Orthodontic Treatment Options
While proper dental hygiene can protect you from tooth decay and gum disease, you may still find your teeth growing crooked or crowded. When your smile begins to lose shape, the solution is orthodontics.
Orthodontics is a dentistry specialization that focuses on treatment of malpositioned teeth and jaws. Millions of people regardless of race, gender, or age have malpositioned teeth of varying degrees. While many instances are minor and barely noticeable, others are much more severe and require intensive orthodontic care for treatment and repair.
A well-shaped healthy set of teeth not only boosts confidence but also creates a good impression as well. At Alaska Dental Associates, Dr. Triggs has been providing orthodontics in Anchorage and the surrounding area for more than thirty years. Our patients trust us to turn their crooked smiles straight again, and we hope you’ll join the ranks of happy customers.
We proudly offer both adult braces and Six Month Smiles® in our office!
Types of Orthodontic Issues
The primary concept of orthodontics treatment is straightening and reshaping the teeth in a natural manner over a long period of time by consistently applying light pressure to the malpositioned teeth. This process is not as simple as it sounds, and the treatment style varies according to the orthodontic problems you are experiencing.
Orthodontic treatments are long-term processes that require frequent visits. Typical treatment time is two years, and the length of time required may increase or decrease based on multiple factors. Below are described some of the most common orthodontic problems (known as malocclusions) that we encounter in patients.
If you’re suffering from any of the problems discussed below, it might be time for you to visit an orthodontist in Anchorage, and we hope you’ll choose Dr. Triggs.
Overjet
Overjet is the term is used for the specific type of malocclusion that occurs when the distance between the lower and upper incisors is more than 2-3 mm. Overjet is usually more common among young children.
Overbite
The term overbite is used to refer to the overlapping of the lower front teeth by the upper front teeth. In addition to being unaesthetic, overbites can cause speech troubles and jaw pain.
Crossbite
A crossbite is similar to an overbite but is used to particularly specify the lateral misalignment between dental arches on the sides. This gives the external appearance as if the teeth have been forcefully caved in and is very undesirable to look at. Crossbites also have two further variations: buccal and lingual.
Open Bite
Open bites are a severe form of malocclusion that is complex and time-consuming to repair and reposition. An open bite refers to when the teeth fail to touch, even if the jaw is closed. An open bite can be either anterior or posterior, depending on whether the front or back teeth are affected.
Crowding
To put it in simple terms, crowding is when one or more teeth do not have enough space to align. Early loss of deciduous teeth and delayed eruptions are the most prevalent orthodontic crowding problems. Crowding is the most common reason for braces, and if left untreated it can lead to tooth decay because the overlapping of teeth makes proper brushing and flossing nearly impossible
Appliances Used in Orthodontia
The goal of orthodontic care is to reposition teeth in order to correct malpositioning. This is accomplished through the use of orthodontic appliances, such as braces, to create slow, steady pressure over a number of months in order to gradually reposition the teeth.
Once upon a time, orthodontic care was as painful a process as it was lengthy. Thanks to innovations in modern dental technology, orthodontics have come a long way since then. There are now a variety of appliances used by orthodontic specialists around the world that are inexpensive, easy to use, and most importantly, subtle.
While typical metal braces are still a common choice, a number of other options are available to those looking for orthodontics in Anchorage. These include clear braces, clear aligners, and lingual braces—all options for those looking for a more invisible orthodontic appliance. One especially promising alternative to traditional braces here at Alaska Dental Associates is Six Month Smiles®, an orthodontic procedure that straightens teeth faster than typical.
Post Orthodontic care
Orthodontics is a life-long commitment, and taking care to maintain the shape of your teeth is required at all times. Retainers are very important appliances in orthodontic care that hold the reshaped teeth in place and prevent further deformation. While new bone is growing to support your teeth, they will naturally try to drift back to their old position. Using your retainer is the surest way to keep this from happening and preserve your brand new smile.
Schedule Your Ortho Consult in Anchorage Today
The team at Alaska Dental Associates is here to give you the best smile you can get. If you need orthodontic care in Anchorage or the nearby region, contact us to learn how we can help you straighten up your smile once and for all.