When Do You Need Orthodontics?

Having crooked teeth can affect your confidence, but did you know that it can also affect your oral health? When teeth grow in crooked it’s not just an aesthetic issue; it can actually create much more serious problems. In some cases, the problem of crooked teeth is one that can fix itself over time, but often, orthodontics is the best solution.

Common Dental Issues that Require Orthodontic Treatment

The most common problem for which orthodontic treatment is required is overcrowding of the bottom teeth. This happens if the teeth are too large for the jaw, and it can cause teeth to grow crooked, or too close together. Sometimes a child may grow out of this problem -- as they get older, their jaw grows large enough to comfortably accommodate their teeth. However, if the problem persists into adulthood, it can lead to tooth decay, as overcrowded teeth are more difficult to thoroughly clean.

Another common problem that often requires orthodontic intervention is overbite or under bite. A minor overbite or under bite rarely needs treatment, but if the teeth are seriously misaligned, possible problems include difficulty eating and speaking, and an increased chance of tooth decay, gum disease, and tooth wear and tear. Most experts believe it’s best to treat these problems during childhood, or during the teens.

Cosmetic vs. Corrective Treatment

With each of these dental problems, the question is whether the treatment is truly necessary, or if it’s recommended for cosmetic purposes. Many parents are opting to delay treatment if it’s recommended purely for cosmetic reasons, especially if the problem is only a minor one.

On the other hand, if the problem is severe enough that it’s causing pain, difficulty eating, or other serious issues, then orthodontic treatment should be started as soon as possible.

Do You Need Treatment?

The question of whether you need orthodontic treatment is one that’s best discussed with our office. Any problems relating to tooth alignment or your bite—how your teeth meet and fit together—are problems that might need orthodontic treatment.

In either case, your first step should be to contact our office for more information on getting orthodontic care. For children, the American Academy of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic exam before seven years of age, to make sure their teeth are developing normally.

If you have questions about teeth crowning or bite alignment treatment, contact our office at (408) 915-6424 to speak to a member of our friendly dental team.

Five Benefits of Choosing Lumineers®

Having a set of porcelain veneers fitted to your teeth can make an incredible difference in aesthetic, giving you a bright white and attractive smile. While all porcelain veneers can improve your appearance, some styles of veneers provide offer advantages over others. Lumineers®, for example, are minimal-prep cosmetic treatments that help patients get flawless smiles in only a few dental visits.

Comfortable, Minimal-Prep Treatment 

Lumineers® are laminates, and as such as are much thinner than standard veneers. The process for fitting Lumineers® therefore requires that the dentist buff down only a thin layer of enamel from each tooth to accommodate the veneers. The Lumineers® treatment process is slightly faster and doesn’t require anesthetic or other numbing agents for the sake of patient comfort.

Fewer Problems for People with Sensitive Teeth or Gums

Standard types porcelain veneers cause discomfort to the gum line, but Lumineers® are so thin that they are much less likely to cause similar issues for cosmetic dental patients.

You Get a Naturally Beautiful Smile 

The thinness of Lumineers® provides yet another advantage: they have increased translucency, which means your smile looks more natural than it might with thicker porcelain veneers. Lumineers® are color-matched to blend with any natural teeth, just like traditional veneers, but their high level of translucency ensures that your teeth don’t look obviously treated or fake in any way.

Long-Lasting Treatment

Most porcelain veneers last ten to fifteen years under optimal conditions and with good care. Lumineers® can last up to twenty years if they are cared for properly, with good oral hygiene at home, along with regular dental visits.

If You Change Your Mind, Treatment is Reversible

If, at any time, you decide that Lumineers® don’t help you meet your cosmetic dental goals, they can be removed entirely. Again, this is thanks to the thinness of the veneers and that only minimal amounts of your own tooth structure were altered in preparation for treatment. Unlike most other veneers, Lumineers® can be safely removed at any time, with your natural smile’s structure and integrity in-tact.

Lumineers® help our patients get beautifully restored smiles in just two visits to our cosmetic dental office. If you have questions about getting porcelain veneers, contact our office to schedule your consultation.