Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry specializing in diagnosing, preventing, and treating jaw, bite, and alignment issues. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment and involve a system of brackets, wires, and bands to realign the teeth. At Sun-Park Dental, we offer braces and other orthodontic treatments like Invisalign, retainers, headgear, and other appliances. One of the primary goals of orthodontics is to achieve proper teeth alignment. Orthodontic appliances, such as braces or clear aligners, apply gentle and controlled forces to move the teeth into their desired positions gradually. This helps correct crowded teeth, gaps between teeth, rotated teeth, and other alignment issues.
Orthodontic treatment begins with a comprehensive examination that includes clinical evaluation, dental impressions, X-rays, and sometimes digital scans or photographs. Orthodontists use these diagnostic tools to analyze the patient's bite, tooth alignment, jaw relationships, and facial aesthetics. Based on the assessment, they develop an individualized treatment plan to address each patient's specific orthodontic needs and goals.
Types of Orthodontics Treatment
Traditional Braces
Traditional braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth and connected by archwires. Our orthodontist adjusts the wires periodically to move the teeth into their desired positions gradually. Traditional braces are highly effective in correcting orthodontic issues and are often used for more complex cases.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners like Invisalign are a popular alternative to traditional braces. They are a series of custom-made, transparent trays that gradually move the teeth into alignment. Clear aligners are removable, making them convenient for eating, brushing, and flossing. They are also virtually invisible, offering a discreet orthodontic treatment option.
Lingual Braces
Lingual braces are similar to traditional braces but are placed on the back surface of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. They are customized to fit the shape of the patient's teeth and can effectively correct various orthodontic problems. Lingual braces require special expertise to place and may take some time to get used to tongue placement.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
- Straight teeth are easier to clean, which promotes better oral hygiene
- Crooked teeth are more prone to chipping and breaking, which can result in the need for expensive restorative treatments like veneers or crowns
- Teeth that are not aligned correctly are more likely to develop cavities because overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean
- Orthodontic procedures can correct orthodontic misalignments such as an overbite or underbite, which are not only unsightly but can also lead to painful jaw and joint problems in the future
- In addition to promoting proper oral hygiene, orthodontics can also address issues such as speech impediments caused by improper tongue placement
If you want to improve the health and appearance of your smile, orthodontic treatments might be the answer for you. For the best dental care tailored to your unique needs, visit dentist Rocklin, CA at Sun-Park Dental at 5400 Park Dr Suite 100, Rocklin, CA 95765, or call (916) 435-1155.