What is Orthodontics?McLean, VA

What is Orthodontics?

Many achieve a more beautiful, healthy smile through orthodontics, and having a general understanding is helpful when deciding if treatment is appropriate. Orthodontics is a form of dentistry that focuses primarily on improving the alignment of the jaw and teeth to provide cosmetic, oral health, and functional benefits.

Orthodontics is available at Novel Smiles in McLean and the surrounding area. The process starts with a simple and easy consultation visit, during which we help the patient make an informed decision about the best orthodontic treatment for a better smile.

General Dentists Can Perform Orthodontics

As defined by MedLine Plus, Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with abnormalities of the teeth and jaw. It is performed by dental professionals who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree, a dental school post-graduate program, and received the necessary training to become licensed. General dentists who offer orthodontics choose to focus on the alignment of jaw and teeth, although they may also provide other services as well.

Orthodontics Can Fix a Range of Issues

Anyone who wants to improve the appearance and health of their smile through better jaw and teeth and jaw alignment should consider the benefits of orthodontics. Several issues orthodontics commonly fixes include:

• Crooked Teeth. Patients who have teeth that do not align appropriately with surrounding teeth, causing a cosmetic or functional concern, may benefit from orthodontics.
• Spacing issues. Orthodontic treatment improves spacing between teeth. This includes issues such as overcrowding and gaps between teeth.
• Bite complications. Issues with bite include underbites, overbites, crossbites, and other jaw or teeth issues that do not allow for an ideal alignment while the mouth is closed.

The best way to determine if treatment is appropriate is to consult with us today to schedule a time for an initial consultation.

Achieve a Better Smile With Orthodontics

One of the more notable benefits of orthodontics is an improved appearance while smiling, which provides many patients with increased confidence each day. Additionally, orthodontics often helps with oral health as well by making it easier to access harder to reach areas of teeth. Many also find it easier to eat and talk through improved jaw and teeth alignment.

How to Keep Good Oral Health During Treatment

It is essential to practice good oral hygiene during treatment to reduce the risk of oral cavities, oral infections, stained teeth, and other oral health concerns. Good oral hygiene during orthodontics starts with a high-quality and consistent daily oral care routine. Your routine should include brushing daily, using mouthwash as directed by the dentist, flossing after each meal, and keeping retainers and other dental devices clean through proper cleaning and storage. It is also essential to visit the dentist regularly to check for signs of any oral health complications that may develop and to ensure there are no setbacks during the treatment process.

Consult With Us

Orthodontics can help in many areas of life by improving appearance, oral health, and making it easier to function, which gives many the confidence to live life more boldly and do the things they love. If you are interested in learning more about treatment, Call us at (703) 942-8882 today.

Frequently Asked Questions

The length of time depends on several factors, including the severity of the malocclusion, the quality of the patient's oral care during treatment, and if the patient makes it to all scheduled visits. Orthodontics can take anywhere from three months to more than two years.

Communication is essential during treatment, so it is important to choose a dentist that is easy to communicate with throughout the process. To ensure a dentist is right for you, be sure to ask questions during your orthodontic consultation.

Orthodontic treatment can fix more severe alignment issues, although the available treatment options may vary depending on the severity. Be sure to talk to the dentist about the best form of treatment for you.

Orthodontic treatment may be received as early as six years of age. However, many parents prefer to seek treatment for their children once they have reached their teens. There is never a wrong time to schedule a visit, and no one is ever too old to consider the benefits of orthodontics. Yet, adult teeth may require additional treatment to be eligible for a particular orthodontic treatment.

Yes, Dentists generally encourage patients to continue with routine dental visits while receiving orthodontic treatment. This helps patients prevent oral health concerns, such as cavities.