San Antonio orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on identifying, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws (malocclusions). It uses customized appliances, such as braces, clear aligners, and retainers, to improve both your oral function and your smile's appearance. The term comes from the Greek words meaning "straight tooth."
Orthodontics: Concepts
• Malocclusion: This is the medical term for a bad bite, which includes crowding, gaps, overbites, under bites, and cross bites.
• The Expert: Although every orthodontist is a dentist, orthodontists receive two to three years of specialized training after dental school to focus solely on correcting bite problems.
• Advantages: In addition to improving self-esteem, well-aligned teeth make oral hygiene easier, lower the risk of gum disease and cavities, and improve chewing and speaking.
When Is It Time to Get Help?
To monitor jaw growth and identify problems early, children should typically have their first San Antonio orthodontics evaluation by age seven. However, adult orthodontics (such as clear aligners) has grown in popularity, and treatment is very successful at any age.
Some Examples of the Treatments
Orthodontic Appliances
Braces use brackets, bands, and wires to gradually move your teeth into their desired positions. Depending on your needs, there are several types of braces, including traditional metal and clear (ceramic) braces.
Clear Aligners
Clear orthodontic aligners are a popular alternative to braces. Clear Correct and Invisalign are two of the better-known companies. These devices use a series of custom-made, clear aligner trays to straighten your teeth, rather than wires and brackets. Each pair of trays is worn for one to two weeks before being exchanged for the next in the sequence. The clear aligners gradually move your teeth into their proper positions.
Retainers
When your San Antonio orthodontics treatment is over, you will need a retainer if you wear braces or clear aligners. A retainer is a customized oral device that helps keep your teeth in their proper positions. To maintain the results of your treatment, your orthodontist may advise you on how often to wear your retainer.
Palatal Expanders
Some San Antonio orthodontics treatments are recommended by orthodontists during childhood. This is because a child's facial bones are still growing and are much easier to manipulate. A palatal (palate) expander helps increase the width of a child's upper jaw. Palatal expanders are not necessary for most children. Nevertheless, under the right circumstances, these devices can provide additional space without the need for further treatments or tooth extractions.
Orthodontic Treatment Benefits
Your teeth are much easier to clean when they are properly aligned.
Straightening your teeth can improve speaking and eating.
Orthodontic treatment can relieve pain associated with TMJ disease.
By aligning your teeth, you can lower your risk of developing gum disease, cavities, and other oral health conditions.
You may get and keep a beautiful, healthy smile with orthodontics.
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