Orthodontics and Oral Health

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, commonly called malocclusions. These irregularities can include crooked teeth, overcrowded teeth, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps between teeth. Orthodontic treatment aims to properly align the teeth and jaws to improve oral health, function, and aesthetics. By correcting misalignments, orthodontics can enhance bite function, promote better oral hygiene, reduce the risk of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease, and enhance the smile's overall appearance. Whether for functional or cosmetic reasons, orthodontic treatment by the orthodontist in Mobile, AL, can provide lifelong benefits, including improved oral health, confidence, and quality of life.

Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?

Crooked or crowded teeth occur when the jaw has insufficient space for all the teeth to align correctly. This can lead to overlapping teeth, difficulty cleaning between teeth, and an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Malocclusions refer to misalignments of the teeth and jaws, including overbites, underbites, crossbites, and open bites. These misalignments can affect bite function, speech, and facial aesthetics, making orthodontic treatment necessary to correct them.

Gaps between teeth, also known as diastemas, can occur due to various factors, such as genetics, missing teeth, or abnormal jawbone growth. Orthodontic treatment can close these gaps, improving the appearance and function of the smile.

Bite irregularities, such as overjet (protruding front teeth) or crossbite (misaligned upper and lower teeth), can impact chewing efficiency, jaw alignment, and facial symmetry. Orthodontic treatment in Mobile, AL, can correct these bite issues, improving oral function and aesthetics.

Jaw misalignment, also known as malocclusion, occurs when the upper and lower jaws do not fit together correctly. This can result in problems such as TMJ disorders, difficulty chewing, and facial asymmetry. Orthodontic treatment can realign the jaws, improving bite function and overall facial harmony. Contact us today!

Types of Orthodontic Treatment

Traditional Metal Braces

Traditional metal braces have been a mainstay of orthodontic treatment for decades, offering reliable and effective correction for various orthodontic issues. These braces consist of metal brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by archwires, and secured with elastic bands. Metal braces are highly versatile and can address mild to severe misalignments, crowding, spacing issues, and bite problems. While they are noticeable, advances in orthodontic technology have made modern metal braces more comfortable and aesthetically pleasing than ever before.

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces offer a discreet alternative to traditional metal braces, blending in with the natural tooth color for a less noticeable appearance. These braces feature tooth-colored or clear ceramic brackets and may use clear or tooth-colored wires and elastic ties. Ceramic braces are popular among individuals seeking a more discreet orthodontic treatment option while benefiting from traditional braces' effectiveness. However, they may require more diligent oral hygiene maintenance to prevent staining or discoloration of the ceramic components.

Lingual Braces

Lingual braces are a concealed orthodontic treatment option that attaches to the back surfaces of the teeth, making them virtually invisible from the front. These braces consist of custom-made brackets and wires bonded to the teeth' lingual (tongue-side) surfaces by the orthodontist at Smile Center Inc. Lingual braces offer effective correction for various orthodontic issues while providing a discreet treatment option for individuals who desire a less noticeable appearance. However, lingual braces may require a longer adjustment period and can be more challenging to clean than traditional braces.

Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligners have revolutionized orthodontic treatment, offering a discreet and convenient alternative to traditional braces. These custom-made, transparent plastic trays gradually move the teeth into alignment through controlled, incremental changes. Clear aligners are removable, allowing for easy oral hygiene maintenance and easy eating and drinking without restrictions. They are ideal for mild to moderate orthodontic issues, including crowded teeth, spacing issues, and mild bite problems. Clear aligners offer unparalleled convenience and aesthetics, making them popular among adults and teens seeking a discreet orthodontic solution.

Self-Ligating Braces

Self-ligating braces utilize special brackets that do not require elastic ties or ligatures to hold the archwires in place. Instead, the brackets feature built-in clips or doors that secure the wires, allowing smoother, more efficient tooth movement. Self-ligating braces may offer faster treatment times, reduced friction, and fewer adjustments than traditional braces. They are available in metal and ceramic materials, providing options for patients seeking both effectiveness and aesthetics in their orthodontic treatment.

The Transformative Impact of Orthodontic Treatment

Improved Oral Health

Orthodontic treatment improves oral health by making cleaning and maintaining teeth and gums easier. Straighter teeth are less prone to plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. Properly aligned teeth also contribute to better gum health and overall oral hygiene.

Enhanced Bite Function

Orthodontic treatment corrects bite issues, such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, improving chewing efficiency and reducing the risk of jaw pain or dysfunction. A properly aligned bite ensures the teeth come together correctly when chewing and speaking, improving oral function.

Enhanced Facial Aesthetics

Orthodontic treatment improves tooth alignment and can enhance facial aesthetics. Properly aligned teeth and jaws can create a more harmonious facial profile, improving overall facial symmetry and balance.

Prevention of Future Dental Problems

Orthodontic treatment prevents future dental problems by addressing alignment issues early on. By correcting misalignments, orthodontics helps prevent excessive tooth wear, jaw joint problems, and speech difficulties, potentially saving individuals from more extensive dental work in the future.

Whether addressing malocclusions, crooked teeth, or bite irregularities, orthodontics offers transformative solutions that enhance smiles and boost confidence. If you or a loved one are experiencing dental issues that may benefit from orthodontic treatment, visit Smile Center Inc. at 3805 Airport Blvd., Mobile, AL 36608, or call (251) 494-6187 to book your appointment.