Orthodontic treatment is a specialized branch of dentistry aimed at correcting misaligned teeth and jaws to achieve a harmonious and functional bite. It involves using various dental appliances by the orthodontist in Pittsburg, KS, such as braces, clear aligners, and retainers to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. The benefits of orthodontic treatment are manifold: it improves oral health by making teeth easier to clean, enhances aesthetics by straightening the smile, promotes better bite function, prevents dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease, and provides long-term stability for a lifetime of improved oral health and confidence. Orthodontic treatment by the dentist is used to address a wide range of dental concerns, including crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and other orthodontic issues that affect the alignment and function of the teeth and jaws.

What Can Orthodontic Treatment Treat?

Misaligned Teeth

One of the primary aims of orthodontic treatment in Pittsburg, KS, is to correct misaligned teeth, also known as malocclusions. Whether teeth are overcrowded, crooked, or spaced irregularly, orthodontic appliances such as braces or clear aligners can gradually move them into their proper positions, resulting in a straighter, more harmonious smile.

Bite Irregularities

Orthodontic treatment by our orthodontist at Smile Solutions, is highly effective in addressing bite irregularities, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. These issues can cause discomfort, difficulty chewing, and even jaw pain. By repositioning the teeth and aligning the jaws, orthodontic appliances help improve bite function and restore proper occlusion.

Dental Crowding

Dental crowding occurs when the mouth has insufficient space for all the teeth to align correctly. This can lead to overlapping or rotated teeth, making oral hygiene difficult and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Orthodontic treatment can alleviate crowding by creating space for the teeth to align correctly, improving aesthetics and oral health.

Spacing Issues

Spacing issues, characterized by gaps or spaces between teeth, can detract from the smile's aesthetics and create areas where food particles and bacteria can accumulate. Orthodontic treatment can close gaps between teeth by moving them closer, resulting in a more uniform and attractive smile.

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disorders

Orthodontic treatment can also help manage temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJ disorders), which affect the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. By improving bite alignment and reducing jaw strain, orthodontic appliances can help alleviate TMJ-related symptoms such as jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and difficulty opening or closing the mouth.

Dental Midline Discrepancies

Dental midline discrepancies occur when the centerline of the upper and lower teeth does not align correctly with the centerline of the face. This can result in asymmetrical smile aesthetics and bite irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can correct midline discrepancies by shifting the teeth to achieve a balanced and harmonious smile.

Types Of Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional Braces

Traditional braces are the most well-known and time-tested orthodontic treatment option. They consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by wires and elastic bands. Traditional braces apply gentle pressure to move teeth into their proper positions gradually. While they are highly effective for correcting dental issues, traditional braces are more noticeable than other options and may require more frequent adjustments.

Clear Aligners

Clear aligners like Invisalign offer a discreet alternative to traditional braces. These custom-made, removable aligners are made of clear plastic and are virtually invisible when worn. Clear aligners gently move teeth into alignment through customized trays, each designed to shift the teeth progressively. They are popular among adults and teenagers who prefer a more discreet orthodontic treatment option and value the flexibility of removable aligners.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the back surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. Lingual braces offer a discreet treatment option for patients who desire straighter teeth without the appearance of traditional braces. While lingual braces may take some time to get used to and require specialized expertise for placement and adjustments, they provide effective results for correcting dental issues. Contact us today!

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are similar in design to traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored or clear brackets and wires to blend in with the natural color of the teeth. Ceramic braces offer a more aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional braces, making them popular among patients who desire a less noticeable treatment option. While ceramic braces are more discreet than metal braces, they may be slightly more prone to staining and require diligent oral hygiene to maintain their appearance.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces feature specialized brackets that do not require elastic bands or ligatures to hold the archwire in place. Instead, self-ligating brackets use a sliding mechanism to apply gentle, consistent pressure to the teeth, reducing friction and discomfort during treatment. Compared to traditional braces, self-ligating braces offer faster treatment times and fewer appointments, making them a convenient option for busy patients.

Orthodontic treatment offers a variety of options for correcting misaligned teeth and achieving a straight, healthy smile. Visit Smile Solutions at 611 North Broadway Suite B, Pittsburg, KS 66762, or call (620) 231-4140 to schedule an appointment with the orthodontist and explore the different treatment options; you can achieve the smile you've always desired and enjoy the confidence that comes with a straight, beautiful smile.