Actual Robinson Orthodontics PatientsThe term orthodontics is probably one that you have heard for most of your life, but how much do you know about it? Many people assume that an orthodontist is a type of dentist that only teenagers have to see, but that is not true. Almost one third of orthodontic patients are adults, and some children as young as six will also need to see an orthodontist and receive care. Here at Robinson Orthodontics, we want to help you to be better informed about orthodontics.
Orthodontics And What You Need to Know
An orthodontist is a dentist who treats irregularities of the teeth, jaw, and face. Yes, we are the ones whom you will go to for braces, but we will also treat other issues.
If you have a bite problem such as an overbite, it can affect your life in many different ways. It could affect your speech and the way that you eat. A bite problem can also sometimes be extremely painful. If you have a bite problem, there is a good chance that you will be referred to our office. We can slowly correct your bite. You will feel better and look better as well.
A child as young as six or seven might be sent to an orthodontist by his or her pediatric dentist. If a child who is that young is having a problem with his or her bite, or if the adult teeth are not coming in straight, we can help. Often a child who will see us when young will return as a teenager to finish the treatment.
Many teenagers or preteens need braces. These are applied to the teeth to straighten them slowly. Braces are common, and since a large number of preteens and teens usually end up having them around the same time, they are not embarrassing. The length of time that the braces will need to be worn will depend on each patient. A teenager who has braces will visit our office on a regular schedule to make sure that the braces are doing their job. We will tighten the braces from time to time as well.
While it is not embarrassing for a teenager to have braces, the same cannot be said for an adult. Sometimes an adult will decide to not see a dentist because of the fear of braces. This should not be the case. Orthodontics for an adult is not the same as orthodontics for a preteen or teenager. There are now ways to straighten teeth without using metal braces. The results will be the same; the patient will just get there by a different route.
These are a few of the things that you might not have known about orthodontics. If you would like more information, we here at Robinson Orthodontics would love to help. You can make an appointment by calling (541) 441-8288. Orthodontics is all about giving someone a beautiful smile with straight teeth. We also want to make sure that your teeth, your jaw, and your bite are all healthy.
