Orthodontist in Copperfield Houston, Cinco Ranch Katy, Magnolia, Katy, FM Spring, Spring, and Montgomery TX

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on correcting irregularities of the teeth and jaw, such as alignment and bite issues. The most common tool used by orthodontists is braces. These include traditional metal, ceramic, and clear aligners, like Invisalign, that gradually move teeth into the desired position to correct overcrowded, misaligned, or gapped areas in the smile.

Besides braces, orthodontists use other appliances, such as retainers, which are typically worn following orthodontic treatment to maintain the new position of the teeth. In addition, orthodontists use palatal expanders to widen the upper jaw to fit better with the lower jaw.

Patients are commonly referred to see an orthodontist if their dentist notices malocclusion, also known as an improper bite, as this can affect oral hygiene, chewing, and speech. Orthodontic care provides a variety of benefits, including the boost in confidence that a straighter smile provides as well as better oral health and function.

While general dentists address a wide range of oral health issues, orthodontists specialize in treatments that adjust the positions of teeth, improve jaw function, and enhance facial aesthetics. After completing dental school, orthodontists undergo additional years of training in an orthodontic residency program. Their specialty is focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, such as underbites, overbites, and crossbites.

To summarize, while all orthodontists are dentists, not all dentists are orthodontists. Orthodontists dedicate their practice to correcting dental misalignments and improving oral function, whereas dentists provide a broad range of care for general oral health needs.

Orthodontic treatment offers a multitude of benefits that go beyond straighter teeth. While many people seek orthodontics primarily to enhance the appearance of their smile, the advantages also extend to improved oral health. The key benefits of orthodontic treatment include:

• Enhanced function – Orthodontic treatment corrects misalignments of your teeth and jaw, leading to better chewing and speaking abilities. When your bite is off, it can cause strain on your jaw muscles and even lead to difficulties with speech. Correcting these issues allows for a more balanced bite, easing the stress on your jaw.
• Improved oral health – Crowded or overlapping teeth can trap food particles and make it difficult for toothbrush bristles and floss to reach all surfaces. By aligning your teeth, orthodontics helps to prevent the buildup of plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
• Long-term cost savings – While orthodontic treatment requires an upfront investment, it can unlock significant savings down the road. When dental misalignment is corrected with orthodontic care, the risk of costly complications, such as severe wear, gum disease, and the need for complex dental procedures, is significantly lowered.
• Boost in self-confidence – Feeling good about your smile can improve your self-esteem and make you more confident in social situations.

During treatment, the orthodontist will be gentle to ensure you are comfortable throughout. While some people experience mild-to-moderate discomfort when they get braces or other orthodontic treatment, the specialist will guide how to manage any soreness, such as over-the-counter pain relievers or orthodontic wax.

The length of your orthodontic treatment depends on several factors, including the specific issues being corrected, the type of treatment selected, and your age. On average, orthodontic treatment can last anywhere from 18 months to 3 years, but this is just a general estimate.

For minor corrections, such as slight overcrowding or small gaps, treatment may be shorter, lasting about 9 to 12 months. In contrast, more complex issues like significant misalignment or severe bite problems may require a longer treatment period to provide the desired outcomes. Additionally, the treatment’s success and duration are heavily influenced by the patient’s adherence to the orthodontist’s instructions, such as wearing clear aligners for enough time each day.

During your initial consultation, your orthodontist will comprehensively assess your needs and treatment goals. This will allow the expert to provide you with a more accurate estimate of how long your orthodontic treatment is expected to take. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We serve patients from Copperfield Houston TX, Cinco Ranch Katy TX, Magnolia TX, Katy TX, FM Spring TX, Spring TX, Montgomery TX, Westlake TX, Kelliwood TX, Copper Lakes TX, Brenwood TX, The Woodlands TX, Rayford TX, Pine Hurst TX, Egypt TX, Dobbin TX, Conroe TX, Louetta TX, Kohrville TX, Four Corners TX, Howellville TX, and surrounding areas. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online.