Orthodontics
The last time you may have heard the word “Orthodontist,” it may have been associated with traditional solutions such as metal braces.
While braces are certainly an iconic orthodontic solution, this particular branch of dentistry has evolved beyond offering a single service and focuses on the holistic care of your smile.
The proficient team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, is proud to serve the community with quality dental care services, including state-of-the-art orthodontic care services that can help correct you and your loved one’s smile and bite issues.
What are Orthodontics?
Put simply, this branch concerns itself with being the superhero of straighter and brighter teeth. This goes well beyond putting on braces and checking in on you occasionally.
Because orthodontics is associated with metal braces, it may seem like our services are just for children. However, we receive new and returning adult patients who opt for this treatment every day.
Orthodontics uses various tools and techniques to gently nudge your teeth into ideal positions, creating a healthy and aligned smile.
Whether you have crooked teeth, gaps, or an overbite, orthodontics can help you achieve the smile you desire, regardless of your age.
Finding The Right Orthodontic Treatment For You
There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to orthodontics. At the Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, we offer a variety of treatments to customize your journey to a straighter smile.
Here are some of the services that we offer our patients:
Braces
Of course, we had to begin with this. This trusted solution comes in various styles, from traditional metal to clear or ceramic options. Braces use brackets and wires to apply gentle pressure, slowly moving and correcting your teeth into place.
Invisalign
Looking for a more discreet option? Invisalign uses a series of removable trays that slowly shift teeth into place. They are made of clear plastic and, in some cases, can straighten teeth faster than traditional metal braces.
Retainers
Worn after treatment, retainers help maintain your new, perfect smile for the long haul. Retainers provide security for your teeth, denying access to plaque and bacteria that want to invade the healthy parts of your teeth and gums.
Headgear
In some cases, headgear might be used to apply additional pressure and achieve specific movements. Although this is not a common treatment, it can be used during the night to maintain your position and ensure that you aren’t affected by your treatment.
Palatal Expanders
These are appliances used to widen the upper jaw. They’re typically used in children whose upper jaw is too narrow to accommodate their developing teeth. Palatal expanders can be fixed or removable, depending on the severity of the situation and the temperament of the child.
Space Maintainers
These small appliances hold open space in the jaw for permanent teeth to erupt. For example, this might be necessary if a baby tooth is lost prematurely. Space maintainers are usually removable and are most common in children.
Interproximal Enamel Reduction (IPR)
This is a minor procedure where a small amount of your tooth enamel is removed between teeth to create space for them to shift. IPR is often used in concurrence with other orthodontic treatments like braces or aligners to achieve a better result.
What To Expect From Your Visit
We’ll start with an initial consultation to assess your teeth and discuss your treatment options. We’ll also answer any questions you have about orthodontics.
Depending on your treatment plan, this might, for example, involve placing braces or receiving your first set of Invisalign trays.
You’ll continue to visit us for adjustments every few weeks. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the pressure on your teeth and ensure they’re moving in the right direction.
Keeping your teeth clean is extra important while undergoing orthodontic treatment. We’ll provide specific instructions on effectively brushing and flossing around your braces or aligners.
Your Quality Professional Dental Clinic
It’s been common practice for hundreds of years to leave teeth as they are and only deal with them when pain or misfortune arises.
Our orthodontic care team is passionate about staying abreast of new developments so that this will never be our reality. No matter what issue you are dealing with, we are extremely confident that we have a customized solution just for you.
We look forward to our next chat and are passionate about helping you feel at ease with a professional team like ours.
During your next appointment with the excellent team at Orthodontic Specialists P.A. of Lakeville, MN, you can be sure you are receiving the best possible care and guidance that you and your family deserve.
