The American Academy of Orthodontics recommends that every person has an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. At Queens Dental Group in West Covina, California, AJ Suchak, DDS, and Om Suchak, DDS, and the team provide expert orthodontic care for children and adults alike. The Los Angeles-area practice offers a wide range of orthodontic treatments, including braces, clear aligners, and retention devices. Call or schedule an appointment online today to learn more.
Orthodontics is a dental specialty that improves tooth alignment and corrects jaw abnormalities. Straight teeth that fit together have many advantages for children and adults.
Aligned teeth are easier to clean than crooked teeth, reducing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Jaws that are well-aligned also distribute stress evenly when you chew rather than adding tension to your temporomandibular joints (TMJ).
While orthodontics primarily used to target children and teens, the American Academy of Orthodontics reports that adults now make up close to 30% of orthodontic patients. New technology allows adults to correct orthodontic abnormalities without the visibility of traditional braces.
There are many types of orthodontics, including:
Traditional braces use metal brackets and wires to pull your teeth into alignment. This gradual tension straightens crooked teeth and corrects malocclusions (bad bites). Ceramic braces use the same concept, but their tooth-colored materials blend in better with the natural shade of your teeth.
While ceramic braces are more aesthetically pleasing, they aren’t as durable as metal brackets and wires. The team may recommend ceramic materials if you’re only treating the teeth in the front of your mouth.
Invisalign is a system of removable clear aligners. An alternative to braces, Invisalign is thin, clear, and molds to the natural shape and size of your teeth. You can remove your aligners to brush, floss, eat, and drink, making them a popular treatment for adults. In many cases, patients can straighten their teeth with Invisalign in just 6-18 months.
The team offers several removable appliances to ensure your newly straightened teeth remain in position. Hawley retainers, headgear, and facemasks help maintain your alignment after you complete treatment with braces or clear aligners.
The team at Queens Dental Group performs a complete orthodontic evaluation and discusses your options before recommending treatment.
The team may recommend orthodontic treatment if you have:
Orthodontics can also help treat chronic pain from temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Call Queens Dental Group today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about orthodontics.