Orthodontics does more than improve the look of your smile.

If you’re looking to straighten your teeth for a picture-perfect smile, or looking to fix your current bite, the Tooth Doc Orthodontist in Omaha, NE, has many options to help you achieve what you’re looking for. But straight teeth aren’t just about aesthetics. Read on to discover why orthodontic care goes beyond having that selfie-worthy smile.

Benefits of Straight Teeth

Having straight teeth has more benefits than just cosmetic ones. While having straight teeth can give you a boost of confidence, straight teeth can also help with having a proper bite. 

If your teeth are aligned properly, the lower teeth will protect your tongue, and your upper teeth will prevent you from biting your lips and cheeks. A properly aligned bite can make it easier for you to brush your teeth, leading to better overall oral health. A proper bite can also create less stress on the jaw muscles and tendons, preventing a painful temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).

If you have a bite that isn’t properly aligned, it can lead to problems biting and chewing, teeth grinding, and even difficulties in speaking and breathing.

More Than Just Braces

When people think about straightening their smile, they often think about traditional metal braces. While those are still used widely to straighten teeth, the dental industry has made  leaps and bounds with dental technology and offers many new orthodontic treatments for those people who are looking to straighten their teeth. 

At Tooth Doc Orthodontist, we stay up-to-date on the latest in orthodontic treatments, making us your go-to orthodontist for all of your needs, whether you’re a child, teen, or adult. Here are a few.

Traditional Braces

Many people who need a fix to an orthodontic issue opt for traditional braces. Traditional braces are made of metal and use pressure to move teeth to where they need to be in alignment with the jaw. Traditional braces usually use metal or tooth-colored brackets that are cemented to the teeth and then connected by wire and rubber bands. Your dental professional regularly tightens the wire, which creates pressure and slowly moves the teeth and jaw into alignment. Occasionally, the brackets are adhered to the back of the teeth for a no-show treatment variation.

Clear Aligners

If traditional metal braces aren’t what you are looking for, you can consider clear aligners. Clear aligners are custom designed for your mouth to gradually shape your smile. There are no metal brackets or wires, and they are clear, so your aligners will be virtually invisible. You are able to enjoy the foods and beverages you always have because, unlike traditional metal braces, you can just pop out your aligners and enjoy. (Afterwards, you’ll need to brush your teeth and pop the aligners back in!)

Space Maintainers

A space maintainer is used to hold a space for permanent teeth. They are often used in children when baby teeth are lost prematurely, for instance. The space maintainer is used to keep the space open between two teeth before a permanent adult tooth comes in. Space maintainers can help prevent overcrowding, leaving room for adult teeth to erupt into the proper place.

Palatal Expanders

A palatal expander is used to widen the upper jaw of a patient so that the lower and upper teeth will fit together, creating a better bite. It is a common orthodontic procedure, and is often done on children between the ages of 8 and 18. Normally after a palatal expander is used, braces are then used to straighten the teeth.

Choosing the Tooth Doc Orthodontist

If you are looking to straighten your smile, come visit the team at Tooth Doc Orthodontist to discuss your treatment options. Our orthodontist Dr. Leslie has a wealth of experience. Plus,  you’ll be able to get all of your dental needs taken care of in one office, since your dentist is here too! Give us a call today or request an appointment online.