Why Go To An Orthodontist?

Kelly Orthodontics

 

A question people often ask is, “Can my dentist give me braces?” The simple answer is no. 

Your dentist may offer orthodontic services, leading you to assume that he or she is an orthodontist. But the truth is that putting aligners or braces on teeth does not make a dentist an orthodontist.

Dentistry is a broad medical specialty that deals with the teeth, gums, nerves, and jaw, while orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are licensed orthodontists.

We know...it sounds a little confusing because both dentists and orthodontists work on teeth. They both provide professional care that helps patients have good oral health, and both are dental school graduates.But Dentists and Orthodontists are very different when it comes to the alignment of your teeth.

Orthodontists and dentists undertake the same training initially, but orthodontists complete further training after they graduate dental school to become qualified in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of orthodontic problems. Orthodontists specialize in helping patients with the alignment of their teeth, improving their bite, and fitting them for braces and other corrective devices. The benefits of having an orthodontist work on your smile goes beyond just having a beautiful smile. Well-aligned teeth make it possible to bite, chew and speak effectively.

Not everyone needs to have orthodontic treatment, but it may be required if you have any of the following issues:

Overbites: Also known as an deepbite, an overbite is excessive vertical overlapping of the front teeth and is often found in association with a discrepancy between the length of the upper and lower jaws. It usually results in excessive eruption of the upper or lower incisors or both.

Crossbites: A posterior cross-bite will usually result from a narrow upper jaw or abnormally wide lower jaw. A narrow upper jaw will often force a patient to move their lower jaw forward or to the side, when closing into a stable bite. When closed into this accommodating position, the lower teeth are located outside the upper teeth. A posterior cross-bite can involve one side of the jaw, known as a unilateral cross-bite, or both sides of the jaw, known as a bilateral cross-bite.

Spacing issues: Spaces between teeth are another common problem associated with the need for orthodontic care. Like crowding, spacing may be related to a tooth-to-jaw size disharmony. Spacing may occur between the front and the back teeth. Tooth size discrepancies, such as smaller teeth or abnormally-shaped teeth, can also create abnormal spaces between the teeth.

Crowding: Crowding of the teeth is probably the most common orthodontic problem. This problem typically stems from a discrepancy between space of the jaw and the size of the teeth. Oftentimes, crowding can be just one of several orthodontic problems. Crowding can be the cause of, or the result of other problems such as impacted teeth, retained teeth or teeth that do not naturally fall out. Cross-bite of the front or rear teeth can also cause the teeth to become crowded.

Wondering if you should see an Orthodontist like Dr. Dan Kelly to improve your smile? Give Kelly Orthodontics a call today.

 

Are You Too Old For Braces?

Kelly Orthodontics

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. 

Ideally, your teeth would line up as neatly as the keys on a piano. Unfortunately, many people must contend with crooked or crowded teeth, or poorly aligned bites.

These problems raise more than cosmetic concerns. Crowded or overlapping teeth can be difficult to clean, making tooth decay and gum disease more likely. Teeth that don't come together properly when you close your jaws can cause chewing and swallowing problems. Poor tooth alignment can also make it difficult to pronounce certain sounds and can put excessive stress on the chewing muscles, causing facial pain.

Whether you’re 6 or 60, it’s the same physiological process that moves teeth through bone. Teeth move in response to forces being placed on them over time. Although childhood is the ideal time to make changes in the positioning of the teeth, more adults are opting for orthodontic treatment and coming away with excellent results.

As an adult, you might think that your options for having your teeth fixed are limited, but today's orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. 

You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment can be just as successful for adults as it is for children. Don’t let your age keep you from consulting Kelly Orthodontics.

A Perfect Smile in 3 Easy Steps

Kelly Orthodontics

 

The upcoming holiday season can be a busy time for parents and their children. A new season brings new activities and new routines so it’s easy to forget that you still need to be taking care of your braces and teeth. 

Step 1: Whiten - There are many tooth whitening products available at your local drug store that can get rid of stains and discolorations. At-home teeth whitening kits often contain peroxide gels or strips with peroxide that are designed to be left on your teeth as long as overnight. However, home treatments can actually be more expensive than an in-office teeth whitening by Dr. Kelly. Using an at-home treatment is less expensive at first, but the whitening agents are also less concentrated than the ones used by our orthodontic practice. You may have to spend more money over time on several whitening kits, while Dr. Kelly can make your smile brighter in one quick procedure. Pro Tip: To keep your smile beautifully realistic, don’t make your teeth lighter than the whites of your eyes. 

Step 2: Floss - Floss once or twice a day, everyday,  just before you brush your teeth. This removes plaque from between your teeth, preventing a build up of yellow or off-white plaque. If you have braces, ask our office about Floss Threaders. Floss Threaders are an easy and effective way to floss between your brackets and wires. 

Step 3: Food - While the occasional sweet treat is OK…be mindful that braces are sensitive to damage, so you’ll need to avoid certain foods for as long as you have braces. These include sticky and hard foods that can damage the wires or bands, or cause a bracket to separate from a tooth. Also, limit consumption of sugary foods and drinks this summer. When sugar mixes with saliva, it creates a sticky film (plaque) that coats the teeth. It is also a good idea to reduce exposure to foods and drinks that can stain your teeth.  

At Kelly Orthodontics, we are passionate about making our patients love their smiles. Whether you are an adult, adolescent, or child, our team will work together to exceed all of your expectations. If you have any questions on how to take care of your teeth and braces be sure to give our St. Charles Office a call. Our friendly team is here to help.