If you’re reading this, it’s because you’re curious about orthodontic treatment. Maybe you have some overcrowding (too many teeth in too little space). Or, you might be experiencing some pain in your jaw. What kind of orthodontic treatment should you get in Canton and Alliance? Dr. Dietrich and our Dietrich Orthodontics team have the answers to all your questions about orthodontic treatment. Let’s explore your options so you can decide which one might work best for you.
What Is Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment is a specialized type of dental care. It mainly focuses on diagnosing, preventing, and correcting misaligned teeth and jaws (more on this later). We want to improve your smile’s function and appearance at Dietrich Orthodontics. How? By making sure your teeth fit together correctly for a better bite and a dazzling look.
Your orthodontic treatment can involve different types of appliances, like traditional metal braces with wires and brackets, clear braces, or other corrective devices. How do they work? Orthodontic treatments gently pull your teeth into the ideal position over time. While we do want you to have a brighter smile, that’s not our only goal. Orthodontic treatment also helps with chewing, speaking, and oral health. Whether you’re a kid, a teen, or an adult, it’s all about getting those teeth in tip-top shape for a happier, healthier mouth!
How Can I Tell If I Need Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontics is mainly concerned with how your teeth fit together. But accomplishing that goal involves your teeth, as well as the bones and muscles in your jaw. If your teeth don’t line up as they should, they won’t work right. Worse, not addressing this issue early can result in discomfort or pain. Extreme cases might even need surgical intervention. But how can you tell if orthodontic treatment from Dr. Dietrich is what you need?
You might hear the doctor or someone on our team use the word “malocclusion.” It just means “bad bite.” Here are examples of the most common malocclusions we see in our Canton and Alliance Offices:
- Crowded teeth:
- Mentioned above. It means too many teeth and not enough room.
- Protruding teeth
- “Buck teeth.” Front teeth that don’t have the right angle.
- Spaces/gaps
- The opposite of “crowding.” Too much room between your teeth.
- Underbite
- Happens when your bottom teeth stick out too far.
- Overbite
- You’ll see this when your top teeth go too far below your bottom teeth.
- Crossbite
- When your top teeth slide inside your bottom teeth.
- Impacted teeth
- Happens when a tooth hasn’t fully broken through (erupted) your gum line.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Damon metal braces represent the classic treatment plan for a straighter smile. Don’t worry about today’s braces as orthodontic treatment. They’re more comfortable than ever and great for tackling many orthodontic challenges. Whether a minor tweak or a significant alignment, metal braces are up to the treatment task.
Damon clear braces are a fantastic choice for those who prefer a subtler look. They blend in with your teeth. The result? An orthodontic treatment that’s less noticeable than most metal braces. They’re trendy among our teen and adult patients who are more smile-conscious.
Damon Metal Braces
For good reason, Damon metal braces have stood the test of time. Dietrich Orthodontics has embraced these tried-and-true smile straighteners. But we’ve given them a modern twist for comfort and efficiency. Damon metal braces are a powerhouse for correcting orthodontic issues.
What makes metal braces a popular choice? For starters, they produce incredible results. Comprised of stainless steel, these braces realign your teeth using brackets and archwires. We meticulously adjust them to guide your teeth into their optimal position. And let’s not forget the fun part – you can personalize them with colored bands to match your style or mood!
Damon Clear Braces
At Dietrich Orthodontics, we understand that the end goal of a radiant smile excites you. Your orthodontic treatment should accommodate that goal. That’s where Damon clear braces come into play. They offer a less obvious alternative to Damon metal braces. Many teen and adult patients demand clear braces for their orthodontic treatment.
Crafted from high-quality, transparent materials, these braces blend in with your teeth. A feature like this offers you discretion without compromising quality. Damon clear braces work just like their metal alternatives. They use brackets and wires to ease your teeth into their ideal position over time. But with ceramic braces, the brackets are either tooth-colored or clear, making them far less visible.
When To Start Orthodontic Treatment
Want to know the best time to start orthodontic treatment? Depending on your needs and dental development, it may vary from person to person. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic consultation by age 7. This early evaluation doesn’t mean they’ll get braces immediately. But it allows Dr. Dietrich to monitor their development and catch any issues early on.
For some, early treatment (also known as Phase One) may be beneficial to guide jaw growth. Early treatment also corrects harmful oral habits and can intercept more serious problems. Others might benefit from waiting until most or all of their permanent teeth have come in, typically around age 11-13.
Adults can also undergo orthodontic treatment (maybe that’s you!). There’s no wrong time to seek orthodontic treatment for yourself. But the best time is right now. The key factors determining the start of treatment include:
- The complexity of your issue.
- The health of your teeth and gums.
- Your specific goals and needs.
Orthodontic Treatment At Dietrich Orthodontics
Dietrich Orthodontics offers awesome orthodontic treatment in Canton and Alliance. We fit our patients with Damon metal and clear braces because they’re the best out there. Ready to begin your orthodontic treatment? Go here to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Dietrich.