You want to fix your crooked teeth, but you don’t want to go to someone unfamiliar. Does your regular dentist in Palmdale, CA, offer orthodontics? We have some options to help you fix that crooked smile.
What Options are Available to Fix Crooked Teeth?
Premier Dental Care offers a variety of orthodontic options in our office. These include metal braces, Invisalign, retainers, nightguards, and mouthguards.
Metal Braces
These are the traditional braces you tend to think of when you think of orthodontics. Brackets are glued to the outside of your teeth. Wires are then threaded through them and tightened throughout the course of your treatment to straighten your teeth.
Invisalign
A popular alternative to metal braces, Invisalign uses custom clear liners to rearrange your smile. These can be taken out to eat, brush, and floss. The treatment time is usually shorter than metal braces, but there are some orthodontic issues that these can’t fix.
Retainers
Retainers are used after your treatment with metal braces or Invisalign. They’re worn at night to make sure your teeth don’t shift or move after they’ve been straightened.
Nightguards
Custom night guards are used for TMJ or nighttime teeth grinding. They’re made specifically for your mouth so that you can wear it comfortably at night.
Mouthguards
Custom mouthguards are worn when you’re playing contact sports. They protect your teeth from falls or bumps with other players. They can also reduce tension in the jaw, as you’re not clenching your teeth together when playing the game. Since they’re customized, you also don’t have to clench onto the mouthguard so it won’t fall out.
Do I Really Need to Get My Teeth Straightened?
If your teeth aren’t really hurting you, you may wonder if it’s really necessary to get your teeth straightened at all. However, crooked teeth can lead to a variety of health problems, especially if you’re lax with your oral health routine.
Tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease are all more common in people with crooked teeth. This is because plaque and bacteria can settle into nooks and crannies that your toothbrush may not be able to reach. Flossing can help, but some areas may still be unreachable depending on how crooked your teeth are.
Crooked teeth also make it easier for your teeth to be chipped or damaged. They’re often twisted and pressed up against each other in unnatural ways. This causes tension and friction on the teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage. If there’s also decay, they can be damaged even easier as the teeth are weaker.
Lastly, crooked teeth frequently lead to bite problems. If your teeth are misaligned, so is your bite. This can lead to issues with TMJ, like clenching your teeth and your jaw popping.
Orthodontics at Your Dentist in Palmdale, CA
We’re happy to provide you with both dental and orthodontic services. Call us today or schedule an appointment online!