Orthodontics can straighten teeth, improve how the upper and lower teeth fit together, and create a healthier, more balanced smile. While many patients seek orthodontic treatment for cosmetic reasons, properly aligned teeth can also support more comfortable biting and chewing and make certain areas easier to keep clean.
At Emerald Dental in Oceanside, CA, and McCall Dental in Sun City, CA, orthodontic care is planned around each patient’s age, bite, tooth position, and smile goals. Gulalai Matin, DDS, has completed additional training in Invisalign clear aligners as well as advanced education in occlusion and comprehensive aesthetics. This background helps guide treatment with both appearance and function in mind.
When Should Children Have an Orthodontic Evaluation?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic check-up no later than age 7. By this age, many children have a mix of baby and permanent teeth, which can make it easier to identify developing concerns with tooth position, jaw growth, and bite alignment.
An evaluation at age 7 does not mean that braces will automatically be recommended. In many cases, the appropriate approach is simply to monitor growth and development until treatment would be most beneficial.
Early evaluation may help identify concerns such as:
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Crowded or overlapping teeth
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Excessive spacing
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Crossbite
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Overbite or underbite
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Teeth erupting in unusual positions
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Bite problems that affect chewing
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Jaw growth or alignment concerns
When treatment is appropriate, addressing certain problems while the teeth and jaws are still developing may offer options that aren’t available later in growth.
Can Adults Benefit From Orthodontics?
Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults can also straighten their teeth or address bite concerns, whether they have never undergone orthodontic treatment or have experienced shifting after previous treatment.
Adults may consider orthodontics to:
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Straighten crowded or crooked teeth
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Close unwanted spaces
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Improve bite alignment
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Address teeth that have shifted over time
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Make brushing and flossing around certain teeth easier
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Improve the overall appearance of the smile
Age alone does not determine whether orthodontic treatment is appropriate. The health of the teeth and gums, the type of correction needed, and individual treatment goals are more important considerations.
What Types of Orthodontic Treatment Are Available?
The right treatment depends on your tooth position, the type of bite correction needed, and your personal preferences.
Traditional Metal Braces
Traditional braces use brackets and wires to gradually move the teeth into better alignment. They are a well-established option for correcting many types of orthodontic concerns and may be recommended when more complex tooth movement is needed.
Your provider can determine whether braces are appropriate after evaluating your teeth, bite, and treatment needs.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to gradually reposition the teeth. Because the aligners are removable, patients can take them out to eat, brush, and floss.
Clear aligners may be an appealing option for teens and adults who want a less noticeable approach to orthodontic treatment. However, Invisalign is not necessarily appropriate for every bite or alignment issue.
Dr. Matin has received Invisalign clear aligner training through Align Technology. Your dentist can evaluate your smile and explain whether clear aligners are likely to provide the type of correction you need.
How Does Orthodontic Treatment Work?
Orthodontic treatment uses carefully controlled pressure to gradually move teeth into planned positions. Before beginning, your provider may evaluate your teeth, bite, gums, and jaw relationships and use dental imaging or other records to develop a treatment plan.
With braces, adjustments are made periodically as the teeth move. Invisalign treatment uses a sequence of aligners, with each set designed to make gradual changes.
Treatment length varies considerably depending on the amount of movement required, the type of orthodontic problem being corrected, and how closely you follow treatment instructions.
What Happens After Orthodontic Treatment?
Once the teeth reach their planned positions, maintaining the result becomes an important part of treatment. Teeth naturally tend to shift over time, so a retainer may be recommended after braces or clear aligners are completed.
Your provider will explain how often to wear the retainer and how to care for it. Continuing routine dental exams, cleanings, brushing, and flossing is also important for maintaining both the alignment and health of your smile.
Why Choose Emerald Dental or McCall Dental for Orthodontics?
Orthodontic care is not only about making teeth appear straighter. When planning treatment, you must consider how the teeth meet, the position of individual teeth, and the relationship between function and appearance.
Dr. Matin has expanded her dental education beyond general dentistry through training in Invisalign clear aligners, comprehensive aesthetics, and occlusion. Her study of occlusion through The Hornbrook Group Advanced Clinical Education provides additional perspective on how the upper and lower teeth come together, while her cosmetic dentistry background helps inform the aesthetic side of smile alignment.
With more than 20 years in dentistry, she also recognizes that orthodontic treatment is a commitment that requires clear expectations and ongoing communication. Your dentist or provider can explain the available approaches, discuss what each option can realistically accomplish, and help you choose the treatment that fits your needs.
Straighten Your Smile in Oceanside or Sun City, CA
Orthodontic treatment can improve tooth alignment while also addressing bite and functional concerns. Whether you are considering treatment for yourself or an orthodontic evaluation for your child, your provider can review the options and recommend the next step. Call Emerald Dental in Oceanside, CA, at 760.722.0137 or McCall Dental in Sun City, CA, at 951.723.1188 to schedule a consultation.
