A wide range of oral issues can affect the health, appearance, and function of your teeth. Crooked, overlapped, and twisted teeth, as well as gaps between teeth, can become painful and make it hard to chew and eat. For a properly aligned bite and straight teeth, you need orthodontic treatment services from a reliable dental provider.
At Dental Care of Rosewood, we provide quality orthodontics for children and adults. Our highly-skilled orthodontists have the necessary education and training to produce exceptional results. Call us today at 803-810-1416 or visit our clinic at 2811 Rosewood Dr., Suite B, Columbia, SC 29205 to learn more about our orthodontic treatments.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is its own branch of dentistry, focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of malocclusion or “bad bites.” Our orthodontic treatments help align the teeth, giving patients straighter smiles and reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, erosion, tooth decay, and other oral health issues.
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
Dental Braces
Braces are the most common type of orthodontic treatment. Dental braces use brackets, bands, and wires to gradually shift misaligned and crooked teeth back into place. We offer several different types of braces, including metal and ceramic, and can recommend the best ones for your situation.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as those from the well-known brand Invisalign®, are alternatives to braces that are especially popular among adult patients. Orthodontic aligners have custom trays that shift the teeth back into place over time.
Retainers
Patients use retainers after completing orthodontic treatment with braces or clear aligners. Retainers help ensure that the teeth don’t shift out of place following treatment. The time span in which retainers are necessary varies by patient.
Palate Expanders
Palate expanders help treat the teeth and jaws of children at a young age. While the facial bones are still developing, palate expanders widen upper jaws and can reduce or eliminate the need for tooth extractions down the road.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Orthodontics
Advantages
Orthodontic treatments are beneficial for numerous cosmetic, functional, and health reasons. These advantages include the following:
- A straighter, more confident smile
- Straight teeth allow for more comfortable chewing, eating, and speaking
- Aligned teeth are easier to clean, leading to better oral health
- Treatment can ease the pain caused by improper bites
- A properly aligned bite reduces the risk of oral health problems
Disadvantages
There are very few disadvantages of orthodontic treatments, and the main one is that patients must closely follow treatment guidelines. This can involve abstaining from certain foods and regularly cleaning and maintaining fixed or removable treatment equipment.
Contact Dental Care of Rosewood Today
If you’re struggling with a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, orthodontics is the solution for you. Contact Dental Care of Rosewood at 803-810-1416 to start a unique and comprehensive treatment plan today.