Orthodontia Treatment at Augusta Orthodontics
Orthodontia is a specialized field of dentistry. This area of dentistry’s primary focus is diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities.
Basically, orthodontia meaning is orthodontics.
Augusta Orthodontics is the top choice for patients in the Augusta area seeking affordable orthodontic treatment.
Our in-depth guide about orthodontia services is below. We’ll dive into the world of orthodontists and explore the services offered by Augusta Orthodontics in Evans, GA.
The acclaimed Dr. Henry Dallam leads our practice. He will discuss the various aspects of orthodontic treatment so patients completely understand their options.
What is Orthodontia?
As we said above, orthodontia is a branch of dentistry. Correcting misaligned teeth and jaws is its goal. Therefore, this field of dentistry goes beyond simple cosmetic improvements found at a general dental office.
Orthodontists like Dr. Dallam skillfully align teeth, contributing to better oral health, efficient chewing, and enhanced overall well-being that can last a lifetime.
What do Orthodontists do?
Orthodontists are dental specialists who have completed advanced training after dental school. This level of dentistry is one of the highest achievable.
They are skilled at diagnosing, preventing, and treating various dental and facial issues. For example, Dr. Dallam regularly treats and fixes patients with severely crowded teeth.
Another often overlooked part of an orthodontist’s job is training orthodontic assistants. Ortho assistants are highly skilled and work closely with the Doctor providing hands-on treatment of patients.
Our dental professionals design custom braces treatment plans for each patient because this will guide teeth and jaws into the best positions.
What is Orthodontia Coverage?
Orthodontia coverage is an insurance benefit provided by your dental insurance company.
For example, some Georgia or South Carolina insurance providers will cover $1,500-$2,500 for your braces. The same insurance can cover other treatment types like Invisalign or early-age orthodontics.
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Augusta Orthodontics has an insurance coordinator that will assist patients to help them receive the maximum benefit. For example, we can work with your insurance provider directly.
Of course, even with the maximum benefit applied, there will still be more cost for braces.
How Much Does Orthodontia Cost?
Generally, treatments like braces or clear aligners are more than $3,000. However, this is just the estimated cost.
To know the actual cost of braces, patients need to have a free consultation.
Dr. Dallam always completes the free consultation at Augusta Orthodontics. He will figure out exactly what treatment you need.
What issues does orthodontia treat?
Orthodontic treatment addresses various oral health issues. Below are some examples.
Malocclusions
Occlusion is how your teeth fit together when you bite down. “Mal” means bad or incorrect. Combining “mal” and “occlusion” means bad biting. When your teeth come together, the teeth do not line up correctly, which will eventually cause oral health problems.
Examples include bite issues such as:
- Overbites | Front teeth overlap your lower teeth too much.
- Crossbites | Teeth overlap the opposing teeth on one side.
- Open Bite | Back teeth touch too soon and cause an opening in the front teeth when you bite down.
- Underbites | Lower front teeth are in front of your top front teeth.
Why is it essential to fix malocclusion?
Because teeth that do not touch properly will start to super-erupt, that means teeth will continue to grow out until they hit another tooth.
Teeth Crowding
Crowding occurs when teeth grow in. These teeth don’t have enough space to line up correctly. Overcrowded teeth commonly occur in patients with smaller mouths, but it can happen to anyone. The limited space leads to crowded teeth. Here are a couple of types of overcrowded teeth.
Examples of crowding include:
- Overlap | One tooth or teeth will be overtopped by the other.
- Misplacement | Teeth will or have grown in at the wrong place or angle.
- Rotation | Teeth are turned in the wrong direction
Why is it essential to fix crowding?
Because these teeth are hard to keep clean even with brushing, which leads to faster decay.
Spacing Gaps
Spaces between your teeth are when your teeth do not contact the tooth or teeth directly next to them. Surprisingly, most people think this only matters on the front gap, but fixing the back teeth with this issue is much more critical.
Examples of spacing/gaps include:
- Front Teeth Gaps | Diastema is the dental term for an opening gap in a patient’s front teeth. Space between teeth can affect aesthetics and oral health.
- Back Teeth Gaps | As known as diastema, gaps in the back posterior teeth trap food particles and cause teeth to decay faster.
Why is it essential to fix gaps?
Fixing gaps on the front teeth improves appearance. Fixing gaps on the back teeth limits the amount of food stuck in the space, leading to healthier teeth and gums. Orthodontists fixing gaps is the best option for patients because they move natural teeth. Permanent prosthetics like bonding, veneers, crowns, etc, are not used.
Misaligned Midlines
Misaligned means teeth do not line up correctly, so patients’ teeth look out-of-line when they smile. A patient’s midline has to do with your face and teeth. If you draw a line down the middle of your face, that is your midline. The middle of the front teeth, upper and lower, should be centered on that line.
- Midline Misalignment | Orthodontist’s goal is to line up the middle line of your lower front two teeth and upper front two teeth.
Why is it essential to fix the misalignment of the midline?
Primarily for improving appearance. However, a misalign can mean other oral issues.
Protruding Front Teeth
Protruding means sticking out. Protrusive incisors can include both the upper and lower front teeth. Commonly caused in infancy by thumb-sucking. Also known as buck teeth.
- Buck Teeth | The front six teeth, from the canines to the incisors, are pushed/pulled forward and point outward.
Why is it essential to fix protruding front teeth?
Correcting buck teeth will dramatically improve appearance. Additionally, patients’ front teeth will be less vulnerable to injury since they are not protruding.
