Seeing Your Family Dentist for Orthodontic Treatment

A family dentist can use braces to treat many orthodontic problems. They are often used to treat crowded and misaligned jaws or teeth. The proper alignment of your teeth, as well as jaws, can help improve the appearance of your teeth. This can also improve the health of your mouth and the way you chew, bite and speak.

The importance of seeing a family dentist during treatment

Braces realign teeth by applying pressure continuously over a period of time. This helps to move teeth slowly in a particular direction. As a patient’s teeth move, the bone eventually changes shape as pressure is applied. Treatment usually involves the initial placement of the braces, periodic adjustments and the use of retainers after the wire-based appliances are removed. A patient can benefit from seeing a family dentist regularly during treatment.

Periodic adjustments

After braces are placed on the teeth, a dentist may need to adjust them periodically to ensure the braces are exerting enough pressure on the teeth. To create more pressure as well as tension on the teeth, the dentist will have to make adjustments in the wires, rubber bands or springs of the braces. Bending or tightening the interconnecting wires puts mild pressure on a patient’s teeth and shifts them gradually into the desired positions. The jaw will respond to the pressure by dissolving bone in the moving tooth’s path and then laying down new bone behind it.

Tension between the lower and upper jaws can help correct alignment. This is usually done with elastic bands that are stretched between opposing teeth. Sometimes, braces alone may not be able to effectively straighten the teeth or shift the jaw. In such cases, a patient may need to wear an external appliance, like a headgear, at home through the night or in the evening.

How often a person should see a dentist

The length of treatment varies for every patient because each person may have a different problem. The dentist will give a patient an estimated length of treatment. A person should follow the dentist’s instructions on the frequency of flossing and brushing.

Seeing the dentist for a professional cleaning frequently or at least every six months is usually recommended during orthodontic treatment. Keeping scheduled appointments with a dentist is highly encouraged. If a wire or bracket becomes loose, visiting the dentist right away is ideal. If braces are broken, they cannot deliver the right forces to move the teeth and as a result, this can prolong the treatment.

Visit your family dentist today

You must continue seeing your dentist during orthodontic treatment. You should visit your family dentist at least every six months or more frequently if recommended. This will allow your dentist to provide professional cleanings and dental checkups and keep an eye on your oral health. It is also advisable to notify your dentist if you notice a loose bracket, a wire that is out of place or if there is unusual discomfort. If you are thinking about orthodontic treatment, consult your family dentist. This is the ideal way to find out if you need treatment.

Request an appointment here: https://www.dalianiknamdds.com or call Advanced Dental Group at (562) 455-1310 for an appointment in our Los Alamitos office.

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