5 Ways an Orthodontist Can Help You in Surrey, BC

The median age of people of Surrey, BC, is 38. As per various surveys, people are most likely to have dental problems after the age of 40. An orthodontist is a dental professional who specializes in teeth alignment and other invasive dental treatments. Braces are the most common teeth-straightening method, but there are other alternatives.

Whether you need a retainer for a newly released permanent tooth or an expansion device to resolve your overcrowding issues, an orthodontist is one of the most qualified individuals to be entrusted with the job.

Here are six ways an orthodontist in Surrey can help you:

1. 2Treating Crowded Teeth

There are over 6,70,00 teenagers in Surrey, BC. Suppose you’ve just hit puberty and notice that your teeth are becoming crowded. In that case, an orthodontist can provide a removable expander that will gradually push the teeth apart to make room for permanent ones.

The process takes approximately six months, and if you continue wearing the device after it’s no longer needed, it will hold your teeth in their new alignment.

2. Treating Bite Problems

If you have a large overbite or underbite, an experienced orthodontist in Surrey can resolve both the issues with the help of braces, headgear, or other functional appliances. An underbite occurs when your lower jaw protrudes in front of your upper teeth, which can cause problems when eating and speaking.

An overbite is just the opposite; it occurs when your upper teeth extend past your lower ones. Experts can correct the latter issue with bracing alone, but braces are often combined with surgery to resolve the former problem.

A special mouth guard may be necessary if the issue impacts your sleep. Bite problems must be fixed sooner rather than later because they can lead to more severe problems later in life.

3. Straightening Crooked Teeth

If you have misaligned teeth, braces are the most common straightening method. All braces work by applying pressure to your teeth to move them into proper alignment gradually.

Some braces are seemingly invisible (such as the self-ligating type). However, others use wires that are visible on the surface of your teeth. Most people choose clear or tooth-colored ones for aesthetic reasons.

Teeth can move slightly or dramatically depending on individual preferences and the severity of the crookedness.

4. Retainers for Permanent Teeth

Statistics show that dental experts performed over 52,000 fillings and fissure sealants on children across Surrey between 2018 and 2020. When your child’s permanent teeth come in, they shift their position and replace baby teeth that have fallen out. In the case of misalignment of teeth, you can consider getting braces. If you’ve had braces installed to straighten them, a retainer can hold them in place by applying constant pressure over time.

Most people who choose orthodontic treatment need retainers to maintain the results, but not everyone needs them. An orthodontic professional will assess your child’s needs and recommend the best treatment for their  requirement.

5. Preventing Tooth Loss with Removable Dentures

Removable dentures can help you enjoy the foods and beverages that were previously difficult or off-limits if you’ve lost your teeth. An orthodontist will take molds of your mouth to create a custom set of removable dentures that keep your gums healthy and look natural. This will help you maintain your dental well-being and promote a healthier lifestyle for a long time.

Custom fitting is required before you can wear removable dentures. Therefore, be sure to work with an experienced orthodontic professional to ensure you get the best remedial treatment.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re looking to treat crooked or crowded teeth, overbites or underbites, bites that don’t match up properly, or other concerns such as jaw problems and tooth loss, a qualified orthodontist can help you achieve your ideal smile.