People often associate a healthy, happy smile with happiness. It’s true, because oral health is essential to our overall health.
Top orthodontic specialists in Boston can treat dental and jaw irregularities like protruding, crowded, or deep-bited teeth. They can also treat large spaces between the teeth. They also work to prevent problems in later life.
Oral Problems
Straight teeth are not only good for your appearance but also for your oral health. Your teeth may not be aligned correctly, which can lead to chewing issues, speech impairment, and poor hygiene. Crooked or overcrowded tooth can also make it difficult to brush your teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Children and adults can both suffer from orthodontic problems. It is important for kids to have an orthodontic evaluation at age 7, which is when their permanent teeth start coming in. Orthodontists can identify and treat issues that might affect the bite alignment.
A bad bite or malocclusion can cause a wide range of dental problems. It can lead to difficulty eating, increased risk of jaw joint issues, accelerated tooth wear and even a crooked grin. Fortunately, braces and other orthodontic treatments can correct the majority of malocclusions. Many companies promote direct-to-consumer treatment without consulting an orthodontic specialist first. This approach gives the impression that patients can skip a professional evaluation and plan of treatment to save money. However, it could be harmful to their health in the end.
Treatment
There are two primary categories of problems that orthodontists address: crowded teeth and misaligned jawbones. Malocclusions (crowded teeth) can lead to a number of dental problems, including tooth decay, gum diseases, and even bone loss. Orthodontists will use traditional metal braces as well as clear braces (like Invisalign) or functional appliances, such a palate expanders, to create space between adult teeth and correct the alignment.
These gaps or spaces between teeth may seem like an aesthetic issue, but they could have serious consequences on your oral health. These spaces can conceal food particles, making it difficult to floss and increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
It is best to start orthodontic treatment during childhood when it is easier to change the jaw and tooth shape. This will also reduce the length and complexity future treatments. Adults can still be treated with non-obtrusive appliances and methods such as lingual braces or clear aligners. These appliances apply subtle pressure to help guide teeth into their proper positions.
Cost
Orthodontic treatment is a significant financial commitment, and it’s important to understand the total cost of your or your child’s care before you commit. If possible, compare quotes from several practitioners to ensure that you’re not paying an unnecessary premium. Also, ask your orthodontist to provide you with a breakdown of all anticipated out-of-pocket expenses, including follow up visits and replacement of appliances like braces or clear aligners.
Orthodontists are often associated with braces. However, their services go beyond straightening teeth. These specialists specialize in diagnosing and treating dental irregularities such as malocclusions. Malocclusions can cause debilitating problems such as pain in the temporomandibular joints, speech defects, and difficult chewing and biting.
In addition to fixing teeth, orthodontists can correct the position of jaw bones in children and adults and help them grow into their adult bodies correctly. They can also correct how molars meet, which prevents tooth decay, gum diseases, and other dental problems. Orthodontists offer a range of dietary and oral hygiene recommendations, which can reduce follow-up appointments as well as the length of treatment.
Insurance
The first step is understanding your coverage. Each insurance plan is different and offers unique benefits. Be sure to check your insurance plan to see if it covers orthodontics, and if so, what limitations might apply. Some restrictions are age limits, lifetime maxima, and deductibles.
Most major dental insurance companies like Delta Dental and Cigna offer plans that cover orthodontics. These plans typically have a higher deductible than standard dental insurance and pay out at a lower percentage of the total cost.
Aflac, for example, offers supplemental insurance that works with your primary policy to reduce costs. Several health savings and flexible spending account can also be used for orthodontic costs. Finally, children and teenagers are often eligible for government assistance programs that provide low-cost or free orthodontic treatment. You should discuss this with your orthodontist when you have your first consultation.
Schedule An Appointment
An orthodontist is a dental specialist trained in the alignment of teeth and jaws. They can also detect problems that aren’t always obvious, such a misaligned bite or large gaps in between the teeth. These problems can be corrected before they get worse. Orthodontists are not just for children. Adults also benefit.
During their first appointment, patients will be asked to fill out important paperwork pertaining to their medical and oral history. The orthodontist will also take photos and x-rays of the mouth. These details will be used to develop a treatment plan.
During the consultation, an orthodontist will review the patient’s information and determine the best way to correct their smile. The orthodontist will then make a list of specific issues they plan to address during the treatment. This will help patients understand what to expect during the procedure. The orthodontist explains the benefits of each type of brace to patients. The patient will have the opportunity to ask questions.