Orthodontics Do More Than Straighten Teeth

Many patients think the only reason to visit an orthodontist is to get braces. This is the most popular aspect of orthodontics because it straightens people’s teeth and creates beautiful smiles.  However the reality is that it is used to accomplish far more than beautiful straight teeth.  Those who are suffering from a variety of oral health issues can benefit from working with an experienced orthodontist. 

It is fairly common for people to have challenges with their bite.  A misaligned bite is when the upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly.  This can lead to pain in the jaw and teeth and can make it difficult to eat properly.  An orthodontist has a variety of procedures that they can use to correct this problem and prevent bite issues. 

Another reason patients may need orthodontics is when their teeth come in improperly.  For example, when baby teeth fall out too soon the rest of the teeth can move out of place, and adult teeth can come in behind where they should, which is commonly referred to as overcrowding. Sometimes a spacer is the best way to treat this problem rather than traditional braces. 

As an expert in all forms of orthodontics, Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center can make recommendations about which procedure will help to correct your bite or your smile.  We offer traditional metal braces that can be used to straighten your teeth and adjust your bite at the same time.  This is a benefit to many patients as it involves one form of treatment for correcting multiple issues.  We also offer a variety of removable appliances that can be used to correct dental issues. 

Braces have improved significantly and if you decide to wear them it is important to know that they are more comfortable than they used to be.  A customized treatment plan will be created based on your needs and lifestyle so that they are as effective as possible. Invisalign may be the best option for adult patients who want to straighten their teeth without wearing metal braces. Invisalign is an excellent option for those who want to straighten their teeth without anyone noticing they are having a dental procedure performed.  With Invisalign a patient wears clear aligners that look like a clear retainer.  They fit completely around a person’s teeth and move them slowly into place without the need for constant adjustments.  This is one of the many ways that orthodontics has improved and provides people with more options than ever. 

Wearing braces or Invisalign may be unnecessary if you only have one or two teeth that need to be corrected.   Cosmetic dentistry may be the best solution if this is the case.  Dental veneers and dental implants can both be used to straighten teeth and improve their appearance without the need for ongoing treatment.  Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center offers both orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry and can customize treatment plans based on the individual patient’s needs.

The Many Benefits of Dental Veneers

Those who are looking to improve their teeth should try dental veneers.  This is an excellent option that makes transforming your smile while keeping your natural teeth possible.  As a cosmetic dentist, Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center provides a variety of options for restoring teeth and improving a person’s smile – dental veneers are one of them. 

If your tooth has been damaged in an accident it can be saved with help from a cosmetic dentist.  Previously, damaged teeth may have been pulled but now they are saved whenever possible.  This is a better and healthier solution that a cosmetic dentist can offer to patients.  Millions of people damage teeth in car wrecks, an accident at work or at home, a slip and fall accident, and more every year.  If you have a damaged tooth, visit a dentist right away to see how they can save your tooth.

When a cosmetic dentist uses dental veneers to save a damaged tooth they place the veneer on top of the existing tooth, so the root structure still needs to be intact.  The process is fairly straightforward.  A veneer is a thin shell that goes on top of a prepared (filed down) tooth in order to prefect its’ appearance and provide the stability the tooth needs in order to fully be prepared. 

Dental veneers can also be used for cosmetic purposes.  A dentist can use them to close gaps in between teeth, make teeth even in length, cover dark stains, and even straighten teeth.  This is an excellent option for those that don’t like their smile but want to keep their natural teeth in place. Veneers provide a dentist with the ability to improve a person’s smile without the need for oral surgery. 

To determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure, schedule an appointment with Vista Dental Care and Specialty Center. Our dentist will examine your teeth and gums, discuss the goals that you have for your smile, and determine if veneers are the best way to achieve them.  If it is decided that you could benefit from a dental veneer, a mold will be taken of your teeth so that the dental lab can create your veneers.  They will be matched in size, shape, and color to your existing teeth.  This way they will look completely natural once placed

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The teeth must be prepared before a dental veneer can be put in place.  This typically involves the dentist filing down the existing teeth and placing grooves on top of them.  Filing down the tooth is an essential step for ensuring that the veneer lays flat so that it fits perfectly with the gums.  The grooves serve to hold the cement glue in place so that the tooth and veneer can bond together. 

The entire procedure can be completed in two or three visits over the course of a month or two. It is reasonably fast for the dramatic results that dental veneers produce.  Once the veneers are secure and fully healed a person can eat all of their favorite foods and speak normally.  To learn more about our dental veneer services, call and schedule an appointment today.