Orthodontics

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics corrects improperly positioned teeth and jaws. Orthodontics can treat problems like:

• Crowded teeth
• Crooked teeth
• Gapped teeth
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite

The Whittier Dental Center team can effectively shift your teeth and bring your jaw into alignment with their orthodontic services to give you a confident smile.

When is orthodontics necessary?

Orthodontics can give your smile a more appealing appearance, but it can also improve your oral health. For example, if you have improperly aligned teeth, it can be difficult to clean them, putting you at a higher risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

If you have a misaligned bite, your chewing can cause increased stress on specific areas of your mouth. This can lead to problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) or pain in your neck, shoulders, and back.

How are orthodontic issues corrected?

Traditional braces used to be the only way to produce effective results. However, the advances in orthodontic technology have provided several new treatments to straighten your teeth and correct your bite. They include:

Traditional metal braces

These braces are still available, but they have improved, offering a more comfortable and pleasing appearance.

They use ties and brackets that attach to your teeth, holding them in place with an archwire that crosses over them. The wire applies pressure and slowly moves your teeth into their proper alignment. Adjustments are made throughout your treatment, which usually takes 18-24 months.

Clear braces

These braces offer the same orthodontic benefits as traditional braces, but they’re made from ceramic or plastic, giving them a clear appearance. They also use clear elastic and white metal ties, making them barely noticeable.

Invisalign®

Invisalign is a game-changing system that uses clear plastic aligners that fit over your teeth to straighten them. The aligners are almost invisible.

To create your trays, the orthodontic team makes an impression of your teeth. Once your trays arrive, you wear them for 22 hours each day, trading out a new set every two weeks. Treatment takes 6-18 months, depending on your specific alignment problems.

These treatments align your teeth, improve your bite, and give you your dream smile. They also improve your oral health.

Call the Whittier Dental Center today or schedule an appointment online to book a consultation about your orthodontic desires and needs.