Orthodontic treatment is about more than creating a straighter smile. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can also support comfortable biting, chewing, speaking, and long-term oral health.
At Able Family Dental, orthodontic care may be an option for children, teens, and adults who are interested in improving the alignment of their teeth or addressing concerns with their bite.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is an area of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating concerns involving the position of the teeth and jaws.
Orthodontic treatment can gradually move teeth into more appropriate positions and, depending on a patient’s age and needs, may also help guide jaw and facial development.
Some common reasons patients explore orthodontic care include:
- Crowded or overlapping teeth
- Gaps or spaces between teeth
- Crooked or rotated teeth
- Overbites
- Underbites
- Crossbites
- Open bites
- Teeth that do not come together comfortably
- Concerns about jaw or facial development
Every smile is different, so an orthodontic assessment is an important first step in determining whether treatment may be appropriate.
What Are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
Many people first think about orthodontics because they would like straighter teeth. While appearance can certainly be an important consideration, orthodontic treatment may offer additional benefits.
Properly aligned teeth may be easier to brush and floss effectively, which can help support good oral hygiene. Improving how the upper and lower teeth fit together may also help create a more functional and comfortable bite.
Depending on the individual patient, orthodontic treatment may help:
- Improve tooth alignment
- Address bite concerns
- Make certain areas easier to clean
- Improve chewing function
- Create a more balanced smile
- Support healthy dental development in growing children
The specific goals and expected benefits of treatment will depend on your individual needs.
When Should Children Have an Orthodontic Assessment?
Orthodontic concerns can sometimes become noticeable while a child is still growing. An early assessment does not necessarily mean that treatment needs to begin immediately.
Instead, assessing the teeth and jaws during childhood can help identify developing concerns and determine whether monitoring or future treatment may be recommended.
For some children, timing treatment around growth and dental development can be beneficial. Other children may simply be monitored until more permanent teeth have erupted.
If you have noticed crowding, difficulty biting, early or late loss of baby teeth, or changes in your child’s jaw development, an orthodontic assessment can help determine the next step.
Is Orthodontic Treatment Just for Kids and Teens?
Not at all.
Adults can also explore orthodontic treatment. Teeth can be moved at many different ages, provided the teeth, gums, and supporting structures are healthy enough for treatment.
Adults may seek orthodontic care because they have had alignment concerns for years, noticed their teeth shifting over time, or want to address their bite or smile as part of their overall dental care.
Your dentist can assess your oral health and discuss whether orthodontic treatment may be suitable for you.
What Types of Orthodontic Treatment Are Available?
Orthodontic treatment can take different forms depending on the patient’s needs, age, treatment goals, and clinical findings.
Treatment may involve traditional braces, clear aligner therapy, or other orthodontic appliances designed to help guide tooth movement or jaw development.
There is no single treatment option that is right for everyone. An examination allows your dental provider to review your teeth and bite and discuss which options may be appropriate for you.
What Happens at an Orthodontic Appointment?
Your first orthodontic appointment is an opportunity to learn more about your smile and ask questions.
During an assessment, your dental provider may examine:
- The position and spacing of your teeth
- How your upper and lower teeth fit together
- Your jaw relationship and facial development
- Your dental and oral health
- Any specific concerns you have about your smile or bite
Additional diagnostic information, such as photographs, digital scans, or X-rays, may also be recommended.
Based on the findings, your provider can explain whether orthodontic treatment may be beneficial and discuss possible treatment options, timing, and next steps.
Interested in Learning More About Orthodontics?
Whether you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, the first step is an individual assessment.
Book an orthodontic appointment with Dr. Rajan Varada, General Dentist; Orthodontics & Dentofacial Orthopedics, at Able Family Dental.
Our team can assess your teeth and bite, answer your questions, and discuss whether orthodontic treatment may be an appropriate option for your smile.
Call us at 403.327.7202 or book online.
