may be referred to an orthodontist for treatment. In addition to cosmetic reasons, orthodontics is used to treat dental health concerns, like TMJ disorder. Temporomandibular Joint Disorder, or TMJ disorder, affects the hinge of the jaw joint and can cause severe discomfort and pain. While severe cases of TMJ disorder require surgery, most TMJ treatments are orthodontic devices or restorations. Most TMJ disorders are treated with occlusal equilibration, which carefully reshapes the teeth to minimize deflective interferences. Because TMJ disorder is a dental health concern, dental insurance typically covers a percentage of the cost for TMJ treatment. Some dental insurance companies even offer up to 50 percent of absorption of the total procedure costs. Before undergoing TMJ treatment, it is important to review dental insurance policies to evaluate the total out-of-pocket TMJ treatment costs.

Choosing a Qualified Orthodontist

Most patients are referred to a highly skilled orthodontist in the area by their general dentist. Other patients rely on word-of-mouth reputations by their business colleagues, family members and friends to choose an orthodontist. Thanks to internet resources, like Consumer Guide to Dentistry, locating qualified orthodontists and dentists within the area is easier than ever. In addition, patients can obtain information about a dentist's credentials, treatment options and amenities. When choosing an orthodontist, it is important for patients to ensure the orthodontist is a member of the American Association of Orthodontists. Members of this elite medical organization adhere to strict ethical and medical regulations and have endured rigorous medical training.

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