Achieve A Straight, Healthy Smile with Orthodontic Services in Medicine Hat

Have you always dreamed of having straight, beautiful teeth? Do you find yourself hesitating to smile or interact with others because of crooked teeth or a misaligned bite? If you do, you’re not alone. The good news is, orthodontics in Medicine Hat can help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. 

There is more to a healthy, straight smile than what meets the eye. Keep reading to learn more about what orthodontic services are and how they can benefit you.

The different types of orthodontic treatments

Orthodontics is an area of dentistry focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and correction of a misaligned bite and malpositioned teeth and jaw. Orthodontists and trained dentists in Medicine Hat use different orthodontic appliances to gradually move the teeth into the desired position. 

The different types of orthodontic appliances include:

• Traditional braces – Metal devices with various components such as brackets, wires, bands, and rings. Braces gently put pressure on the teeth to slowly adjust the positioning of the teeth. They aren’t removable and the length of treatment can vary from months to a number of years, depending on the client’s case. Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment that can produce incredible results.
• Invisalign® – A set of clear aligners that are tailored for each patient. Invisalign offers a more discreet teeth alignment option than traditional braces. They can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing. These clear aligners are computer-generated and gradually straighten the teeth with no brackets or wires needed.
• Retainers – Orthodontic retainers hold teeth in position after braces have been removed or after surgery. They are typically worn for several months to prevent teeth from shifting and keep the tongue in the correct place. 

Who needs orthodontic devices?

Did you know that most orthodontic issues are genetic? They can also be caused by environmental and external issues, such as mouth breathing, injury, thumb-sucking as a child, dental decay, and poor nutrition, among others. 

Although the best time to receive orthodontic care is during the developmental stages, young adults and adults also see great results with orthodontic devices. Patients typically need orthodontic services in Calgary for the following:

• Crooked teeth
• Gaps in teeth
• Crowded teeth
• A mal-positioned jaw
• Missing or extra teeth
• An underbite, overbite, or crossbite

The benefits of orthodontic treatments

Straight teeth provide benefits beyond cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. Having a set of straight teeth reduces your risk of cavities and tooth decay, preventing infections and other serious dental issues such as periodontal disease. 

Some orthodontic problems can cause headaches, jaw pain, neck pain, facial pain, insomnia, and more. When this is the case, orthodontic treatments can eliminate pain altogether and help patients get better sleep. 

Last but certainly not least, having a healthy and straight smile can boost your self-esteem. Patients are more confident to interact, smile, and participate in social settings. The benefits of this are far-reaching – a more positive sense of self and improved quality of life overall. 

If you’re ready to achieve the smile you’ve always dreamed of, book your orthodontic appointment with us at Park Meadows Dental today.