Orthodontics
Sherwood, OR
 in Sherwood, OR.]]]The alignment of your teeth and jaws are important, and not just for a beautiful smile. While straight teeth do play a role in your smile, proper alignment is also important for your oral health, your overall health, and your overall quality of life. Whether you have slightly crooked teeth or a more severe issue, Senestraro Family Orthodontics can help to improve the alignment of your teeth and jaws with orthodontics.
Defining Orthodontics
Orthodontics is the dental specialty that focuses on improving the alignment of your teeth and jaws, improving your bite, your smile, your oral health, and your quality of life. You may have crooked teeth, teeth with wide spaces, or overcrowding. You might have an issue such as an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Whatever your alignment issues, we can help to develop an orthodontic treatment plan for you.
The Phases of Orthodontic Treatment
Most people are only familiar with braces. While braces are the most common orthodontic treatment, they are a part of phase II of orthodontic treatment. Orthodontic treatment is broken up into three phases.
Phase I of orthodontics is also called early orthodontics. This phase typically takes place around the age of 6 or 7. The goal of this phase is to help the jaw develop properly so that it will be able to accommodate the adult teeth. Phase I also helps to improve how the upper and lower jaws fit together.
After phase I, there is what is called the resting period. During this period, the adult teeth are left to erupt on their own. The mouth is monitored to ensure proper development.
Phase II of orthodontic treatment is what most people are familiar with. This phase involves treatment with braces. Braces help to ensure proper alignment of the teeth. Once this phase is complete, phase III begins. This is the retention phase. A retainer helps to hold the teeth in proper alignment, ensuring the longevity of a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Types of Braces
Braces are not just traditional metal braces anymore. While traditional metal braces are still one of the most popular options available, due to their effectiveness, durability, and reliability, there are now numerous options. These options include ceramic braces, Damon braces, Damon Clear braces, lingual braces, and Invisalign® removable aligners. Based on your needs, goals, and desires, or those of your child, we can help to determine which orthodontic treatment is the best option.
Who Can Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment?
Most people tend to think of young teens wearing braces when they think about orthodontic treatment. They are not the only ones who can benefit, though. Younger children can benefit from early orthodontics, which can lessen the need for braces, or shorten the amount of time spent in braces, later in life. Older teens and adults can also benefit. If you, or your child, are dealing with poor tooth or jaw alignment, orthodontic treatment can help to improve your smile, your oral health, and your life.
For more information on orthodontics, and to find out if orthodontic treatment is right for you, call Senestraro Family Orthodontics at (503) 925-8899 today. |
