If your general dentist has recommended you see an orthodontist, you may have a few questions. Maybe you’re wondering about how the care you’ll receive from an orthodontist will differ from the care you receive at your family dentist. Why might your dentist have recommended you receive orthodontic care in the first place? Here at Kids First Dental in Greenwood we’re here to answer all of your questions. Let’s get started.

What Is Orthodontics?

While your general dentist works hard to keep your mouth clean and healthy, an orthodontist’s job is more specialized. They focus on making sure your teeth and jaw are properly aligned. Teeth that are crooked can detract from personal appearance, but they are also more likely to suffer from decay and periodontal disease. That is why receiving appropriate orthodontic care is essential.

Do I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Before recommending treatment by an orthodontist at Kids First Dental, your dentist will perform a detailed oral exam and review your most recent x-rays. You may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment if you have any of the following conditions:

• Crowding– more teeth than what your mouth can reasonably accommodate
• Spacing– gaps between the teeth resulting from missing teeth or teeth that don’t naturally fill up the space in your mouth
• Overbite– the upper front teeth protrude over the lower teeth
• Underbite– the lower teeth stick out too far beyond the upper teeth
• Crossbite– the upper jaw is too narrow, so the upper teeth sit inside of the lower teeth
• Misplaced Midline– the center of the upper teeth does not line up with the center of the bottom teeth

How Can Orthodontic Treatment Help?

If you suffer from misalignment of the teeth or jaw, there are a variety of oral appliances your Orthodontist can use to retrain the muscles and correct your bite. Some of these are braces, invisible aligners, fixed or removable space maintainers, and jaw repositioning appliances.

If you believe you suffer from tooth or jaw misalignment and may be a candidate for Orthodontic treatment, don’t hesitate- call Kids First Dental in Greenwood today to schedule a consultation! Your perfect smile is waiting.