Orthodontists In Atlanta

Orthodontics is a specialized area of dentistry that focuses on correcting teeth and jaws that are mispositioned. Patients with teeth that aren’t positioned properly don’t just struggle cosmetically, they are also at greater risk of dental health problems like oral diseases and tooth decay. The ultimate goal of orthodontics is to create a healthy bite – one that our Atlanta patients can take pride in.

What Orthodontics Can Solve

Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children. In fact, it’s becoming standard for teens and adults with established dental problems to seek professional care. Even older patients who have lived with advanced stages of gum disease can use it to reverse the effects of drifting teeth.

This corrective dental work can be beneficial for people of all ages, particularly those who commonly experience or have any of the following:

• Overbite, underbite, or crossbite
• Upper and lower teeth don’t touch
• Spacing or crowding issues
• Asymmetry issues (midline)
• Problems chewing or speaking
• Gingivitis and gum disease
• Poor facial aesthetics
• Problems with secondary teeth

Patients with any of the above may also experience headaches, neck pain, or shoulder and back pain.

Orthodontic Treatment Options

Atlanta Smiles help to diagnose orthodontal issues and guide patients through the treatment process. Since every patient is unique, treatment will be tailored to meet your specific needs and long-term dental goals. This may include:

• Brackets and wires
• Traditional braces (commonly used for children)
• Clear aligners (recommended for adults)
• Retainers
• Headgear

Each type of orthodontic treatment has its own pros and cons. Traditional braces may be less expensive than clear aligners (i.e. Invisalign) but will be less subtle and comfortable. While each of these treatments are effective, the best course of action comes down to preference and capability of the patient.

For example, clear aligners may not be the most suitable option for someone who struggles with accountability – or someone who is worried they will remove their clear aligners on a regular basis due to discomfort or embarrassment. Braces, on the other hand, are much more limiting in terms of what a patient can eat because of their composition.

The benefits of treatment go beyond the prevention of tooth decay, tooth loss, cavities, and gum disease. It can also help patients avoid further injury from protruding teeth, promote digestive health, and prevent bone erosion. Not to mention, people who are confident about the way they look tend to be happier and more productive.

Preparing for Your Dental Treatment

Before you can get started with treatment, it is important to have a full consultation and examination with one of our dental specialists. This usually involves looking at your teeth and gums, discussing your oral care, taking dental x-rays, and taking any necessary molds. All of this will help determine the severity of any positioning problems and be used to create a personalized treatment plan.

Throughout treatment, it’s important to meet with your Atlanta dentist on a regular basis to make any adjustments and monitor your oral health. Patients should expect to see their orthodontist every couple of weeks until the treatment concludes. These visits will also help ensure your treatment is working properly and that no additional dental work is necessary.

Most patients find that, after treatment, their quality of life significantly improves. They can live free of dental complications and daily activities like eating and socializing are done with ease. Not to mention, regular oral care becomes much less of a hassle because your mouth is strong and balanced.

Investing in your oral health won’t just improve your visual appearance, it will also improve your self-esteem. Ready to achieve a healthy and beautiful smile? Call us at (404) 262-7733 to learn more about our orthodontic treatments and get your oral health back on track today.