What is Orthodontics?

Lets get things Straight

What is Orthodontics

Orthodontics is a dental specialty that focuses on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of facial and dental irregularities. Orthodontists are able to straighten teeth, correct misaligned jaw structures, and improve the function of your smile. At West Roxbury Smiles, we provide orthodontic treatment for both children and adults. Orthodontists are experts in correcting misalignment of the teeth and jaw. There are many problems associated with jaw and teeth misalignment, for example, speech defects, difficulties chewing and difficulty maintaining adequate oral hygiene.

The goal of orthodontic treatment is a good bite— meaning straight teeth that mesh well with the teeth in the opposite jaw. A good bite makes it easier for you to bite, chew and speak. This can enhance your dental health and your overall health, as well as improve your self-esteem.

Orthodontic treatment is part of a comprehensive dental health care plan. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children first visit an orthodontist for evaluation as early as the age of seven.

At the orthodontic consultation visit, we will help you learn about treatment options. We understand that each patient’s orthodontic needs are different, and we will give your child the personal attention they deserve. Your child’s first orthodontic visit will consist of an examination and discussion of potential treatment options. This important visit will assess your child’s orthodontic needs to determine if this is the proper time to begin treatment.

If you recognize any of these signs in your child, please request a complimentary evaluation with our orthodontists.

  • Early or late loss of baby teeth
  • Difficulty chewing or biting
  • Mouth breathing
  • Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits
  • Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth
  • Jaws that shift or make sounds
  • Speech difficulty
  • Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth
  • Protruding teeth
  • Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all
  • Facial imbalance or asymmetry (features out of proportion to the rest of the face)
  • Grinding or clenching of teeth
  • Inability to comfortably close lips

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

Below are some of the many benefits of orthodontic treatment:

  • Ideal jaw function
  • Improved overall oral health
  • Increased self-confidence

Types of Orthodontic Braces

orthodontist in West Roxbury Metal braces are the most traditional and most common of all braces. Made of high-grade stainless steel brackets bonded to the teeth with a wire, these braces are now made lighter, smaller, stronger and more effective.

orthodontist in West Roxbury Clear, metal-free ceramic braces are tooth-colored braces that are becoming increasingly popular. The translucent and ceramic material, which is tooth-colored, make these braces barely noticeable. The materials are extremely strong and can be used to treat almost any condition. For patients with metal allergies and those who prefer metal free materials, ceramic braces are a great alternative to traditional metal braces.

orthodontist in West Roxbury Invisalign is the best option for patients who want their orthodontic treatment to be invisible. Invisalign are clear, custom-fitted, removable aligners designed to slowly move teeth into their positions. The aligners are molded after the 3D computer models of your teeth. There are no brackets or wires to tighten with Invisalign. This treatment is ideal for adults and advanced teen patients with certain bite problems.

Whether you are interested in Invisalign for yourself, or clear ceramic braces for your child, please feel free to contact us at 617.327.4321.