What is Orthodontics?

    WASHINGTON, DC, September 21, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry preventing and correcting irregularities of the teeth. A common problem corrected with orthodontics is malocclusion, an improper bite that occurs when your teeth or jaws do not come together correctly. Malocclusions are most often treated with metal braces or Invisalign.

Invisalign vs. Metal Braces

Traditionally, orthodontists have used metal wires and brackets to straighten teeth. With modern technology, orthodontists as well as dentists specializing in cosmetic dentistry and other specialties can straighten your teeth with Invisalign.

Benefits of Invisalign:

- Straightens your teeth with clear, plastic aligners.
- Lets you see progress at every step.
- Makes maintaining good dental health easy.

Practicing good oral hygiene is easy with Invisalign because the aligners are removable. You take the aligners out to eat and drink, and then brush your teeth before replacing them. A disadvantage of metal braces is that food debris can become caught in the brackets and wires, causing cleaning to be difficult.

Invisalign can treat a wide range of dental issues, including overbites and crossbites; however, Invisalign cannot treat every malocclusion. Severely improper bites usually require the use of metal braces to correct. Only a consultation with an Invisalign dentist or orthodontist can determine the right treatment for you.

Instant Orthodontics

Some patients do not need metal braces or Invisalign. "Instant orthodontics" is the use of porcelain veneers to improve the appearance of your teeth. If your teeth have already been straightened effectively, but you still have cosmetic issues like gaps, instant orthodontics may be the best solution for you.

Porcelain veneers are not a solution for malocclusion, but the veneers do correct the appearance of cosmetic problems, including:

- Gaps between teeth
- Chips and cracks
- Tooth staining
- Uneven tooth size and shape
- Mild cases of crookedness

Porcelain veneers are very thin shells that are bonded to the surface of your teeth with dental cement. An advantage to using porcelain veneers is that your dentist can match them to the color of your natural teeth for a seamless result.

Choosing Your Orthodontist

When choosing an orthodontist, inquire about the dentist's training and experience. Orthodontists have to complete additional training after dental school, and you can determine the orthodontist's experience by how many years he or she has been in practice.

If applicable to you, you may need to consider how the dentist meets the needs of everyone in your family. Family dentistry provides dental services to both you and your children, eliminating the need for multiple appointments at different locations.

After a consultation with an orthodontist, if it is determined you need only cosmetic improvements you may want to consider a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic specialists often have a thorough knowledge and lengthy experience with porcelain veneers and other aesthetic improvements.

For more information about instant orthodontics and porcelain veneers in the Washington D.C. and Northern Virginia areas, including Tysons Corner and Arlington, please visit the website of the experienced dentist Dr. Michael K. Chung at Softouch Dental Care at www.softouchdentalcare.com.

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