Orthodontics Dental Columbia


Dr. Mark Guevarra

Dr. Mark Guevarra
Orthodontist In Ellicott City, MD

When we think of orthodontics and dental care in Columbia, we see how these two go hand in hand. At Level Orthodontics we know healthy teeth and having them in the right place are two things that go together. Every day we see patients who benefit from this comprehensive approach to dental health. The link between general dentistry and orthodontics equals better results for everyone.

A lot of people don’t know that orthodontic problems can directly affect their dental health. When teeth are too close together food and bacteria can get stuck in hard to reach places. Even if you brush your teeth well this can cause cavities and gum problems. We work with regular dentists to fix these issues. We sometimes need to make room before we can do dental work. Sometimes you need to get dental work done before you can start orthodontic care. This collaboration ensures the best results.

We see a lot of patients who put off getting braces for years. They thought their dental problems and alignment issues were two separate things. Then their dentist told them that crooked teeth made cavities come back. All of a sudden orthodontics was part of their goal for good dental health. We love when patients get the big picture in these situations. Proper alignment will protect their dental investments for years to come.

It’s easy to see how dental and orthodontic problems are connected when you have bite problems. When you don’t bite right your teeth wear down unevenly. Some teeth are under more stress than they should be. This causes chips, cracks and early wear. We often see patients who need crowns or fillings on the same teeth. These tooth problems go away once we fix their bite. The teeth finally work together like they were meant to.

Our Columbia office works with many other dental offices in the area. Patients who need a lot of care benefit from this network. Dentists send us complicated cases for special care. We send patients back for regular checkups and cleanings while they are getting braces. This collaborative approach keeps your teeth healthy while they are being aligned. Providers talk to each other to make sure nothing is missed. We work with oral surgeons to deliver Surgical Orthodontics for complicated cases that need jaw surgery.

Timing is everything when it comes to combining dental and orthodontic treatment. Sometimes we have to fill voids before we put in appliances. In some cases we need to move teeth first. We look at each situation closely to figure out the best order. If you rush into treatment without a plan things can get more complicated than they need to be. We take our time to make sure everything is right from the start.

Adults who want orthodontic treatment often already have dental work done. People are worried about how crowns, bridges or implants will affect their options. In most cases we can work around these restorations. We can move teeth without hurting dental work with special techniques. We can even make old restorations fit and work better sometimes. Planning and knowledge is key to any situation.

We believe preventive care will save you time and money in the long run. It’s just easier to keep your teeth clean when they’re straight. Getting your teeth in the right place reduces the chance of dental problems in the future. Many people say they need fewer dental treatments after getting braces. Their hygienist sees their gums are healthier after each cleaning. These benefits last for decades after treatment is done.

Many families are worried about the cost of getting both dental and orthodontic care at the same time. We help people figure out what their insurance will pay for both treatments. Some plans pay for orthodontics and dental care separately. Some put them all together under one yearly limit. We help patients get the most out of both areas. Payment plans make it easier to get full care.

Level Orthodontics has strict rules for safety and infection prevention. We follow the same or stricter rules than the dental industry requires. We thoroughly clean our equipment between patients. We try to use things that can be thrown away. These steps keep patients healthy while they are in treatment. Our top priority in everything we do is always safety.