Achieve a Straighter Smile At Lakewood Dental
At Lakewood Dental, we understand that a confident smile can make a difference. That’s why we offer a variety of orthodontic treatments to help you achieve your perfect smile, no matter your age. Led by the experienced and compassionate Dr. Matthew Smith, our Lakewood, OH, dental team will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and goals.
Don’t let misaligned teeth hold you back from your most confident smile. Call Lakewood Dental at 216-226-1052 today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how orthodontics can transform your smile!
What is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. Treatments can address crowding, gaps, misalignment, and uneven spacing. Dr. Smith will evaluate your teeth and jaws to determine if orthodontic treatment suits you.
Who is a Good Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Orthodontic treatment can benefit people of all ages, from children to adults. You may be a good candidate for treatment if you have crowded teeth, gapped teeth, an overbite, an underbite, or other bite problems. Age is never a limiting factor!
How Long Does Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The length of orthodontic treatment can vary dramatically depending on the severity of your case. Some of Dr. Smiths cases have only taken 1-2 months while others can last around a year.
Our Orthodontic Treatment Options
Invisalign and Bioliners
Invisalign is the most famous of the clear aligner options and offers a nearly invisible alternative to traditional braces. These clear, custom-made aligners gradually shift your teeth into their desired positions. The biggest advantage of Invisalign is its aesthetics – the aligners are virtually undetectable when worn. Dr. Smith also prescribes the more economical Bioliners which work on the same principle as Invisalign. He uses these for more minor crowding of front teeth and fast straightening prior to other cosmetic treatments such as whitening and veneers.
Ceramic (clear) Braces
Traditional braces have been the gold standard in orthodontic treatment for decades. Dr. Smith uses clear ceramic brackets bonded to your teeth and connected by very esthetic white wires. While not invisible, braces offer a highly effective and versatile solution for correcting many orthodontic problems. Braces can handle more complex cases than Invisalign and other clear aligners and may provide faster results in some situations. Modern braces are also smaller and more comfortable than ever before.
Benefits of Orthodontics
A beautiful smile is just one of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment. Here’s a closer look at the advantages:
- Improved Oral Health: Straight teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay.
- Enhanced Bite Function: Proper bite alignment improves chewing efficiency, reduces stress on the jaw joints, and can alleviate jaw pain.
- Reduced Risk of Future Dental Issues: Early correction of bite problems prevents future complications like excessive wear and tear on teeth.
- Boosted Confidence: A straight smile can significantly enhance self-esteem and confidence in social interactions.
- Improved Speech: Misaligned teeth can sometimes impact speech clarity. Orthodontics can help improve pronunciation and diction.
- Facial Symmetry: Correcting jaw development and aligning teeth can contribute to a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing facial structure.
What Can Orthodontic Treatments Correct?
Orthodontic treatment addresses a wide range of dental and jaw irregularities. Here are some common issues orthodontics can effectively correct:
- Crowded Teeth: When your jaw doesn’t have enough space to accommodate all your teeth, they can become crowded and misaligned. Orthodontics can create space for proper alignment.
- Gapped Teeth: Large spaces between your teeth can be unattractive and sometimes cause speech impediments. Orthodontics can close these gaps and improve aesthetics.
- Overbite/ Underbite: These bite problems occur when your upper or lower jaw protrudes excessively. Orthodontics can correct jaw position and create a proper bite.
- Crossbite: A misalignment where your upper and lower teeth don’t meet correctly can cause uneven wear on teeth. Orthodontics can realign your bite for optimal function.
- Open Bite: When your upper and lower front teeth don’t touch when you close your mouth, it can affect chewing and speech. Orthodontics can help close the gap and create a proper bite.
- Spacing Issues: Uneven spacing between teeth can be aesthetically unpleasing. Orthodontics can achieve a more uniform spacing for a beautiful smile.