What is orthodontic care? What kind of oral care treatment and dental methods fall under this type of dental service? This article will talk about orthodontic care and how it can benefit overall oral health. After reading the article, you can visit BID’s orthodontic services in Castle Hill for any of your orthodontic needs.
What is orthodontic treatment?
Orthodontic treatment specializes in oral health treatments and dentistry techniques that are aimed at helping a person overcome crooked teeth and attain better oral health.
When to seek orthodontic treatment
People who have crooked teeth, want to have a better and more confident smile and when people want to get rid of their health problems caused by their crooked teeth are just some examples of the reasons why people may need orthodontic treatment.
People who have severe tooth misalignment and malocclusion may sometimes experience trouble chewing their food, which can lead to digestive problems if the tooth misalignment issues are not corrected.
Types of orthodontic appliances in dental care
If a person has crooked teeth, there are many ways by which their orthodontist can help them overcome their dental problem.
Traditional braces
Traditional braces use metal wires and brackets that are stuck to the front part of teeth to straighten and guide teeth into their proper places on the jaw bone. Wearing braces is a usual thing for children, however, for adults, it may not be so commonplace. Many adults feel conscious to wear traditional braces. This is why many other orthodontic appliances have been developed to give way to more options to adults who need to have their teeth straightened.
Lingual braces
Lingual braces work in mostly the same way as their traditional counterparts, however they are stuck to the back part of teeth instead of the front. They are stuck at the back to conceal that the person is wearing braces, and so that the person will not feel self-conscious as they receive the treatment.
Damon braces
Damon braces are another set of specialized braces that work to straighten teeth and get rid of tooth malocclusion. However, these braces come with self-ligating or self-adjusting brackets. These brackets are said to be able to adjust themselves, and they require less check-ups from the dentist. Many people choose to have Damon braces because they require less effort and time to maintain.
Clear aligners
There are also clear plastic aligners, such as Invisalign aligners that can help people achieve straighter teeth and at the same time remain inconspicuous to other people. These metal trays are removable, making them convenient to be washed. It also makes it easier for the person wearing them to clean their teeth during treatment.
Benefits of orthodontic treatment
There are many benefits of having orthodontic treatment, especially if the patient needs it because of a medical concern. Here is a list of the dental treatments offered under orthodontic treatment.
Good oral health
If teeth overlap each other, or if a person has problems because of crooked teeth, there is a bigger likelihood that other oral health issues will develop if a person does not seek orthodontic treatment. Fixing these tooth issues will help a person attain excellent oral health.
A more confident smile
After getting orthodontic treatment for misaligned teeth, the most obvious good effect of getting proper oral care and orthodontic treatment is having a better and more attractive smile. People who have crooked teeth have self-esteem issues because of their teeth, and tend not to smile because they feel self-conscious about the way they look because of their misaligned teeth. Proper oral care and treatment by an orthodontist will grant the person a better-looking smile and more confidence to go with it.
Healthier teeth
A person’s teeth will benefit from orthodontic treatment in the long run. If tooth malocclusion and misalignment will not be corrected, the teeth may cause damage to one another. This is why teeth, gums and the other tissues in the mouth will benefit from having orthodontic treatment.
Less chances of having problems with overall health
Since many overall health problems may be caused by untreated oral health issues and crooked teeth in particular, orthodontic treatment will offer a solution and cure not only to these tooth problems but also to the overall health problems that they can potentially cause. It is a proven fact that a person can stay healthy if they are able to keep their oral health at an optimal level as well.
Is orthodontic treatment covered by dental insurance?
The good thing about orthodontic treatment is that it is not considered to be a cosmetic treatment. Because it helps a person attain better health, it most treatments are covered by dental insurance. Dental insurance often denies coverage for procedures that are considered to be cosmetic. The advantage of orthodontic care is that it often does help improve a person’s smile, but since it has health benefits as well, insurance will cover the costs.
If you have insurance coverage, talk to your insurance agent and dentist about it. They will discuss to your the out-of-pocket amount you will have to pay (if any) after the insurance kicks in.
Proper oral care for orthodontic appliances
It may be tedious, but keeping the mouth clean with orthodontic appliances is possible. Proper oral care should be done to ensure that the teeth stay healthy even as they are being treated using orthodontic appliances.
Brushing and flossing
If a person brushes and flosses regularly, it will be enough to keep bacterial infections at bay while the person is at home. However, If a person is wearing braces or other forms of orthodontic appliances that are not removable, it may be difficult for them to get to some parts of the teeth. This is especially true for the nooks and crannies of the teeth that are in between. There are specialized toothbrushes and flossers that are aimed to help people wearing orthodontic appliances clean their teeth easily and more effectively.
Regular visits to the dentist
The dentist will be able to monitor tooth health and make sure that a person’s overall oral health is still at an optimal level, even with the use of orthodontic appliances. The dentist will also adjust the braces to ensure that the treatment method is still working well for the patient.
If a person waits too long in between dental appointments, the braces may tighten the teeth too much, causing other oral health problems. It will also increase the duration of the treatment for braces. In some cases, the teeth may form into an underbite or overbite if the person waits too long before they visit their dentist or if they do not keep up with the set dental appointments for the treatment.
Preventing plaque build up
Preventing plaque from accumulating on teeth and in the mouth will ensure that teeth and gums stay healthy in the duration of the treatment with orthodontic appliances. If you are unsure on how to prevent plaque build-up, it is a good idea to talk to your dentist. They will be able to recommend special toothbrushes and other dental tools to help with this problem.
Antibacterial mouthwash
This is a good tool that can be used to ensure that no bacteria will be lingering the mouth to cause any oral issues. Using a good antibacterial mouthwash will keep the bacteria away while the orthodontic treatment is going on.
