A straight smile is a healthy smile. Although having straight, properly aligned teeth promotes an attractive appearance, straight smiles are also important for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. When teeth are crooked, crowded, or overlapped, patients encounter great difficulty keeping plaque and tartar buildup from accumulating between teeth and along the gum line. In fact, severely crowded teeth impede a patient from brushing and flossing properly. Over time, patients with a crooked smile possess a higher risk for developing periodontal disease, which is the number one cause of tooth loss in adulthood. Furthermore, cavities may develop in areas where teeth are difficult to keep clean. For these reasons, orthodontic treatment is imperative to move teeth to the healthiest position possible to prevent future oral health problems. Braces straighten teeth by applying consistent yet gentle pressure over time with ligatures and other oral appliances.
Interceptive Orthodontics for Children
Interceptive orthodontics involves preemptive treatment when a child’s permanent teeth are emerging. Most young patients receive their first orthodontic consultation around the age of seven. At this time, our team will evaluate the positioning of baby and emerging permanent teeth. Among children, interceptive orthodontic treatment can help guide permanent teeth to their proper position by creating the space needed to allow new teeth to erupt through the gum line. In some cases, orthodontic apparatuses such as palate expanders can create extra room in the mouth, while the jawbones are still developing, to eliminate the likelihood of crowding and overlapping of teeth. Interceptive orthodontics can prevent the need for future extraction of permanent teeth and more aggressive treatment to align a smile.
Braces for Adults
At Excel Dental, we strive to create beautiful-looking smiles that are healthy, too. Our team provides traditional orthodontic treatment for patients of all ages, including adults. While many children and teenagers receive braces, more and more adults are wearing them, too.
In some cases, adults who have never had orthodontic treatment or those whose teeth have shifted after the eruption of wisdom teeth in early adulthood, receiving braces is necessary to align teeth properly. We strive to help our adult patients feel comfortable wearing braces with a compassionate approach. After treatment, our patients enjoy straight, beautiful smiles and renewed confidence.
To schedule an orthodontics consultation with our experienced team, contact Excel Dental today.
