Cosmetic orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the aesthetic of a person’s teeth, mouth, and facial features. The goal of cosmetic orthodontics is to enhance the appearance of your smile and boost confidence in your smile, as well. It can also help some people avoid certain conditions, such as TMJ syndrome or a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).
An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating and preventing problems with tooth alignment and jaw placement. The word ortho means straight, so if a person’s teeth are crooked or misaligned, a general dentist will recommend they see an orthodontist. Most orthodontic problems, unless caused by trauma, are noticed during adolescence. Orthodontists are trained to treat and prevent a variety of dental problems, including
While orthodontics focuses on correcting bite-related problems; cosmetic dentistry is focused on aesthetic procedures such as
Orthodontics is considered a specialty of dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry is not. Therefore, it is important for patients to know the difference between the two to make an informed decision about which professional to visit.
Cosmetic orthodontics is a branch of the dental field that specializes in treating and preventing problems with tooth alignment and jaw placement. For example, a cosmetic orthodontist can correct jaw disorders and straighten crooked teeth using braces, clear aligners, and surgery.
Patients choose braces for cosmetic treatment for many reasons, including helping to straighten a sagging jawline, but many do not know there are different types—namely, lingual, traditional, and ceramic.
Since lingual braces are customizable, professionals place them between the patient’s teeth and gumline instead of on the outer part of the teeth, like metal or ceramic braces. Metal or traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets and reside on the outer part of the patient’s teeth.
Ceramic braces can help correct gummy smiles and smile lines. In addition, they offer a more discreet look with their two parts: the active bracket and the archwire. The ceramic braces bond onto each tooth with a clear adhesive.
The clear aligners system is a series of clear, virtually invisible plastic trays that gradually move a patient’s teeth into a linear position without the use of braces. The patient will receive a new set of removable aligners every two weeks. Within these two weeks, their teeth will gradually shift into a new position, and the patient will return to the office to receive a new set. The full process takes about 18 months and does not require drilling or filling the patient’s teeth.
Patients can sometimes receive substantial damage to their teeth and jaws by periodontal disease or resulting trauma, such as a car accident. In these instances, the orthodontist may recommend surgery, often referred to as orthognathic surgery, to ensure the patient’s aesthetics are restored as closely as possible. Depending on the extent of the surgery taking place on the patient’s jaw, the orthodontist may be able to perform the procedure in an inpatient setting, other times, an outpatient setting is required.
Cosmetic orthodontics is a great option for anyone interested in improving their smile. The above methods can correct tooth alignment issues causing problems with your appearance. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about cosmetic orthodontics. We will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.
Request an appointment here: https://fitsmilesortho.com or call FitSmiles Orthodontics at (714) 782-0217 for an appointment in our Tustin office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Orthodontics in Tustin, CA.
You may be interested in using Invisalign® to correct only your top or lower teeth. Continue reading to learn more about how Invisalign treatment is used. While Invisalign may be used to straighten either the lower or upper teeth, most situations require correcting the two arches. The purpose is to ensure patients have a well-aligned…
If you plan to get Invisalign®, you should know that oral hygiene is important. Read on to learn about the importance of oral hygiene during Invisalign teeth straightening treatment. This highly successful therapy straightens your teeth using custom-made transparent aligners in roughly the same length of time as conventional braces. The aligners are discreet, making…
Invisalign® is a system of transparent aligners that are custom-made to fit a person's teeth. Like braces, it corrects alignment by delivering different levels of pressure to individual teeth. Since everyone has a unique smile, you will need a custom-made pair of Invisalign clear aligners. This article provides information on how clear aligners are custom-made…
As a new parent, you may not have considered the need for a pediatric orthodontist. On average, babies start getting their first teeth at about six months old, although it can happen much sooner or later. Understanding your baby's teeth helps you teach good oral hygiene habits and know when it may be time to…