Orthodontics

Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment

The word “Orthodontics” is derived from the Greek orthos (“straight”) and odont (“tooth”).  But, providing patients with properly aligned teeth and a beautiful smile is just one of the benefits of orthodontic treatment. In some instances, misalignment of teeth can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease and bone loss.  An “incorrect bite” can lead to speech impairments, chipped teeth and other dental injuries.

One of the most important aspects of orthodontic treatment is the ability to modify facial growth in growing children. Certain treatment modalities such as palatal expansion (widening the upper jaw) or maxillary protraction (moving the upper jaw forward) require that patients have growth remaining.  

It is for this reason that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child should get a check-up with an orthodontist no later than age 7.  By this age, enough permanent teeth have erupted and enough jaw growth has occurred that the orthodontist can identify current problems, anticipate future problems and alleviate parents’ concerns if all seems normal.  

In many cases, patients have a skeletal discrepancy; in other words, their upper and lower jaws are not properly positioned in relation to one another.  This skeletal discrepancy can be manifested as facial asymmetry, underbite, excessive overbite, excessive gum display, etc. In these cases, a combination of orthodontics and orthognathic (jaw modification) surgery is needed to obtain ideal results.

At Foothill Dental Group with offer orthodontic treatment with metal braces, clear braces and Invisalign 

Metal Braces

Most people who want their teeth straightened choose metal braces. These are made using high-grade stainless steel. The ones applied today are less noticeable, easier to tolerate and better looking than those in years past. 

Ceramic Braces

Ceramic braces are less noticeable than the modern metal braces since they are translucent in color, being made of clear material. Adults seem to like these best for cosmetic reasons. There is a drawback though in that the ceramic brackets are more fragile than the metal ones and the elastic ties do tend to become discolored between visits to the orthodontist. 

The Invisalign® System

Invisalign® is a method of straightening teeth with a series of clear plastic trays called aligners.  As patients replace each aligner with the next in the series, their teeth become slightly straighter until the desired result is achieved.   

Generally speaking, minor to moderate orthodontic problems in patients who have all of their permanent teeth can be treated with Invisalign®.  More severe problems require conventional treatment with braces.

We want our patients to experience the same level of satisfaction with their finished result regardless of the treatment method they choose.  If the desired outcome is not achieved with Invisalign, we will treat our patients with braces at no extra cost.

Aligners

Aligners have the look and feel of clear retainers, but built into them is a tooth correction so they can gradually move the teeth into alignment. What Foothill Dental Group will do is make you a number of aligners, each one designated to be worn for a certain amount of time before moving on to the next one in the series. Each aligner will initially feel tight when first put on, but as you wear them they become more comfortable because your teeth are moving, correcting your alignment. This is a great solution for patients with fairly straight teeth that only needing a minor correction.   

Call Foothill Dental Group in Hayward to schedule an initial consultation to determine which orthodontic treatment will best meet your needs.