What are braces?
Braces are semi-permanent appliances that straighten your teeth and bring proper alignment to your jaw.
Braces options include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
- Lingual braces
If you’re concerned about dental malformation, including crooked teeth, Portal Family Dentistry & Orthodontics helps you find a way to improve your smile.
Depending on the condition of your teeth and the type of braces you choose, you usually wear braces for 6-30 months. A consultation with your provider helps determine the right treatment for you, which includes a customized, personal plan.
Your consultation also includes a panoramic X-ray to determine the best option for you.
Why do I need braces?
Braces treat several oral conditions, including:
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Open bite
- Crossbite
- Overly crowded teeth
You might choose to get braces for cosmetic reasons, but braces also offer oral health benefits.
What are the benefits of getting braces?
Having straight teeth offers many benefits for your oral health, including:
- Easier to clean
- Reduced risk of cavities and gum disease
- Reduced wear-and-tear on your teeth
- May improve speaking abilities
Braces also cosmetically improve your appearance, giving you a beautiful smile.
At what age should you see an orthodontist about braces?
It’s recommended to visit your orthodontist at the age of seven for an early diagnosis that may correct tooth and jaw problems, if needed. At Portal Family Dentistry & Orthodontics, consultations are always free, no matter your age.
Early treatment by your orthodontist offers benefits that include:
- Guiding the growth of your child’s jaw to help permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulating the arches in your mouth
- Creating more space for crowded teeth
- Avoiding permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correcting results from thumb-sucking
- Helping improve minor speech issues
Visiting an orthodontist at a young age doesn’t mean braces are needed. An early evaluation can simply help you understand the current growth pattern in your child’s mouth and also ward off bigger oral health issues in the future.
To learn more about how Portal Family Dentistry & Orthodontics can help, call the office or use the convenient online booking tool to schedule your appointment today.
