What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is an area of dental specialty focused on improving the alignment of your teeth. Dentists who provide orthodontic care get additional training in the tools and techniques that  safely shift teeth into better positioning.

The best way to learn what orthodontics offers is to come for a personalized consultation at Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics. Parents should bring their children in for an early assessment by age seven. However, it’s never too late for adults to explore orthodontic treatment. Many patients get their first braces in their teenage years or adulthood, and are thrilled with the results.

What are the benefits of orthodontics?

Most people think of orthodontics as strictly a cosmetic treatment. In reality, orthodontic care has a number of important dental health benefits.

To begin, the design of your teeth align in a certain way, allowing your upper and lower teeth to come together to facilitate effective chewing and prevent teeth from sustaining excess force.

Properly aligned teeth are also easier to clean, as there are no overlapping surfaces where plaque and bacteria can hide. A straight smile also enhances your ability to speak normally, and maintains contouring in the lower portion of your face.

The cosmetic benefits of orthodontic care are undeniable. Research shows that your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and a big part of what makes a lasting impression.

What is the difference between phase 1 and phase 2 orthodontics?

Parents should schedule an orthodontic consultation for their child by age seven as per the American Dental Association (ADA). These early visits focus on assessing a child’s bite and determine if early treatment is needed.

Some of the things your child’s orthodontist will look for include:

• Crowding
• Skeletal abnormalities
• Alignment issues
• Habits like thumb-sucking
• Abnormal swallowing (tongue thrust)
• Jaw development

Phase 1 orthodontic treatment can help to correct or mitigate these issues before your child’s teeth and jaws fully develop.

Some of the goals of phase 1 treatment include:

• Expanding the jaw to make room for normal tooth eruption
• Eliminating harmful habits
• Correcting abnormal swallowing patterns
• Reducing the chance that corrective jaw surgery is necessary

Phase 2 orthodontic treatment usually begins when a child is 11-13 years old and this typically follows an effective phase 1 treatment.

When you’re ready to explore orthodontics in more detail, call Bancroft Dobrin Orthodontics or schedule a consultation online today.