Orthodontics Wareham MA

Orthodontics Treatment | The goal of most people is to have straight, beautiful teeth. A great-looking smile can positively impact your social and professional lives by boosting your self-confidence. This can be accomplished with orthodontic treatment. While teens are the ones who tend to get braces, even adults who never had the opportunity can take advantage of this wonderful smile makeover tool.

While straightened teeth look good, they are also healthy and functional. Properly aligned teeth allow you to chew, bite and even speak more effectively. As a result, your teeth are easier to clean, which lessens the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Orthodontics uses light but consistent force to gently reshape bone and move the teeth into more desirable positions. While traditional metal braces are still a popular choice of orthodontic appliances, there are also other options such as clear or tooth-colored braces and clear aligners.

Bite Problems and How to Fix Them

Bite problems are usually evident by the time a child reaches 7 years old. These include underbite, overbite, crossbite, open bite, crowding, excessive spacing, and overjet. To fix these issues, teeth need to be moved. While this may seem complicated, it’s really not. Teeth are not fixed in place. They attach to the periodontal ligament, which is responsive to forces. Therefore, by applying light, constant pressure, braces and aligners can move your teeth into the proper position. 

Orthodontics for Children and Adults

While it’s ideal to have orthodontic treatment in childhood, when the teeth and jaws are changing rapidly, you can have braces in adulthood. If dental care was not a priority growing up and you never had the opportunity to get braces, now you can. In fact, 20% of orthodontic patients are adults. It’s never too late to straighten your smile.

You don’t have to be embarrassed about getting orthodontics as an adult. Technologies such as tooth-colored ceramic braces, invisible lingual braces and clear aligners can hide the fact that you’re wearing braces and enhance the treatment experience for adults.

Types of Orthodontic Appliances

In the past, metal braces were the only option for straightening teeth. These braces consisted of metal brackets bonded to the front of the teeth, with a wire running through them. While this style of braces is still used and very popular, there are other options available now. Clear braces are a popular option. These use brackets made of plastic or ceramic, making them almost invisible. Lingual braces look like traditional metal braces, but they’re placed on the back of the teeth so they cannot be seen.

Removable clear aligners are another alternative. These involved a series of clear plastic “trays” that fit over your teeth. They move your teeth a little bit at a time until they are in the proper position. 

Contact Us Today

Orthodontic treatment can help you achieve a gorgeous smile, no matter your age. It’s never too late to enjoy a straighter smile. The dentists at Wareham Family Dental can help you understand your options for optimal bite alignment. Schedule a consultation today by calling (508) 295-7476.