Questions about Orthodontics
Serving Northern Virginia including Tysons Corner, Fairfax, Reston, Alexandria, Arlington, Washington D.C. and surrounding areas
What is orthodontics?
Orthodontics is a dental strategy that gradually moves your teeth and your bite into their ideal positions. The roots of your teeth are actually moved during this process so that your smile is truly straight, and the results are permanent.
Why should I straighten my teeth?
Straightening your teeth has many benefits besides giving you a more beautiful smile.
Crooked teeth are difficult to clean properly and more prone to decay and long term damage.
Crooked teeth can also make chewing painful. Pain when you chew causes you to compensate, even if unconsciously, by adjusting the way you bite down. Over time this can lead to painful and debilitating temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD).
Straightening your teeth can boost your self esteem and improve the way others see you. It can improve your social standing and even your business opportunities.
Why should I see a neuromuscular dentist when I have my teeth straightened?
Your teeth, muscles, nerves, and joints must work together and in proper alignment. A neuromuscular dentist considers all of these aspects when straightening your teeth.
Leaving out any part of this equation can lead to serious neuromuscular disorders and actually do more harm than good over time.
What is Invisalign?
Invisalign is a system for straightening teeth that uses a series of clear, removable trays to gradually move your teeth into their proper position. There are no embarrassing and uncomfortable bracket and wires. Invisalign is virtually invisible.
I have already had my teeth straightened and now they are crooked again. Will it last this time?
Often, when teeth are straightened during adolescence, much of that work is undone when wisdom teeth start growing in and push teeth out of alignment. As an adult, your mouth and jaw have finished developing and become stable, so the results of tooth straightening will be permanent.
What is “Instant Orthodontics?”
Instant orthodontics is not really orthodontics at all. Porcelain veneers are used to make your teeth appear straight. It is a great option if you do not want to go through the process of truly straightening your teeth, or if you need a faster solution to prepare for a special event such as a wedding or class reunion.
If you still have questions about orthodontics, please contact our Northern Virginia cosmetic dentistry office today to schedule your initial consultation. Virginia cosmetic dentist, Dr. Michael Chung, and his team will be happy to answer all of your questions.
Oakton, VA 22124
