In recent years, more patients have been asking general dentist professionals about straighter teeth. Orthodontic treatment has come a long way in the last decades. Patients may think that traditional braces are the only option, but clear aligners and appliance therapy are also available now. When having this conversation, it is important that patients discuss treatment goals and expected outcomes with the doctor. It can be helpful for people to view other patients' results so that they can be informed of all treatment options.
The numerous benefits of a straighter smile include feeling more confident, increasing efficacy of hygiene routines, and promoting good jaw health.
In Western culture, most people consider straight teeth an attractive trait. Those with misaligned teeth may feel self-conscious and even refuse to smile. This can especially be a problem in the adolescent years. Orthodontic treatment by a general dentist can help restore confidence in a person who perceives their smile to be unattractive. These treatments do not only change the teeth; movement of the jaws can change facial structure and influence overall appearance. In some cases, the dentist may be able to show projections of what the final result will look like.
When teeth are crowded and misaligned, patients can have difficulty with effective brushing and flossing. Plaque can collect in the places the teeth overlap and make oral hygiene more difficult. When the teeth are correctly positioned, brushing immediately becomes easier, and usually more plaque is removed. It is important to note, though, that oral hygiene can suffer during orthodontic therapy if the patient is not diligent. Brackets and wires used with traditional braces can create a plaque trap, so patients must commit to pristine oral hygiene during treatment.
The temporomandibular joint, also known as the TMJ, can become strained over time when the patient's jaws are not properly aligned. This is especially an issue when the patient has a severe overbite or underbite. A general dentist can use appliance therapy and orthodontic treatment to correct abnormal jaw alignment. This helps reduce the risk of conditions like arthritis in the TMJ. Patients may also report less clicking or popping of the jaw joints. Patients may be instructed to wear a night guard or retainer to keep the teeth in proper alignment.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp:
General Dentist Tooth Straightening in Franklin, IN
Dentistry continues to evolve and improve to bring patients optimal care. Orthodontic treatments can benefit a patient in many ways and increase the quality of oral health. Gone are the days when braces meant only metal brackets and wires in the mouth. There are many options available for patients now, and anyone with misaligned teeth can take advantage of the treatments available. With some careful research and consideration, a patient choosing orthodontic treatment for a straighter smile can look forward to the benefits of properly aligned teeth for years to come.
Request an appointment or call Cedar Lane Family Dentistry at 317-736-7476 for an appointment in our Franklin office.
Visiting a general dentist regularly can have a tremendous impact on the health and appearance of teeth. While carving out time in a schedule every six months for a dentist appointment can seem inconvenient, there are several reasons to set aside an hour or two twice a year for these visits.Dental professionals use specialized tools…
An appointment with a general dentist provides many benefits beyond cleaning the teeth. Oral hygiene is important to help maintain functions like chewing, swallowing, or speaking, but there is also a link between an individual’s overall health and oral health. Routine dental exams support good personal health.The body is a complex system of many parts…
A general dentist is the dental equivalent of a primary care physician. A general dental professional is the person dental patients can go to for routine preventative care and diagnosis of any oral health problems. There are multiple benefits to establishing a relationship with a general dentist.Maintaining oral health is important for both the health…
A dental bridge can be used to replace one or a few missing teeth. As the name suggests, these oral restorations bridge gaps between teeth, restoring their appearance and functionality. Dental bridges are customized for each patient to ensure the restoration matches the size and color of the rest of their teeth.Dental bridges are made…
When patients go for routine dental care, they may or may not have X-rays taken of their mouths. Dentists use these important diagnostic tools to check all layers of the tooth. While a key part of routine care, X-ray imaging may not be taken every visit. Every patient is different, and the recommended frequency for…