Orthodontics If you go to the dentist regularly, you may think that regular cleaning and checkups are all you need to keep your smile healthy and bright. However, for many people, orthodontic treatment is needed to ensure good dental health. In fact it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists and the American Dental Association that all children have an orthodontic exam by an orthodontist by age 8, most adults can benefit from an exam as well. Perhaps you or your child are having problems with biting or chewing. Some people have problems biting down without pain. They may also have constant jaw pain. Orthodontics is much more than having a beautiful, straight, white smile. When your teeth are beautiful, straight and your bite is correct your teeth function ideally and are healthier. Let the professionals here at Senestraro Family Orthodontics will work to make sure you have your smile for life. Why Orthodontics?Orthodontics is the single most powerful and permanent way to improve your confidence and dental health. While other dental treatments such as crowns and veneers can temporarily improve your smile they need to be replaced periodically, often multiple times over your life. Orthodontic results last forever as long as you follow orthodontist instructions and wear retainers! In the past, people did not worry about how their teeth looked. They were more concerned with staying alive and finding enough to eat. However, when people began to study teeth, they noticed that some people were able to keep their teeth longer. They noticed that people who kept their teeth for longer had teeth that were aligned better. Often in nature form follows function and that holds true with your teeth, a straight smile and beautifully aligned teeth and bite help keep your teeth healthy for lifetime! People began to study ways to fix teeth and jaws. Orthodontics began as a way to make sure that people could bite, chew, and talk without pain. It is an integral part of the practice of dentistry. How do I know if I need orthodontic Treatment?To determine whether or not you need orthodontic treatment, you will need a consultation. During your free initial consultation at Senestraro Family Orthodontics our team will take records consisting of a digital x-ray, professional photographs and a digital scan of your teeth and bite. Dr. Seth will use those to help you understand how your smile and bite can be improved. We will give you all your options to correct both how your smile looks and how your bite fits and then help you decide what options best fit your goals. Why Do People Need OrthodonticsMost people think that orthodontics is for cosmetic reasons only. Of course, excellent orthodontic treatment can give you a beautiful smile but that is not the only benefit. Orthodontics is much more than just improving how your teeth and smile look. Correcting your bite and straightening your teeth with braces or Invisalign® can improve your ability to bite and chew, reduce jaw pain, reduce tooth wear and chipping, improve speech, improve sleep apnea, and improve tongue function and swallowing among other benefits. Orthodontics can give you a smile you will be confident with. There is nothing better than to smile confidently and be yourself. Many studies have shown that straight teeth contribute to an increase in your self-esteem because you'll know your mouth looks great. Orthodontics can help you keep you confident and your teeth healthy and functioning throughout your life. Who should be doing my Orthodontic Treatment?It is highly recommended that an orthodontist provide your orthodontic treatment! Orthodontists are dentists who go through an additional 2-3 years of full-time residency training in addition to dental training to learn how to diagnose, treatment plan, and correct orthodontic issues. Although dentists can provide orthodontic treatment with Invisalign® or braces, the level of training and experience is significantly less than that of a specialist in orthodontics. Additionally, in an orthodontic office everything is focused on providing the best braces or Invisalign® experience possible for you and your child. With flexible payment options and costs, treatment can be more affordable in orthodontic offices as well. For the best results and experience choose an orthodontist to provide your Invisalign® or braces treatment. Thinking about do-it-yourself orthodontics with clear aligners? Just mail in your impression and photos and get aligners to straighten your teeth, easy right? While a very small percentage of cases can be treated effectively with do-it-yourself aligners they are ineffective for many. How do you know if you are part of that small group of people that can use do it yourself aligners.... I wouldn't rely on the company selling these aligners to tell you. We highly recommend you see an orthodontist for a free consultation and ask if you are one of the few good candidates for do-it-yourself aligners, here's why!
How to get the most out of your treatmentIn orthodontics, you can help yourself speed up your treatment and emerge with a smile you love faster. It is very important to keep all of your appointments. Your treatment progress will be checked by Dr. Seth at each appointment which is important in moving you through your treatment plan efficiently and to make sure your teeth are healthy throughout the orthodontic process. You should also be careful about what you eat and drink if you have braces or appliances in your mouth. Also, brushing and flossing multiple times a day as instructed by your orthodontist helps your teeth stay healthy during treatment. If you follow our instructions, you will have a beautiful, healthy smile before you know it. If you have questions about orthodontics, give Senestraro Family Orthodontics a call at (503) 446-5815. We would love to talk to you about orthodontics! |
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