Orthodontics isn’t always a priority for patients the way general dentistry is, but it can be just as important when considering overall oral care. People with irregular bites or teeth that aren’t straight can experience decay and other oral health issues as a result. While the focus in October may be Halloween, it is also National Orthodontics Month, which gives us a great opportunity to share insight on orthodontia and its benefits. Below you will find answers to some of our patients’ most frequently asked questions regarding orthodontics:
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics, otherwise known as orthodontia, is a specialty of dentistry that involves the prevention, diagnosis and treatment/correction of malpositioned teeth and improper bites. Orthodontists (those who specialize in orthodontia) provide services to fix spacing and crowding of teeth, misaligned teeth, overbites, underbites and more. Some of the services/devices the orthodontist will use are braces (the most common fixed appliance), expanders, retainers and special fixed appliances.
Why should you get orthodontic treatment?
One major reason people get orthodontic treatment is because it leaves them with a beautiful smile for life. This seems to be especially important for Americans, who place a lot of value on teeth and that perfect smile. While many patients choose to focus on the cosmetic benefits of orthodontia, the main benefit (and the more practical one) is that the treatment will give you a healthy bite. Aligned teeth and the right bite make it easier to chew food and to speak. Almost more importantly, it helps prevent gum disease, tooth decay, headaches, the wear and tear of the tooth enamel and TMJ pain.
At what age should you start orthodontic treatment?
Abnormal bites first start to become noticeable between the ages of 6 and 12, so it’s typical that orthodontic treatment will start anywhere from ages 8 to 14. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7, although treatment will rarely start that early. Dentists can also offer guidance about when your child will be ready for orthodontia. At Artistic Dental, both Dr. Dougherty and Dr. Adhikari are trained in orthodontia, so we are able to treat patients for general dentistry and orthodontics.
While orthodontic treatment is normally associated with children and teens, nearly 1.2 million U.S. adults currently have braces. Because of the evolvement of orthodontic treatment to offer better and less noticeable options, more and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to fix long-standing problems.
How long will treatment take?
Orthodontic treatment varies for every single person. Some have major problems with their teeth and bite and need treatment for years, while others are lucky enough to only have a couple of misaligned teeth that only require a few months of braces. In general, most people are in treatment from 1 to 3 years.
Orthodontics can be a little scary and overwhelming to think about, but now more than ever it’s easier to explore your options and get the treatment you need. Artistic Dental has a variety of affordable options for our patients, from ceramic braces to Invisalign. If you want to explore these options or have questions that weren’t answered in our blog, visit our website or call the office (602) 840-5400 to schedule an appointment.