Orthodontics Dental Catonsville
The connection between orthodontics and dental health in Catonsville means you can get full mouth treatment. We work with general dentists at Level Orthodontics to make sure our patients get all the care they need. We know having straight teeth means nothing if they’re not healthy. This way of working together is good for everyone but especially for the patients who trust us with their smile.
Many people don’t know how orthodontic issues can hurt their teeth. In some places it’s almost impossible to clean and floss when your teeth are crowded. Patients get frustrated when they keep getting cavities in the same spots. Their dentist tries to help but even the best hygienist has trouble cleaning between teeth that are too close together. These tooth problems generally go away once we make the space. Patients finally get the clean, healthy lips they’ve been working for.
We work with dental offices in Catonsville on a regular basis to make sure treatments are scheduled at the right times. Before we can put on braces, teeth may need to be fixed. You need to fill cavities and treat gum disease first. Sometimes we reposition teeth into better places before we do dental work. To get the best results this order is important. We talk to our dental partners all the time about patients we both see.
When you have bite problems it’s easy to see how dental and orthodontic care are related. An improper bite puts uneven pressure on teeth over time which can harm them. Some teeth wear down faster than others. More often than not cracks and chips happen. Dentists fix this damage but it comes back because they don’t fix the root cause. We fix the bite so the teeth work together like they should. This stops harm to teeth in the future and protects work that’s already been done.
Level Orthodontics sees a lot of adults who have had a lot of dental work done in the past. They have crowns, bridges, fillings and sometimes implants. They’re afraid their orthodontic options are limited because of work that’s already been done on their teeth. We tell them most dental work will work with braces. We have ways to reposition teeth without hurting any work that’s already been done. Orthodontics can sometimes make dental restorations fit and work better.
Many parents want to know how their child’s dental appointments and orthodontic care are related. We want to stress that both are still important during treatment. With braces regular dental cleanings are even more important. Food and plaque can build up around wires and brackets. Professional cleanings get rid of buildup that brushing alone can’t. We teach people how to keep their mouths clean but dentists do the deep cleaning that’s good for health. We work with oral surgeons and dentists to plan Surgical Orthodontics for extreme cases when jaw alignment needs surgery.
Combining orthodontic and dental care is a way to save money in the long run. Teeth that are straight are less likely to rot than teeth that are crooked. Correct bites mean you won’t need as many dental repairs in the future. After orthodontic treatment many people say they have less dental problems. Their investment in alignment pays off later when they have to pay less for dental work. Insurance companies are starting to see these links more and more and are changing their policies to cover them.
We like how general dentists find orthodontic problems early on. They find problems that are getting worse in young children during regular exams. Early referrals help us schedule treatment at the right times. We sometimes watch growth for years before we start treatment. This strategy of monitoring and waiting based on what the dentist sees leads to better results. The collaboration between dentists and orthodontists is especially beneficial for children.
Technology makes it easier for us to share information with other dentists. Digital records can be sent between offices instantly. X-rays and pictures show how things are going for everyone. When everyone has access to the same information treatment works together better. This integration of technology improves patient care and reduces duplication. Patients like not having to do tests or treatments again and again.
We care about more than just making sure your teeth are straight. We teach patients how what they eat affects their teeth and gums. We talk about habits that are bad for both your teeth and your braces. Grinding, gripping and biting your nails can make treatment less effective. We help patients overcome these problems. To be successful you need to deal with all the things that affect dental health.
