Orthodontics is a separate part of dentistry provided by an orthodontist. It typically takes a few years of education beyond dental school to specialize in orthodontics.
So what is orthodontics and how does it differ from regular dental treatment?
Put simply, orthodontic treatment corrects your bite pattern. It improves the look of your smile, but the primary goal of orthodontics is to increase your overall health and prevent issues that may arise from bite misalignment, also called malocclusion.
Orthodontic Treatments in Fremont, CA
With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Chew is proud to offer top-notch orthodontic treatment in Fremont, CA. Learn more about the orthodontic treatment options we provide below, or contact us to book your first appointment!
Braces
Believe it or not, there isn't an age limit to getting braces! We offer braces for children and braces for adults. While orthodontic treatment is best at an early age when it's easier to correct bite pattern issues, many adults benefit from straightening their teeth and jaw later in life, too.
Getting braces as a child or adult can help prevent or fix facial asymmetry and speech problems.
Orthodontic Treatment Phases
Orthodontic treatment is a process. There are three main treatment phases: planning, active treatment, and retention.
Phase 1: Planning
The majority of your first visit to the orthodontist will involve planning. You will first undergo a thorough dental exam to make sure your mouth is healthy enough to support braces. Then, we will take an impression of your teeth to make a 3D model and establish a treatment timeline. We utilize advanced technology, including x-rays and computer-generated imagery, to know exactly how your treatment plan will align your teeth and jaws.
Phase 2: Active
The active phase is the actual treatment. During this phase, your teeth will slowly move into place through pressure applied by braces (or whatever orthodontic treatment you're working on). As your teeth move, you will need to come in every six to eight weeks to get the wire tightened to continue your alignment process.
Phase 3: Retention
After your teeth are straightened, and your orthodontic treatment is completed, they will want to shift back to their previous position. To prevent your teeth from becoming misaligned again, it is important to wear a retainer as directed.
Post-Treatment Care
Following orthodontic treatment, you need to continue taking care of your teeth. Doing so will ensure your teeth stay straight and healthy.
The best way to maintain a healthy mouth is to diligently wear your retainers as directed and practice proper oral hygiene.
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental specialty focused on aligning your teeth, bite pattern, and jaw irregularities. Its focus is on aligning your bite through various techniques such as braces, headgear, and other orthodontic appliances.
What is an Orthodontist?
An orthodontist specializes in orthodontics. They usually attend 10-11 years of schooling after high school. The first four years make up their undergraduate degree. The next four years are dental school. At this point, they could start practicing general dentistry, but orthodontic specializations require a two or three-year residency.
What is Malocclusion
Malocclusion is a misalignment of upper and lower teeth – it's just a fancy way to describe bite pattern issues. Malocclusion can be caused by many things such as sucking your thumb, bad genes, or physical trauma.
Benefits of Orthodontics
There are several benefits of orthodontic treatment. With proper care, these benefits could last a lifetime!
Straighter Smile
Many people are embarrassed by large gaps or crooked teeth and do everything they can to keep their teeth hidden. Orthodontic treatment can give you a smile that you can show off with confidence.
Healthier Mouth
Having straight teeth that are appropriately spaced makes proper dental hygiene much easier. There are no large gaps to trap food and fewer places where bacteria can hide. Also, with the correct spacing, flossing becomes a breeze.
Proper cleaning helps prevent bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Lower Risk of Tooth Damage
When your teeth are straight, they work together as intended.
Teeth or jaw misalignment causes your teeth to meet at unnatural angles. Continuing to chew with this malocclusion is likely to cause damage to healthy teeth.
Correcting or Preventing Issues
Malocclusions can be the source of many common issues that can be resolved or prevented. For example, some cases of misalignment result in breathing issues such as sleep apnea.
Additionally, it can cause speech impediments and trouble breaking down food, which can cause digestion issues and even malnourishment.
Improved Facial Symmetry
Orthodontic treatment can help to change your facial structure – especially in kids whose faces are still developing. This can work wonders for those who have an asymmetric face due to jaw misalignment.
Can You Put Off Orthodontic Care?
Technically you can put off orthodontic care, but we highly discourage it – especially if you have a severe misalignment.
Neglecting malocclusion will usually lead to more problems and make existing ones worse.
Orthodontics in Fremont, CA
Don’t let a small problem become a big one – Dr. Chew can help you get the healthy, beautiful smile you've always wanted! Schedule an appointment online or call us today to discuss treatment options.