Orthodontics Dental Woodlawn
The link between orthodontics and dental health in Woodlawn means everyone in the area can have full oral treatment. We work with general dentists at Level Orthodontics to make sure all our patients’ oral health needs are met. We know having straight teeth means nothing if they’re not strong and healthy. Working together on dental and orthodontic care gives our patients better results.
Many people don’t realise at first how orthodontic problems can affect their dental health. When teeth are too close together they create narrow gaps where food and bacteria can hide for a long time. We see people who clean and floss their teeth every day but yet get cavities in the same places over and over. Their dentist cleans these areas professionally but it’s almost impossible to keep them clean every day. Once we fix the spacing with orthodontic treatment these long term dental problems often disappear on their own. Patients finally get the clean, healthy lips they’ve been working towards for years.
We plan treatments with dental locations all over Woodlawn. Before we can put on orthodontic appliances some patients need to have their cavities filled. Others need periodontal care to keep their gums healthy before their teeth start to move. We may need to move teeth initially to make room for dental work. We get the best results if we do this in the right order. We keep everyone up to date and on the same page by talking to each other regularly.
When you look at worn teeth you can see how bite problems can lead to dental deterioration. Bad bites make chewing forces uneven in the mouth. Some teeth take a lot of pressure while others barely touch. Over time this imbalance creates wear and tear, chips and breaks. Dentists fix this damage over and over again but the problems keep coming back because they don’t fix the alignment issue that caused them in the first place. We fix the bite so all the teeth share the forces correctly and they’re safe from damage in the future.
Many parents want to know how to meet their kids’ dental and orthodontic needs in a way that works. We want to stress that both kinds of care are still important during childhood and adolescence. Regular visits to the dentist can find problems early on, before they get worse. Even if you take good care of your teeth at home professional cleanings get rid of plaque and tartar that builds up. These dental appointments become even more important when you’re getting braces. We have braces that need special care when cleaning which makes professional dental care very important.
Level Orthodontics works with individuals who have had dental problems for several years. These people have crowns, bridges, big fillings and sometimes even dental implants. They’re concerned that previous dental work will limit their options for orthodontic treatment. We tell them that most restorations work well with adequate planning for orthodontics. We can reposition teeth without damaging costly dental work with special methods. Sometimes orthodontic treatment makes existing restorations fit and work better together.
The long term savings from combining orthodontic and dental care are significant. It’s just easier to clean straight teeth every day. Proper bites reduce the number of times you need to have dental work done because of wear and tear. Many people say after getting braces they have fewer cavities and dental emergencies. Their investment in alignment pays off by reducing dental bills for years. Insurance companies are starting to see these links more clearly and are changing their coverage to reflect it.
We like how general dentists find orthodontic problems during regular checkups. They see problems starting to happen in young patients and help them get help early. These timely recommendations let us plan treatment at the best times for growth. We may watch growth for a few years before starting treatment. Dentists and orthodontists working together get the best results.
Technology makes it easy for dental and orthodontic specialists to talk to each other. Digital records are sent immediately for planning and consultations. X-rays and pictures show progress that all providers can see. When everyone has access to the same up to date information treatment strategies work together better. This integration makes things more efficient and ensures nothing is missed. Patients benefit from fewer tests that are done over and over again. Not just straight teeth.