Orthodontics Sudbury, MA

​Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that corrects teeth and jaws that are positioned improperly. Crooked teeth and teeth that do not fit together correctly are harder to keep clean and are at risk of being lost early due to tooth decay and gum disease. Malpositioned teeth can cause extra stress on the chewing muscles and can lead to headaches, TMJ syndrome, and neck, shoulder, and back pain. Crooked teeth can also detract from one’s appearance.

The benefits of orthodontic treatment include a healthier mouth, a more pleasing appearance, and teeth that are more likely to last a lifetime.

A specialist in this field is called an orthodontist. Orthodontists receive two or more years of education beyond their four years in dental school in an ADA-approved orthodontic training program.

How do I Know if I Need Orthodontic Treatment?

Based on diagnostic tools that include a full medical and dental health history, a clinical exam, imaging of your teeth, and X-rays and photographs, our orthodontist will decide whether orthodontics are recommended and develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.

If you have any of the following, you or your child may be a candidate for orthodontic treatment:

  • Overbite or “buck teeth” — the upper front teeth stick out over the lower teeth.
  • Underbite — the lower teeth are too far forward or the upper teeth are too far back.
  • Crossbite — a misalignment of teeth where upper teeth fit inside of lower teeth. This can affect a single tooth or groups of teeth, involving the front teeth, back teeth, or both.
Sudbury MA
  • Open bite — a space exists between the front or back teeth when you bite down.
  • Misplaced midline — the center of your upper front teeth does not line up with your lower front teeth.
  • Spacing — gaps or spaces appear between your teeth due to missing teeth or teeth that do not “fill up” the mouth.
  • Crowding — there are too many teeth for the dental ridge to accommodate and there are areas of overlapping.

How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?

Many different types of appliances, both fixed and removable, can be used to help move teeth, retrain muscles, and affect the growth of the jaws. These appliances work by placing gentle pressure on the teeth and jaws. The type and severity of your problem will determine the orthodontic approach used.

Sudbury MA

Fixed appliances include:

Braces:

The most common fixed appliances, braces consist of bands, wires, and/or brackets. Braces put gentle tension on the teeth to gradually move them to their proper position.

Special fixed appliances:

Used to control thumb sucking or tongue thrusting, these appliances are attached to the teeth by bands.

Fixed space maintainers:

If a baby tooth is lost prematurely, a space maintainer is used to keep the space open until the permanent tooth erupts.

Removable appliances include:

Invisalign clear aligners:

An alternative to traditional braces, serial aligners move teeth in the same way that fixed appliances work, only without metal wires and brackets.

Removable retainers:

Worn on the roof of the mouth, these devices prevent shifting of the teeth to their previous position.

Removable space maintainers:

Made with an acrylic base that fits over the jaw, these devices serve the same function as fixed space maintainers.

Palatal
expander:

This plastic plate that fits over the roof of the mouth is used to widen the arch of the upper jaw.

Headgear:

A strap is placed around the back of the head and attached to a metal wire or face bow in front to align the teeth and jaw.

Starting Your Orthodontic Journey

Your initial appointment at our Sudbury orthodontic office includes an initial exam. Our iTero® digital impression system allows us to create digital, 3D images of your teeth, so you don’t have to sit through a messy, uncomfortable impression process.

During your follow-up consult, your orthodontist will go over your orthodontic needs and discuss your recommended treatment plan in length. You’ll be able to choose which type of orthodontic treatment will best fit your needs and lifestyle.

Questions about Orthodontic Treatment?

Call our office today for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation at (978) 443-5431. Our Sudbury orthodontic office has flexible appointment times to accommodate your schedule.

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