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 Miami, FL
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 South Florida Dental Arts at 305-230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.
A general dentist shared some ways to help prevent bad breath. This is a topic no one wants to discuss. Bad breath happens to everyone at one point or another. If you take proper precautions, you can avoid having bad breath. We should openly talk about this taboo topic. The more we talk about it, the…
One aim of general dentistry is to make the patient’s experience as positive as possible. A dentist who is good at their job will achieve this feat in two ways. First, they will use proactive, preventative measures that keep intensive procedures to a minimum. Second, the dentist will use every tool at their disposal to…
Extreme tooth pain often leads to an appointment with a general dentist for an exam of the mouth to reveal the source of the problem. If a tooth infection is discovered, it is important to follow the advice of the dentist, as these do not go away on their own. A dentist may address the…
One of the most common orthodontic treatments that a general dentist offers is Invisalign®. This popular way to straighten crooked or crowded teeth offers individuals flexibility and ease while undergoing a discreet method of treatment. With Invisalign®, there are a lot of things to know, as it is a newer orthodontic treatment with a totally different…
Dental crowns may be the final touch after a root canal treatment. This therapy is your dentist’s effort to keep your teeth intact. It aims to remove the source of pain and infection. In some patients, extra tooth protection is necessary after a root canal. Here are the details about when dental crowns are necessary…