Improving your smile through orthodontic treatment can be one of the greatest gifts. No matter what age treatment occurs, the benefits apply to just about any age group. In deciding whether orthodontics might be right for you, it’s helpful to consider the types of problems that treatment addresses.
A consultation with an orthodontist will help you determine what might be wrong with your teeth or jaw, and find out the types of treatments that can offer improvement. One of the most obvious reasons that patients get braces is to straighten crooked teeth, which is only one of the motivations. Gaps between your teeth are another reason. A common problem has to do with a patient’s bite, which can be labeled as maloclussion in a number of ways. You might have an underbite, overbite, or a crossbite. If your smile doesn’t line up properly or your teeth aren’t in the correct positions, orthodontic treatment may be right for you.
Just like every reason for orthodontic treatment isn’t the same, the correction methods are not always the same either. Traditional braces, clear aligning trays, headgear, rubber bands, and retainers are some of the common treatment options. The complete process may take anywhere from just a year to several, depending upon the severity of the issues and the patient’s progress.
As mentioned before, improved self-esteem is one benefit of orthodontics. Others include improved tooth or jaw function, better facial profile, more thorough oral hygiene, speech improvement, better teeth wear patterns, reduced risk of injury or tooth loss, and more.
Whether you are 15 or 52, orthodontic treatment is something that may be considered if you are unhappy with your smile. See an orthodontist to learn if treatment can turn your smile around.
