Wondering if You’d Benefit from Orthodontic Treatment? Let’s Clear the Air!

Whereas orthodontic treatments were viewed as only cosmetic and non-essential decades ago, the dental world has evolved. Thus, it recognizes the integral part orthodontic care can play in maintaining excellent oral health, and that it can also have affects on other parts of the body. How can you determine, then, if you need to receive orthodontic care? As you continue reading, your orthodontist in Newark, OH helps to eliminate any guessing by providing some expert information!

What is the Purpose of Orthodontic Care?

Orthodontic treatments provide more than just nice smiles; they also address issues with the teeth and jaw to make sure they are positioned correctly. Orthodontic care can be used for such processes as straightening crooked teeth, to recover from TMJ (a disorder of the joint that opens and closes the jaw) and to boost oral health by allowing for better dental hygiene. After your current condition is assessed, your orthodontist can provide the right treatment plan to fit your specific needs.

Do You Need Orthodontic Treatment?

If you’re wondering whether you’d be a good candidate for orthodontic treatment, here are some of the usual indicators:

• Overbite – the upper teeth protrude over the lower teeth
• Underbite – the lower teeth protrude forward, creating an uneven bite
• Crossbite – when the upper teeth don’t fit slightly in front of the lower teeth
• Open Bite – failure of all the teeth to meet when the back teeth come together
• Misplaced Midline – the center of the upper teeth doesn’t align with the center of the lower teeth
• Spacing – gaps between the teeth from a missing tooth or from improper alignment
• Crowding – when there are too many teeth to fit into the dental ridge

If you’re dealing with any of these issues, then it’s important to seek the care of an orthodontist. Therefore, what may be a minor problem now can be addressed before it becomes a major issue.

Your Treatment Options

Thankfully, there are some highly-effective methods available for fixing bite woes. Some of them are braces in Newark, OH, fixed appliances and space maintainers. To determine which route is best for you, though, you’ll need to visit your local orthodontist.

The specialist will start by carefully examining your mouth, teeth and gums to make sure you have adequate oral health. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about any unwanted surprises down the road. Then, based on your specific needs, you and your orthodontist will work together to come up with the best solution to leave you healthier and with a confident smile!

About the Author

Dr. Timothy Wigal earned his dental degree from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry. He then went on to undergo three more years of intense training to receive a specialty in orthodontics from the West Virginia University Department of Orthodontics. Additionally, Dr. Wigal has received advanced post-graduate training in the Six Elements of Orofacial Harmony. He helps patients enjoy excellent teeth and jaw health at Wigal Orthodontics, and he can be reached for more information through his website.