Woman Smiling in Dental Office

The Hidden Benefits of Orthodontics Beyond Aesthetic Appeal

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The main purpose of orthodontics is to realign teeth, and that hasn’t changed. But there are additional, “hidden” benefits that go along with orthodontic treatment that aren’t as obvious as the improvement in the outward appearance reaped by successful orthodontic treatment. From improved health to better function, orthodontics can have a significant impact on overall well-being.

Improved Oral Health

Crooked or misaligned teeth can make it difficult to clean your teeth properly, leading to a higher risk of cavities, gum disease and bad breath. Straightening your teeth with braces in Overland Park, KS or clear aligners helps ensure that each tooth is properly aligned, making brushing and flossing easier and more effective. This can result in healthier teeth and gums, literally reducing the likelihood of dental issues in the future.

Better Functionality

Orthodontic treatment can also improve the functionality of your bite. When teeth are properly aligned, it reduces unnecessary stress on the jaw, teeth, and gums. Bite problems like overbites, underbites, or crossbites can cause issues like difficulty chewing, speaking, and even breathing.

Reduced Risk of Jaw Issues

Misaligned teeth can put extra strain on the jaw, leading to conditions like temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. TMJ can cause pain, clicking sounds, headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth. By straightening the teeth and aligning the jaw, orthodontic treatment can reduce the risk of developing TMJ issues, improving overall comfort and function.

Improved Self-Confidence

While the cosmetic benefits of orthodontics are well-known, having straight teeth can also lead to increased self-confidence. A healthier, more attractive smile really can improve how a person feels about themselves, boosting social interactions and personal confidence.

Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS offers much more than just aesthetic improvements—orthodontics can enhance health, function and well-being in ways that patients might not even realize. Contact us today to book your appointment.

What to Expect: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Orthodontic Treatment Process

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For most patients, they only get to see the “front-facing” part of the orthodontic treatment in Overland Park, KS. But sometimes, having a clearer view of what’s happening behind the scenes from the orthodontist’s perspective helps patients and their parents to better understand what to expect. Here’s a step-by-step look at the orthodontic process.

Initial Consultation and Assessment

The first step in orthodontic treatment is the consultation. During this visit, the orthodontist will thoroughly assess the teeth, jaw alignment and overall oral health. This might include X-rays, 3D scans or digital impressions to help create a detailed treatment plan that aligns with expectations.

Planning the Treatment

Once the assessment is complete, your orthodontist will create a customized treatment plan. This plan will outline the type of orthodontic appliance best suited to your needs and an anticipated timeline for treatment.

Placement of Braces or Aligners

If traditional braces are the plan, the next step is placing the brackets and wires. This is a primarily painless procedure, though there may be some discomfort as the braces are adjusted. For clear aligners, the process involves taking detailed impressions of your teeth to create custom trays.

Adjustments and Check-ups

Regular check-ups are necessary throughout treatment to monitor progress and make adjustments. For traditional braces, this typically means tightening or replacing the wires every 4-6 weeks or so. With clear aligners, a new set is given at regular intervals to continue shifting the teeth into position.

Completion and Retention

After the desired results are achieved, the braces or aligners are removed, and retainers are used to maintain the new alignment.

At Bulleigh Orthodontics, we believe in treatment transparency, and understanding the steps involved can help demystify the orthodontic treatment process. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS to learn more.

Early Orthodontic Intervention: Why Kids Should See an Orthodontist Early

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Many parents believe that they don’t have to think about the possibility of their child needing braces until their child is in their pre-teens or teenage years. And this used to be the case. But more recent information in the field of orthodontics indicates real benefits of early orthodontic treatment in Overland Park, KS, as early as age seven.

Identifying and Preventing Bite Problems

At around age seven, children’s mouths are still developing, making it an ideal time to identify any potential bite issues. Early orthodontic exams allow orthodontists to spot problems like overbites, underbites and crossbites, which can lead to serious dental and jaw problems if left untreated. Catching these issues early makes it easier to guide the teeth and jaw into their proper positions before permanent damage occurs.

