While many people think orthodontics is simply straightening teeth and making a pretty smile, but that is only part of this dental specialty. Besides improving your smile, orthodontics work to treat malocclusions and misalignments.

Things like overlapping teeth, protruding teeth, or spaces in between teeth can simply be cosmetic, but they can also cause dental issues. Problems such as irregular jaw growth, extra teeth, and overcrowding of teeth may not be noticeable when you smile but they may contribute to health concerns, such as difficulty eating, chewing or speaking, headaches, and premature dental wear and tear.

Orthodontists work not only to provide you with the best smile, but also together with your dentist they ensure your teeth are healthy and not causing you any potential medical or dental issues.

An orthodontist is a traditional dentist that chooses to go through an additional residency program for two to three years, focusing their knowledge on the safe movement of teeth and the development of your jaws, and face, and profile. They focus their practice on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Orthodontists are often able to identify dental issues before they become a problem and take proactive treatment measures.

General dentistry is straightforward. You have tooth decay, you get a filling. Orthodontics is a much more individualized specialty and no treatment plan is the same. An orthodontist meets with each patient and creates a custom treatment plan. Orthodontists treat patients of all ages, including children. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children see an orthodontist by the time they are 7. Seeing an orthodontist as a child allows the orthodontist to see and treat any possible abnormalities before they become a problem.

The answer is you might not always know.

In many cases, your dentist may notice abnormalities in your teeth and refer you to an orthodontist for an evaluation. But there are some signs you can see for yourself that might point to the need for orthodontics. If you have an overbite or underbite that is prominent, gaps or overlapping teeth; if you experience trouble chewing, unexplained headaches, or it seems like your teeth just don’t line up.

If you have any of the following, you may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

These could all point to the need for orthodontic care. While some of these issues may seem simply cosmetic in nature, they can contribute to underlying issues as well. For example, overlapping or crowded teeth can make brushing your teeth difficult. Improper brushing can further lead to early tooth decay and gingivitis.

Every patient is unique and so are their orthodontic needs. Not every treatment will work for every patient. You and your orthodontist will work together to create a treatment plan that best meets your orthodontic needs as well as your lifestyle. Some of the orthodontic treatment options include:

All orthodontic treatment plans are based on individual needs and no treatment plan in the same. You may need one of these listed treatments, a combination of them, or something entirely different. When you meet with a specialist, they will go over your dental records, x-rays, and perform an examination. Together with your orthodontist, you can develop a treatment plan that works best for you and your lifestyle.

Have You Ever Had an Orthodontic Treatment (Braces, Invisalign, Palatal Expander, Herbst etc)? If so, Do You Still Wear Your Retainers? Comment Below!