OK, it’s not really Straight Teeth Month, but it is National Orthodontic Health Month. This isn’t one of the better-known “national” months, but it’s an important one nevertheless. Some 1.2 million adults are undergoing orthodontic treatment to align their teeth. At Edgewood Dental Care in Edgewood, KY, Dr. Kevin McMahon knows how crucial properly aligned teeth are to a person’s smile and comfort.
Alignment Is The Name Of The Game
Teeth that are properly aligned have the right distance between them and their neighbors, not too crowded or spaced too widely. They present a pretty uniform “arch” of teeth – the teeth aren’t angled forward or back, or twisted – which is crucial for a good smile. Aligned teeth meet the opposing teeth on the top or the bottom properly, allowing you to chew comfortably without excess wear on the tooth enamel.
Chewing is the first stage in digestion which is why one or more your parents encouraged you to chew thoroughly. If they didn’t, they should have, and you should encourage the behavior in your own children. Chewing breaks food down into smaller pieces allowing the digestive enzymes to work faster and more completely. Starches begin the breakdown process in the mouth which is another reason to slow down.
If your teeth don’t meet properly, or chewing is awkward, you may not be getting the full nutritional value of your food. And if your teeth are crowded, gapped, or twisted, you may be reluctant to smile.
You may have always wanted to straighten your teeth but hated the thought of wearing obvious, uncomfortable metal braces. No worries – we’ve got you covered.
How Edgewood Dental Care Can Help
Dr. McMahon is proud to offer a variety of orthodontic solutions to meet virtually any need.
- Full banded orthodontics for molars
- Traditional metal braces using metal brackets and wire
- Clear ceramic braces
- Short-term orthodontics with Invisalign or Fastbraces
Everyone’s case is different, and there’s no way to know which orthodontic treatment will be best for your needs. It’s safe to say that traditional metal braces are very effective for complex orthodontic needs. In some cases, they may be the only option. However, treatment using metal braces tends to be fairly lengthy, often 24 to 36 months.
Most people can benefit from clear ceramic braces, which are far less noticeable, or short-term orthodontic treatment with Invisalign clear plastic aligners or Fastbraces. Fastbraces can produce results in as little as 120 days in some cases.
The bottom line is that there’s no way to know what orthodontic treatment is best for your situation without a thorough dental examination. As the old saying goes, “There’s no time like the present.”
Make National Orthodontic Month Your Month For Straight Teeth
Get started on your road to the straight teeth and improved smile you’ve always wanted. Regardless of which orthodontic option is right for you, the staff at Edgewood Dental Care will make sure you’re fully informed of all aspects of the treatment.
Contact our Edgewood, KY office by calling 859-474-7830 today to arrange a consultation.