Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that’s devoted to the prevention and treatment of smile alignment irregularities. The goal of orthodontics is to improve a patient's oral health and appearance by correcting problems like gaps or misalignment in the teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites.
Today we’re looking at why orthodontics is so important and how the field is benefiting from recent advancements.
Why Is Orthodontics Important?
Orthodontics plays an important role in oral health and overall quality of life in a variety of ways. For one, correcting bite problems and crooked or misaligned teeth restore chewing function, which aids with proper digestion, and reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by making teeth easier to properly care for.
Additionally, properly aligned teeth make it easier to speak clearly and comfortably. Combined with the boost that comes with flashing a million-dollar smile, that’s great news for a person's self-confidence and self-esteem!
Emerging Orthodontic Trends
There are a variety of different orthodontic treatments, each of which is suited to a particular set of needs and goals. In recent years, a number of emerging trends have reshaped and transformed traditional treatments. Some of the most prominent and popular include:
- Clear aligner treatments (like Invisalign) – use a series of custom-made, clear, removable mouthpiece-like trays to gradually and discreetly move teeth into alignment.
- Ceramic braces - similar to metal braces, but with clear or tooth-colored brackets.
- Lingual braces – braces whose brackets attach to the back of the teeth, making them virtually invisible.
- Accelerated orthodontics – the use of special methods like high-frequency vibration and small holes in bones (micro-osteoperforations) to help teeth move into alignment more quickly and thus reduce treatment time. And Six Month Smiles to straighten the smile line fast.
- Digital treatment planning – the use of 3-D imaging, intraoral scanners, and CAD (computer-aided design) software to enhance precision and customization
Family and Cosmetic Dentist in Oakwood and Flowery Branch, GA
If you’re in the Oakwood and Flowery Branch areas and would like to learn more about orthodontics or other dental procedures, including extractions or dental implants, contact dentist Dr. Reginald Booker and the team at Royal Lakes Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to schedule a consultation appointment.