Visiting a braces specialist is one of the best things you can do for the health of your mouth. It is the first step to a well-aligned smile you can feel confident showing off. In addition, straighter teeth can improve speaking and chewing function and support oral health. Many patients who suffer from dental-related headaches have found relief after treatment with braces.
There are several reasons to consider visiting a braces specialist. Also known as an orthodontist, this professional can help fix problems with crowded teeth, teeth spaced too far apart, and crooked teeth. An orthodontist will also help fix bite issues like overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. Whatever this issue, braces are one of the leading ways to address problems with tooth and jaw alignment.
Orthodontists are dentists with additional education and training in fixing the alignment of the teeth and jaw. An orthodontist obtains an undergraduate degree, completes dental school, and 2 to 3 years of an orthodontic residency program. This means that a braces specialist is best equipped to treat issues with smile alignment, as it is the focus of their practice. An orthodontist handles teeth straightening cases daily and may work with children, teens, and even adults.
Knowing what to expect from the first appointment is important regardless of the reason for seeing an orthodontist. This way, patients can be prepared and get the most out of their time with the specialist. Patients should bring their insurance information and photo ID and be prepared to provide any relevant medical information. Each office is a little different. Therefore, those who are unsure should contact the office staff for more details. We encourage all patients to make a list of questions ahead of time as we find this helps patients address their concerns thoroughly.
The first appointment is known as the consultation. This is the visit where the practitioner examines a patient's case and discusses treatment options best suited to that patient's issue. The orthodontist will start with a visual exam and may take photographs and x-rays. Then, the practitioners will take a physical or digital impression of the patient's mouth. This impression is crucial for planning treatment and designing oral appliances.
It is important to discuss any aspects that might affect the treatment plan. For example, the patient should let the practitioner know how much time they are willing to commit to treatment and the results they hope to gain. Another issue to discuss is cosmetics. For example, some patients want their braces to be less obvious. For these patients, ceramic instead of metal braces may be an option. The practitioner will consider these preferences when developing a patient's treatment plan.
Braces have come a long way in the last several decades. Several types of braces are on the market these days, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and self-litigating braces. Some practitioners may even offer lingual braces that attach to the back or lingual side of the tooth. Patients need to know the type of braces technology the specialist uses because this affects several aspects of treatment.
Whatever a patient's decision regarding treatment, we cannot stress the importance of committing to dental hygiene during treatment enough. Those with proper dental hygiene habits tend to have better outcomes and fewer complications during treatment with braces. Patients may have to purchase special tools such as floss threaders and interdental brushes to help clean around brackets and wires. A patient's eating habits will also need to change. Eating hard and sticky foods can damage braces and lead to complications or the need for repairs. This could add length to the treatment plan.
Though there is some discomfort with braces, most patients notice it is small and easily treated. Patients report most issues with pain when braces are first applied and right after the orthodontist tightens them. In most cases, over-the-counter pain relievers help with any discomfort. New brackets and wires can feel rough and irritate the cheeks. However, these sensations are usually temporary, and dental wax can help relieve the irritation.
A braces specialist can help you correct alignment issues that impact how your teeth function or how you feel about your smile. Our team can examine your mouth and make recommendations based on your preferences and needs. We look forward to helping you achieve a straighter smile and keep your teeth beautiful and healthy for years to come.
Request an appointment here: https://www.fullertonfamilyorthodontics.com or call Fullerton Orthodontics & Children's Dentistry at (714) 459-8060 for an appointment in our Fullerton office.
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