Teeth serve a vital role in keeping us healthy. They allow us to chew our food, which makes it easier to digest. That allows us to get the nutrients we need to survive.
Unfortunately, teeth can also be a source of problems. When they don’t come in straight, they can cause pain or create opportunities for infections. You may also have an overbite or underbite that affects how you eat or speak.
Whatever your need, our team at Beaumont Family Dentistry can help you find the orthodontic option that best treats your problem. Stop by any of our Lexington area locations to learn more.
Why you might need orthodontics?
It’s become fairly common for teenagers to wear some kind of orthodontic appliance in the United States. As our adult teeth are coming in, dentists can recognize potential problems early and take action to prevent them from becoming lifelong issues.
It’s also become more common for adults to use orthodontics. Advances in technology and new developments have made it more convenient for people of many ages to correct issues with their teeth.
The American Association of Orthodontists identifies three general types of malocclusions, which are misalignments of your teeth.
Class I is when you have crowding or spacing issues between your teeth. Class II is when you have an overbite (meaning your top set of teeth is noticeably further out than your bottom teeth when you close your bite). Class III is when you have an underbite, when your lower teeth sit outside your upper teeth when you close your bite.
It’s possible you may have one or more of these issues. In any case, orthodontics can help correct any and all of those problems.
We are all aware that orthodontics are used to make our teeth straighter, but that’s only one reason you may need orthodontic treatment. Some other reasons are:
– Jaw or TMJ disorders
– Sleep apnea
– Grinding or clenching your teeth
– Speech impediments
– Problems with eating or chewing
– Gum disease and tooth decay
The right option for you
The patients at Beaumont Family Dentistry have a variety of orthodontic options to correct issues with the position of their teeth. Here are the treatment options we offer:
• Traditional braces — Braces are a tried and true method for correcting your teeth. Brackets and wires have proven to be effective, which is why they are still used for many patients. We also offer clear ceramic, which are less noticeable than traditional metal braces.
• Fastbraces® — These braces are different than traditional braces because they move the crowns and roots of your teeth at the same time. This allows them to do their work in a matter of months rather than the years it can take with traditional braces.
• Invisalign — Rather than brackets and wires, Invisalign uses clear, plastic aligners to move your teeth into the correct position. These are much less visible than braces, and often more comfortable for those who can use them.
• Preventive orthodontics — This type of orthodontic is also known as a Phase I orthodontic. This treatment can be used with children as young as 8 or 9 years old. This treatment can prepare their mouths for Phase II orthodontics (such as braces). This may also fix the issues before other treatments are necessary.
• Dentofacial orthopedics — This treatment alters the position of your child’s jaw. Like preventive orthodontics, this is used to prepare his or her mouth for braces or other treatments as they get older.
The correct orthodontic treatment can do more than fix your smile. It can also give you a greater sense of confidence. When your treatment is complete, you’ll be able to look in the mirror and be proud of what you see.
That’s only part of what the right treatment can do, however. It also may save you from bigger problems that could affect your health later in life. And that may be even more important than your smile in the long run.
Talk it over
Whether you are considering orthodontic treatment for yourself or your child, it’s important to talk to a dental professional.
Our team will use X-rays and models of your teeth to diagnose your situation. This will help us work together to determine which orthodontic options are available for you and which one may be the most effective.
When you are ready to talk to someone, Beaumont Family Dentistry is ready to serve patients throughout Central Kentucky. Make an appointment with our online form or by calling 859-407-7050 . We look forward to hearing from you.