ORTHODONTIST
Family Orthodontists in Maple Ridge
Serving Maple Ridge and Surrounding Areas
Whether you are interested in getting braces or are currently going through treatment, there is a lot that goes into ensuring that your smile is exactly as it should be. Although you may have seen your family orthodontists fiddling here and there with wires, elastics, and brackets, you should know that orthodontists deal in a complex science that takes years to understand and perfect. In the process of finding the best service to suit your needs, it is vital to arm yourself with facts so that you can make the right choice.
Invisalign®/Invisible Orthodontics
Invisalign® is a nearly invisible way to straighten your teeth. This modern marvel serves as a way to discreetly straighten and reposition teeth for a perfect smile. This system uses clear aligners instead of traditional metal brackets and wires.
Overview
Orthodontics is a branch of science that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of malpositioned teeth and jaws and treatment of dental issues of any facial irregularities. Orthodontic treatment can be used to correct the alignment of teeth, correct the bite, improve the facial appearance, and prevent or correct jaw problems. Orthodontic braces are the most common form of treatment, and are used to move teeth into proper position using wires and brackets.
An orthodontist is a dental specialist who diagnoses, prevents, and corrects misaligned teeth and jaws. Orthodontists use braces and other appliances to move teeth into the correct position, and to improve the patient‘s bite. To become an orthodontist, you must have undergone proper training and licensing to allow you to design, apply, and control corrective appliances such as braces. All orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists.
Importance
Orthodontists are essential because they work on an individual’s teeth, lips and jaws so that everything is aligned properly. The end result is not just an attractive smile, but a healthy one as well. Bad smiles can prove disastrous for anyone suffering from speech-related problems. Family Orthodontists are also important because they help to prevent common smile-related problems such as teeth decay, chewing and digestive difficulties, gum diseases and destruction bones.
Who Benefits From Orthodontic Services?
Contrary to popular belief, orthodontics are not just reserved for children. Anyone, regardless of their age, can benefit from the services. Since the procedures used by orthodontists are the same in children as in adults, anyone, at any age, can see an orthodontist for help.
When Should You See An Orthodontist?
Children should start seeing an orthodontist specialist at an early age, and no later than the age of 7. Many family orthodontists issues can be controlled and repaired easily at a young age rather than when the problem has progressed over time.
Early treatment could make all the difference between avoiding surgery and having to endure more serious corrections in the future. An orthodontist can help children and adults with the following issue:
- A problem with thumb or lip sucking.
- Difficulties chewing or biting.
- When teeth have overlapped or become overcrowded.
- If you experience clicking or popping when the jaw moves.
- Speech problems and impediments.
- Protruding or extended teeth.
Services
Different orthodontic services can include traditional braces, which use brackets and wires to slowly move teeth into alignment;
Invisalign, which uses clear removable aligners to gradually move teeth;
and FastBraces, which use a unique system of brackets and wires to quickly move teeth into alignment.
There are also a number of other less common orthodontic services, such as Jaw Trac, which is used to treat jaw alignment issues, and palate expanders, which are used to widen the palate.
What To Expect at Orthodontist?
1. A Comprehensive Exam:
During your first visit to an orthodontist, your orthodontist will take X–rays, photographs, and impressions of your teeth and jaws. This comprehensive exam will allow the orthodontist to diagnose any misalignments, overcrowding, and other issues that may need to be addressed.
2. Treatment Plan:
After the orthodontist has reviewed the records from the comprehensive exam, they will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. This plan will outline the type of treatment needed, the estimated length of treatment, and the estimated cost of treatment.
3. Appliances:
Depending on the treatment plan, you may need to wear braces, retainers, or other appliances. The orthodontist will explain how to care for the appliances and how long you need to wear them.
4. Follow–up Visits:
After your initial visit, you will need to return for regular follow–up visits. These visits will include adjustments to the appliances, monitoring of treatment progress, and other treatments as needed.
5. Patient Education:
During your visit, the orthodontist will provide education about the importance of proper oral hygiene and the risks of not following their treatment plan. They will also explain how to care for your teeth and gums while wearing braces or other appliances.
6. Post–Treatment Care:
After your braces are removed, you will need to continue to visit the orthodontist for regular maintenance visits. During these visits, the orthodontist will check the alignment of your teeth and jaws to ensure that the treatment was successful.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
The length of time for orthodontic treatment can vary depending on the severity of the case. In general, however, treatment can take anywhere from 18 months to two years.
If you are in need of orthodontist services, call us today. We can help you get the smile you‘ve always wanted. We offer a variety of services, including braces and Invisalign, and we will work with you to find the best solution for your needs. We understand that getting orthodontic treatment can be a big decision, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Call Westgate Dental Centre in Maple Ridge, BC today to get started on your new smile!
