Common Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist in Toledo, OH

Orthodontic services focus on the diagnosis and treatment of misaligned teeth and jaws. Depending on the individual orthodontic issues that each patient is dealing with, will depend on the type of service that may be recommended:

Braces: There are several different methods of braces that are available from traditional metal braces, to clear braces. Whichever method of braces you use, they are used to help overly crowded, overly spaced, or misaligned teeth/jaws with a wire-type brace.

Headgear: Orthodontic dental headgear uses a type of appliance that puts pressure on the mouth or jaw to help correct the bite while supporting proper jaw alignment and growth. You may have often seen headgear applied as a strap around the head, more modern appliances are now often seen as an interior device within the mouth.

Removable appliances: Removable appliances included several different types like mouthguards, retainers, glides, or dentures. Depending on the dental issues that a patient may be dealing with, one of the above appliances will be recommended as a need for extra support without the need for a permanent fixture.

Retainers: Retainers are individually made based on an oral impression of the teeth which is sent to a lab to be created out of wire or clear hard plastic to help pull the teeth into a certain position. Oral retainers may be recommended after surgery or after a method of realignment like braces.

Oral surgery: Oral surgery is considered when several different medical treatments are needed to help modify the teeth, gums, and jaw.

An orthodontist is considered a dentist that has gone further with their education and training to become specialized in the medical field of health. They diagnose, prevent, and treat oral health issues of the teeth and jaw. Often orthodontists help to treat existing oral conditions while identifying any problems that may develop in the patient in the future. Orthodontists work with individuals of any age to help them reach their oral health goals.

Orthodontists will use specialized techniques and treatments with certain appliances to help their patients’ teeth. Some of the issues they can treat include:

• Crooked teeth
• Overcrowded teeth
• Over spaced teeth
• Jaw misalignment
• Overbite
• Underbite
• Crossbite

Clear braces are aligners that put pressure on the teeth gradually to move them into a certain position. At Great Smiles Family Dentistry, we use Invisalign clear braces which are a package of clear aligners that have been created and customized to fit your teeth to help slowly move them into position for a straighter, more beautiful smile. To get these customize aligners we take an impression of your teeth which is sent out to the lab to be created.

Invisalign is completed within a series of trays which are often replaced on average every 1 to 2 weeks to continue the teeth straightening process. Each replacement of Invisalign clear aligners will feel a bit tighter than the last as it provides more pressure to your teeth to shift them into position.

It is best if you book a consultation appointment to review your oral health, and any other concerns can be brought up at this time. As well, a treatment plan will be recommended to help meet your teeth’ result in goals.

Great Smiles Family Dentistry dental clinics have specialized orthodontists in the office to help with your orthodontic needs. Visit one of our locations today to see a qualified and knowledgeable orthodontist answer any questions or concerns you may have in regards to your oral health. We are available Monday to Friday for your convenience. We serve patients from Toledo OH, Oregon OH, Ottawa Hills OH, Perrysburg OH, Woodhurst OH, Sylvania OH, Shoreland OH, and BEYOND!