Why You Need Orthodontic Care

Wazio Orthodontics

Oral health is a window into your overall health. Orthodontic treatment helps ensure proper function of teeth and creates healthy smiles. A good bite makes it easier for you to chew and speak. Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel which can lead to extensive and expensive dental procedures. Orthodontic treatment can yield life-enhancing results: better function (biting, chewing, speaking).

In the simplest terms, orthodontics refers to “straightening” your teeth. While this may not sound important, it actually has a significant impact on your oral health and appearance. People who have crowded or crooked teeth often develop issues with their gums and jawbones which can lead to pain and discomfort. If the teeth are crooked, they can begin to grow in funny ways. This can lead to more issues down the line such as chipped or worn tooth enamel. Gum recession and fractures around the roots of your teeth where it attaches into your jawbone can also occur. You may even discover worse problems with decay from food being trapped between uneven surfaces. 

In addition to being uncomfortable or causing issues with eating and speaking, crooked teeth have been known to cause other health problems such as headaches from pinching on nerves. Crooked teeth can even cause back pain from a misaligned bite which puts pressure on the spine. In some cases, it can also cause issues with your sinuses due to poor air circulation in and out of the nose. While these are not always directly related to crooked teeth, they may be exacerbated by them so it’s best to get those pearly whites straightened out!

The bottom line is that orthodontic care is not something you should avoid. If you recognize any of these signs or concerns below in your child or yourself, it might be time to schedule a consultation with Dr. Wazio.

• Early or late loss of baby teeth 
• Difficulty chewing or biting 
• Mouth breathing 
• Sucking the thumb or fingers, or other oral habits 
• Crowded, misplaced or blocked-out teeth 
• Jaws that shift, make sounds, protrude, or are recessed 
• Speech difficulty 
• Biting the cheek or biting into the roof of the mouth 
• Protruding teeth 
• Teeth that meet in an abnormal way or don’t meet at all 
• Facial imbalance or asymmetry
  
• Grinding or clenching of teeth 
• Inability to comfortably close lips

Even if the only thing that bothers you about your smile or bite is a little bit of crookedness in a few teeth, it’s still worth getting them straightened out as soon as possible.

Orthodontic treatment is not a quick fix. It is a complex biological process. It involves changes in jaw bones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. Your care often starts with a thorough examination of the teeth and mouth, and study of dental records such as x-rays, photos, and models of the teeth. From this, Dr. Wazio can develop your custom treatment plan.

There are a few different options for treatment, but the most common include braces and Invisalign. You can talk with Dr. Wazio about which option is right for you.

Traditional Silver Braces: These are the most common type of braces. Made of nickel-free high-grade steel, they are much smaller and more comfortable than those in the past. We offer a variety of colored elastics which may be changed at most appointments.

Ceramic (Clear) Braces: Made of a translucent tooth colored material, these are the most popular among adult patients. They are difficult to see unless you are extremely near the patient's teeth. However, the brackets are more fragile, and the elastic ties can become discolored between appointments.

Invisalign: The Invisalign System for adults is a series of clear, removable templates that fit over the teeth. Generated by computer simulation, they gradually move the teeth for the correction of some bite problems. Dr. Wazio is a Invisalign Certified Orthodontist.

LightForce Braces: LightForce 3D Brackets are a translucent, more aesthetic, option that blends in with the natural color of your teeth. Ergonomically designed, indirect bonding trays are 3D printed for each patient, providing superior placement accuracy. Intuitive digital treatment planning software enables Dr. Wazio to create, adjust, and approve your treatment plan quickly and efficiently.

Few people are lucky enough to have perfect teeth, but orthodontic treatment can make a dramatic difference to you or your child. The team at Wazio Orthodontics only recommends and uses the highest quality, clinically proven best treatments for our patients. Investing in high quality braces and materials will lead to the best, fastest, healthiest results.

Remember to keep your scheduled appointments, advise your Dr. Wazio of any problems that may occur between appointments, watch what you eat and drink, and brush and floss as instructed. It’s worth the effort to reach the goal you and your Wazio Orthodontics share...giving you a healthy smile that will last a lifetime.