At Plymouth Valley Dental, we often see patients who ask about seeing our orthodontist. We are always eager to educate our patients about their dental health and welcome these types of questions. In order to explain what an orthodontist does, we will first define orthodontics and then add a few points about how this would relate to you and your dental care. Whether you are an adult needing care or you are wondering about your child’s dental health, this is important information for the entire family. To visit an excellent orthodontist in Blue Bell, call us today for more details.
Orthodontics: What Is It?
Many people do not know this, but there are actually several different kinds of dentists. One of these types is an orthodontist. They practice orthodontics and are the type of dentist who focuses on the position of the teeth and jaws. Often, orthodontists are involved in correcting problems with the physical alignment of the jaw and the teeth. Teeth that are crooked can lead to increased tooth decay or periodontal disease, since crooked teeth can be harder to clean properly. It is an orthodontist’s job to fix these issues.
How Do I Know If I Should See an Orthodontist in Blue Bell?
Usually your dentist will be able to determine if you need to see an orthodontist and receive special dental care. We can provide a comprehensive exam that will review your dental history, the current condition of your teeth, models of your teeth created from plaster, and photographs or x-rays. Most of our patients ask about seeing an orthodontist in Blue Bell because they notice certain problems with their teeth. Some of these issues are identified as overbite or underbite, which is when the upper or lower teeth are not aligned with the opposite set. Spacing can be an issue when uneven gaps between teeth develop due to missing teeth or abnormal teeth growth patterns. Some patients experience crowding, which means there are too many teeth for the size of your mouth. If you or your dentist has noticed any of these issues, seeing an experienced orthodontist in Blue Bell would be a wise choice.
Orthodontic Treatment: How Does It Work?
Once a dental issue has been identified, several solutions can be suggested. Orthodontists specialize in using different types of dental appliances. Some are permanent and others are removable and temporary. These little pieces of equipment are able to help shift teeth around, adjust jaw growth, and even retrain your jaw and mouth muscles. Some of these appliances include braces and space maintainers. Braces are the most common and consist of brackets and bands that are fixed on or around the teeth. Braces shift the teeth and mouth over time into a more even and uniform appearance. Temporary appliances include palate expanders, removable retainers, aligners, and more. These devices help shift and rearrange teeth without having to remain in place permanently. Some are worn all the time except for meals, others are worn while sleeping.
Hopefully, after learning this information, you can feel more at ease going to your orthodontist appointment. If you are looking for an orthodontist in Blue Bell, contact Plymouth Valley Dental for more information. We always welcome new patients and our in-house orthodontist, Dr. Lee would love to meet you!