What treatment types do orthodontists use for these issues?
Orthodontists utilize various treatment options, including:
Braces: Traditional metal or ceramic braces gently and gradually move teeth into place. Braces use brackets, arch wire, and rubber bands to move teeth. Additionally, conventional braces are the strongest and most used form of orthodontia.
Invisalign: Clear aligners offer a discreet alternative to braces. Dr. Dallam uses the latest technology and Invisalign to provide patients with a series of clear aligners (appliances). These appliances attach to little mounts on your teeth that discreetly straighten your smile.
Retainers: After active treatment, retainers help maintain the new tooth positions. These retention appliance types include Hawley, clear removable, and permanent retainers. However, Dr. Dallam prefers and primarily uses clear removable retainers.
Palatal Expanders: These devices widen the upper jaw to correct crossbites. Therefore, the use of expanders will generally be before braces.
Headgear: External appliances aid in controlling growth and tooth movement. They are rarely used in orthodontics anymore because of the development of new ortho springs and technology, which has limited use in orthodontia.
Benefits of Orthodontic Care.
Orthodontic treatment offers both mental and physical benefits. Augusta Orthodontic Team knows a radiant smile can light up a room and boost confidence. Achieving that perfect smile requires the expertise of an orthodontist. Let’s see the benefits once they complete your smile design plan.
- Enhanced Confidence: A well-aligned smile boosts self-esteem and confidence. People in Augusta will take notice!
- Improved Oral Health: Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease. In fact, this is the most overlooked and underappreciated benefit of orthodontia treatment.
- Better Chewing: Correctly aligned teeth allow for easier chewing. Easier mouth-closed chewing and not biting your lip, cheek, or tongue are the most common benefits of improved chewing.
- Improved Speech: Braces will allow for clearer speech. Patients will be able to express themselves a lot better.
- Reduced Jaw Pain: Orthodontic treatment can alleviate discomfort caused by misaligned jaws. Correctly aligned jaws can relieve pressure on and around the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ).
Orthodontic care is beneficial for individuals of all ages. Children, teenagers, and adults can all benefit. Additionally, with today’s advancements in treatment planning and financing, patients can get braces fast, even on the same day!
How long does orthodontics take?
The overall duration of orthodontic treatment varies widely. The time it takes is so different because every patient is unique.
The time a patient wear braces depends on the complexity of the oral issues and the chosen treatment method. On average, treatment may last from several months to a few years.
Invisalign takes less time on average. The shorter time is because most patients that qualify for clear aligners have mild issues or had braces before when they were young.
Importance of early orthodontia
Early orthodontic evaluation is crucial. Early treatment finds and resolves issues in childhood.
This care can prevent more severe problems in the future, and as a result, future treatment is easier.
Early intervention in children can guide jaw growth, create more space for emerging teeth, and shorten the overall treatment time required.
Benefits Of Early Orthodontics
- Jaw Growth Treatment. Helps prevent malocclusion and misalignment of the jaw.
- Space Relief: Provide space for teeth to grow in avoiding overcrowding.
- Less Treatment Time: Children will spend less time in braces once in their teens.
Orthodontics for Teenagers
The teenage years are the most common and ideal for orthodontic treatment physically.
This is an ideal time because most permanent teeth have erupted, meaning they have grown in.
When the permanent teeth grow in, it allows for comprehensive correction.
Metal braces, gold braces, ceramic braces, or clear aligners are all choices that can help teenagers achieve a beautiful smile as they go through their formative years.
Orthodontia for Adults
It’s always possible to improve your smile. Therefore, many adults seek orthodontic treatment to correct longstanding issues or address developing issues from previous ortho treatment.
Here are some reasons adults get braces:
Teeth move over time
Correcting the position of these out-of-place teeth improves oral health.
Improved appearance
Braces can dramatically enhance a person’s appearance, directly improving their self-confidence.
Financial Status
Success and hard work have allowed some people to afford orthodontics. After that, they invest in themselves by improving their smile.
The orthodontic options for adults are numerous.
Adults can undergo treatment without feeling self-conscious with options like discreet invisible aligners or clear braces.
Or they can show off with gold-colored braces or their favorite colored rubber band combinations.
Either way, Augusta Ortho will provide gentle, affordable orthodontia until the completion of your treatment.
Does orthodontic treatment last once complete?
Completed orthodontic treatment results are meant to last a lifetime.
However, following post-treatment instructions and wearing retainers as prescribed is hugely important.
Retainers help maintain the teeth’ positions and prevent regression. This is critical for the first year or two post-treatment.
Augusta Orthodontics in Evans, GA, and Dr. Henry Dallam
At Augusta Orthodontics in Evans, GA, Dr. Henry Dallam leads a dedicated team of professionals committed to providing top-notch orthodontic care.
With a patient-centered approach, cutting-edge technology, and treatment options, Augusta Orthodontics ensures that every patient receives personalized care to achieve a brilliant smile and optimal oral health.
Orthodontia is a transformative field that enhances smiles and improves oral health and overall well-being.
Augusta Orthodontics in Evans, GA, under the leadership of Dr. Henry Dallam, offers a beacon of excellence in the world of orthodontics, providing a path to beautiful smiles for individuals of all ages.
Whether you’re a teenager seeking a confident grin or an adult looking to improve your oral health, orthodontic treatment can be your key to a brighter, more beautiful future.
About Dr. Hank Dallam
