Why Orthodontics?
Learn more about why orthodontic care matters.
The Importance of Orthodontics
Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic problems such as misaligned teeth, difficulty chewing, or shifting jaws, should be taken seriously. If left untreated, they could cause health issues down the line like tooth decay, gum disease, abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, etc.
A few things that orthodontic treatment can do for you is…
- Ensure proper function of teeth
- Create a healthy, attractive smile and facial structure
- Maintain a good bite making it easier to chew and speak
- Avoid tooth decay/loss by making them easier to clean
- Avoid expensive dental procedures that could result from untreated orthodontic issues
Should I Try At-Home Treatments?
We advise consumers against seeking at-home treatment options. Orthodontic care is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process that involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions.
Appropriate care should always start with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos and models of the teeth. From this, your orthodontist can develop a custom treatment plan to best address your needs.
At-home treatments don’t ensure that you’re working with a certified orthodontist and skip the examination process leaving a lot of room for guess work. When it comes to your smile, you shouldn’t leave anything up to chance.
Get The Care You Deserve
Don’t wait to schedule your first appointment, reach out to a local AAO orthodontist and get your first appointment on the calendar. You can then rest easy at night knowing you’re one step closer to improving your oral health and smile!
Results
Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results such as:
- Better function (biting and chewing)
- Improved alignment of teeth and jaws
- Lower risk of dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease
- Fewer dental emergencies
- Improved oral hygiene
- A beautiful smile!
Our Advice
Here’s a few tips to help you get the most out of your orthodontic treatment:
- Keep your scheduled appointments
- Advise your orthodontist of problems that may popup between appointments
- Watch what you eat and drink, avoid sugary foods and drinks
- Brush and floss as instructed by your orthodontist
We promise it’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your orthodontist share – giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
Why an AAO Orthodontist?
Orthodontic Care for All Ages
Orthodontic care is not just for one age group. Both children and adults can benefit from receiving proper treatment. Everyone deserves a beautiful smile.
Adult Orthodontics
Today, 1 in 4 orthodontic patients is an adult. Leaving misaligned teeth untreated can lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease and difficulty chewing. With orthodontic treatment, you can fix your bite and decrease the potential risk of developing these problems in the future.
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What Can I Eat with Braces
What Can I Eat with Braces? Give up gummy bears? Put away the popcorn? No more nuts? If you’re thinking about getting braces or have already decided to improve your smile, you likely have concerns about what foods you can and can’t eat. Good news: there are tons of foods that are “braces-friendly” that you … Continued
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Life During Treatment
Avoid damaging your braces and risking your successful orthodontic treatment by learning which candy might loosen the brackets attached to your teeth.
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Plan Now, Save Throughout the Year
This may seem like an odd time of year to discuss HSA/FSA funds, but at the AAO, we think this could be the MOST appropriate time to talk about it. And more importantly, you do not have to wait.