Orthodontic Services in San Diego
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Unveiling the Power of Orthodontics
Orthodontics is a specialized field of dentistry that focuses on transforming the position of teeth within your mouth using braces or other orthodontic technologies. Through the use of brackets and wires or clear aligners, orthodontics can achieve various teeth repositioning goals. This includes straightening rotated teeth, resolving crowding or overlapping issues, and closing gaps between teeth.
Our orthodontic services include:
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics not only enhances your smile, boosting your confidence and self-esteem, but it also offers significant oral health benefits. Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Ensuring you can floss effectively between your teeth helps prevent plaque buildup and its potential consequences.
Moreover, orthodontics addresses problems with the alignment of your upper and lower teeth, known as your bite. Dentists refer to this as malocclusion, which includes conditions such as underbite, overbite, or crossbite. These misalignments can lead to various issues, such as teeth rubbing against each other, unnecessary wear, or temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) symptoms like head, neck, or shoulder pain.
When is the Best Time for Orthodontic Treatment?
The optimal time for orthodontic treatment is typically between the ages of 10 and 14 when the teeth are still shifting into their final positions. However, teeth continue to move throughout life, so there is no wrong time to seek treatment. In fact, more adults are opting for teeth straightening due to the advantages of both improved appearance and functionality, as well as the increased range of treatment options available to them.
While traditional braces with metal brackets and wires remain a common choice, advances in technology have led to reduced costs and treatment times. Some braces systems are designed for quick results, with treatment periods as short as six months. Ceramic or plastic options are also available, offering less visibility than traditional metal brackets. Additionally, clear aligners have gained immense popularity because of their discreet appearance and the ability to be removed.
While orthodontic technologies work to shift your teeth, it is crucial to maintain regular cleaning habits and continue visiting your dentist. If you have traditional braces, it may be tempting to skip flossing, but proper oral hygiene becomes even more critical due to food getting trapped in the hardware and between moving teeth. Your dentist will guide you on thoroughly cleaning around your braces, including the use of threader tools to floss behind the wires.
With clear aligners, cleaning your teeth is much easier, as you simply need to remove the aligners to brush and floss as you normally would.
Orthodontic treatments not only grant you the beautiful and straight smile you desire but also contribute to improved oral health. By the end of your orthodontic journey, you will not only have a more attractive smile but also a more functional and healthier one.
We take pride in offering a range of orthodontic options for our patients. If you are interested in orthodontics for cosmetic or functional reasons, please initiate a discussion with us to explore your options. We are here to help you achieve the smile of your dreams.
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At Wellness Dental Group, we take pride in setting ourselves apart from other dental practices in La Jolla and Poway.
Our commitment to the community extends beyond dental care, as we consider ourselves part of a network of caretakers who prioritize the health and well-being of our friends and neighbors in La Jolla, Poway, and the surrounding areas. As a locally-owned practice, we are part of a legacy of providing top-quality general dentistry.