Guiding Proper Tooth Development

When children have crowded or crooked teeth, early orthodontic intervention can create the necessary space for proper tooth eruption. Addressing alignment issues early on can reduce the need for more intensive treatment later, including the use of full braces or tooth extractions.

Promoting Better Oral Health

Early intervention can significantly improve long-term oral health. Correcting misalignment at an early age helps ensure better tooth cleaning and reduces the risk of cavities, gum disease, and wear on teeth. By creating a better alignment, children are also less likely to experience discomfort caused by bite problems as they grow older.

Reaping Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Lastly, early treatment can really boost a child’s confidence. When teeth and bites are corrected early, children are less likely to experience bullying or feel self-conscious about their appearance, fostering better mental well-being.

Incorporating early orthodontic exams as part of a child’s dental care routine can help pave the way for healthier smiles and more effective treatment in the future. Contact your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS to learn more.

Early Ortho

What is Early Intervention Orthodontics?

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In the past, orthodontics were reserved for teenagers. Adolescence is a time when the teeth and jaw are still developing, and it’s considered easier to gently adjust teeth into better alignment. More recently, adults who were unable to get orthodontics for some reason in their teen years have been able to get successful results from braces in Overland Park, KS. Now, orthodontists are able to treat kids younger than teens with orthodontics. This is called intervention orthodontics, and it’s highly beneficial for children who are on track to develop more serious alignment troubles later on.

What is Early Intervention Orthodontics?

Early intervention orthodontics, or early treatment, as it’s often called, is a means of addressing orthodontic issues that can negatively impact a youngster’s oral health in later stages of development. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend that parents should bring in their child for an orthodontic evaluation at about age seven. This is a good time for the orthodontist in Overland Park, KS to be able to determine if issues are developing, and the best time for that treatment to begin. Keep in mind that just because a child comes in at age seven doesn’t necessarily mean that orthodontic treatment will begin at age seven. It’s possible that the orthodontist will recommend waiting some time before treatment. It all depends upon the individual circumstances.

What Issues Can be Identified by an Evaluation?

The orthodontist will carefully examine your child’s teeth, gums and jaw during this evaluation. You may be surprised to learn that a great many potential problems can be identified at this stage, including the potential for overcrowding, alignment issues and jaw trouble.

If you’d like to bring your child in to be evaluated for early intervention orthodontics in Overland Park, KS, contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today to book an appointment.

Treatment Options for a Misaligned Jaw

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If you are having bite issues, you might have a misaligned jaw. Your orthodontist in Overland Park, KS, will perform an exam and provide you with your treatment options.

But first, let’s go over some basics of a malocclusion (misaligned jaw), what causes it to occur, the problems it causes, and general treatment options.

What Is a Malocclusion?

A malocclusion, usually called a misaligned jaw or a misaligned bite, is when your upper and lower teeth aren’t properly aligned when your mouth is closed. So basically, you have a bad bite.

What Causes a Malocclusion?

A malocclusion in Overland Park, KS, can be caused by a head, mouth, or face injury, oral tumors, an impacted tooth, airway obstruction, or a genetic condition.

What Problems Do Malocclusions Cause?

Untreated malocclusions can lead to other oral issues.

For example,

  • Chewing and speaking problems.
  • Oral pain.
  • Sleep apnea.
  • Temporomandibular joint disorder (TND).
  • Cosmetic dental issues.
  • Increased chances of developing more severe dental problems.

Treatment Options for a Misaligned Jaw

How your orthodontist treats your misaligned jaw will depend on how severe your issues are and what is causing them.

But here is a general overview of the most commonly used treatments for misaligned jaw issues.

  • Traditional braces with metal brackets and wires.
  • Upper jaw expander with a wireframe device that is placed on the top of your mouth to widen it. It is used to correct an overbite.
  • Headgear braces, along with straps that are placed outside of your mouth and around your head.
  • Reverse pull face mask with braces placed on your upper back teeth with straps placed outside your mouth and around your head.

Contact a Reputable Orthodontist in Overland Park, KS

A misaligned jaw can lead to more severe oral issues if not treated. Please Contact Bulleigh Orthodontics today to schedule an exam and learn about your treatment options.