The dental field of orthodontics deals with teeth and jaws that are improperly aligned or badly positioned within the mouth. This improper alignment leads to a bad bite, which can jeopardize your ability to chew or to speak and can also negatively affect your appearance and your confidence.
Either growing children and teens or adults may need orthodontic treatment to ameliorate issues that are part of growing up or that have resulted from trauma or extensive dental decay. Corbin Gentle Dental treats patients of all ages who need orthodontic correction of misaligned teeth or jaws in our Woodland Hills dental office.
Who Can Benefit From Orthodontic Treatment?
There are a number of dental conditions that can benefit greatly from orthodontic treatment. A common one is an overbite, in which the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth.
Another one is underbite, which is the opposite of overbite; i.e., the lower teeth are too far forward in relation to the upper teeth. Gaps or abnormal spaces between teeth can also be improved with orthodontic treatment.
Crowding, or too many teeth crowded together within a given space, is also a problem that can be remedied by orthodontic dentistry.
Before prescribing an orthodontic treatment, Dr. Afshar or Dr. Zand will give you a thorough examination including dental x-rays to advise where improvements need to be made, and then will discuss a plan of care which will correct orthodontic problems.
Types of Orthodontic Appliances
Orthodontic appliances that are designed to straighten and realign the teeth can be fixed in place or removable.
Braces
Braces are a fixed dental appliance and are the most common orthodontic treatment. Bands are held in place with archwires, which are usually adjusted every month to move the teeth into the correct position. After several months or so, the braces are removed when the teeth are in alignment.
Smaller fixed appliances can be used for issues like a prematurely lost baby tooth or a problem with thumb sucking. Removable appliances include retainers, which are sometimes used after braces to keep the teeth in place. Various types of removable aligners can also be used as an alternative to braces.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is an effective alternative to traditional braces that involves the use of a series of plastic trays that gradually move the teeth into correct alignment. Unlike braces, they can be removed for brushing, flossing, or eating. They are generally more comfortable than braces and can even be removed for a special occasion. They are similar in cost to traditional braces and can be even less.
Call to Schedule an Appointment With Orthodontic Dentist Today
If your teeth are badly aligned, call to schedule an appointment with a California orthodontic dentist today. Dentists at Corbin Gentle Dental will give you a thorough examination and help you determine what kind of orthotic treatment works best for you. Corbin Gentle Dental provides expert preventive and general dental services for you and your family.
We serve Tarzana & Woodland Hills and the surrounding areas. You can reach us at 818-758-1805. Call to learn more about effective orthotic dental options today.