Orthodontics Pikesville
Over the years, orthodontics in Pikesville has changed a lot and we at Level Orthodontics have seen it happen. We know that orthodontic treatment is more than just straight teeth. It’s healthier mouth, more confidence, better life. Every day we see how having teeth and jaws in the right place improves our patients’ health.
A lot of people don’t really understand what orthodontics is until they start getting treatment. We say orthodontics is all about moving teeth and jaws in a controlled way to fix their positions. You have to go to school for years after dental school to become an expert in this field. We research how bones grow, how the face grows and how the body moves. With that information we can predict how teeth will move and plan therapies based on that.
We find patients who put off getting orthodontic care because they think it’s not necessary. Some people think braces are only for kids and teens. Some people think their condition is too complex or the treatment takes too long. We show these patients how modern orthodontics can help people of all ages. More and more adults are getting treatment and it’s working. Age doesn’t stop us from doing things if we plan ahead and are patient.
A lot of our patients are interested in how teeth move. We talk about how mild steady pressure makes bones slowly change shape. The body breaks down bone on one side and builds it up on the other. Most of the time this natural process allows changes to happen without surgery. Patients can understand why treatment takes time if they know this biology. If you hurry the process it could hurt the roots and other structures that support them.
Our Pikesville office sees a wide range of patients with different orthodontic needs. Some patients have a little crowding that makes them feel less sure of themselves. Some people have serious bite problems that hurt and make it hard to do things. We see kids with problems that are getting worse who would benefit from early intervention. Adults come with problems they’ve put up with for years. Every case needs to be looked at carefully and a treatment plan made just for it.
A lot of parents ask when their kids should start getting braces. We recommend first evaluations around age 7. Not everyone will start treatment right away though. Early evaluation helps find problems that are getting worse. It’s easier to fix some problems when you’re growing. You can wait to deal with other issues until all of your permanent teeth come in. We help families make these time choices based on their own situations.
Many patients are surprised by how orthodontics affects their overall health. Teeth that are not in the right place make it easy for bacteria to build up. This increases the chance of cavities and gum disease. Biting the wrong way can cause teeth to wear down unevenly and difficulties with the jaw joint. Some people get headaches and neck pain because of problems with their bite. Fixing alignment takes care of these health issues and makes you look better. We have several therapy options including Clear Aligners for those who want to keep their problems private.
Level Orthodontics wants to make treatment available to everyone who needs it. We know getting braces is a big expense. We help families find ways to pay for things that fit their budget. Over the years orthodontic insurance benefits have gotten better. We help patients understand these benefits and make the most of them. Families can spread out the payments over time with payment plans.
Today technology has changed the way we do orthodontics. Digital scanning gets the exact placement of teeth without making a mess with impressions. Computer programs help us plan what to do and guess what will happen. New materials make gadgets work better and feel better. These improvements make patients’ experience better and treatments work better. But technology can never replace the compassion and knowledge that makes good care.
We love the relationships we build with our patients during orthodontic treatment. Regular visits over months or years help people get to know and trust each other. At each appointment we celebrate how far we’ve come and make changes to our plan as needed. During these appointments patients tell us about their lives. We find out about their goals, triumphs and problems. This personal connection makes the treatment better for everyone involved.