4 things you need to know about orthodontics

Orthodontics has become increasingly popular over the past few years, and you might be wondering whether or not to start this treatment for yourself or your child. Here are four things you need to know about orthodontics before you make your decision. Be sure to get in touch with an orthodontist if you have any questions after reading this. There are four things you need to know about orthodontics before deciding whether or not they’re right for you or your child.

They help straighten teeth

It seems like every commercial on TV is for an over-the-counter mouthwash that whitens teeth. Unless you were born with perfectly straight teeth, there's a good chance that at some point in your life, you'll consider orthodontic treatment or braces. Now there are actually more options than ever for straightening teeth—like clear ceramic braces and Invisalign—but what do they mean? What does an orthodontist do exactly? We consulted with Dr. Marni Nussbaum of Park Slope Orthodontics in Brooklyn to get answers to these questions and more

What is conventional orthodontics?

A conventional orthodontist typically uses removable appliances such as retainers and Invisalign® for treatment rather than traditional metal braces. This type of dental treatment is often necessary for adults but it’s still very common for teens to get them as well. Most people use conventional orthodontics during their teenage years or after they have finished growing because it’s important that a person’s face and jaw has finished developing before they start any sort of treatment.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign is a set of clear, removable appliances that straighten teeth without having to resort to traditional braces. they don’t trap food particles in wires, potentially causing tooth decay; and there are no metal brackets or bands on your teeth. And once you complete treatment, there won’t be any unsightly evidence that you ever needed braces at all.

What is traditional braces?

Traditional braces are a metal-and-rubber system that straighten teeth by gradually pulling them into place owever, they’re more expensive than other options like Invisalign clear aligners. Also, traditional braces may require some minor adjustments by your dentist every six months or so; these adjustments will vary based on your specific needs and case history.

wisdom tooth extraction

An impacted tooth can lead to a number of dental problems if not cared for properly. You may also need regular dental visits so that your dentist can keep an eye on any cavities developing around or between impacted teeth.

braces

While braces can solve many dental issues, there are other options available. Braces can range in price based on your location and practitioner, but a general figure would be somewhere between $5,000 and $7,000 USD. According to a 2010 study in The Journal of Orthodontics, patients with private insurance paid approximately $3,500 for braces. Meanwhile, people without insurance paid an average of $6,100 for their treatment--the majority of which was out-of-pocket spending.

Dentist Emergency

Many of us don’t realize that even if your dentist recommends it, emergency treatment is not always necessary. For example, if your filling comes out due to trauma, it’s typically only a minor inconvenience and waiting a day or two isn’t going to hurt. In that case, here are some tips for choosing a good emergency dentist in your area: Dentists who accept emergency patients will have signs posted in their office, but when all else fails just call around until you find one that takes walk-ins. If they do charge a fee, ask for a price range so you can judge whether or not it’s reasonable.

General Dentistry

The Great Catch-Up: Nearly every adult has some amount of untreated dental issues, which is why it’s important to catch up with your general dentist and ensure all of your oral health needs are met. By taking care of these issues, like getting cavities filled and receiving regular cleanings and checkups, your overall health can be greatly improved. So make sure to get in touch with a reputable dentist in your area; they can help get you on track for better overall oral health.

Teeth Whitening

If you think that going in for a teeth-whitening session or purchasing an over-the-counter kit will make your teeth gleam, think again. In fact, getting any of these treatments done can actually damage your teeth and gums if it’s not performed by a professional. It’s been shown that teeth whitening at home can cause tooth sensitivity and even increase risks of more serious problems like gum disease. If possible, try to avoid getting whitening treatments done at all; your best bet is consulting with an orthodontist who will do everything they can to give you Hollywood smiles while protecting your oral health.