Are you experiencing orthodontic issues? Perhaps you have crooked teeth, an overbite, or an underbite. Whatever the case, it can affect your smile and overall dental health. At Cherry Orthodontics, we understand the importance of addressing orthodontic issues early before they become more significant problems. We can help you understand some difficulties arising from untreated orthodontic matters and how our team can help.
Crooked Teeth
One of the most common orthodontic issues is crooked teeth. Having crooked teeth can make you self-conscious about your smile and lead to dental problems such as tooth decay, gum disease, and jaw pain. Crooked teeth can be caused by genetics, thumb-sucking as a child, or tongue thrusting. Our team can help straighten your teeth using methods such as braces or clear aligners in Bethlehem, PA.
Overbite and Underbite
Overbites and underbites occur when the top or bottom teeth protrude further than they should. These issues can cause problems such as difficulty biting and chewing, speech problems, and jaw pain. Overbites and underbites can result from jaw misalignment, hereditary factors, or thumb-sucking. Our team can help correct overbites and underbites using appliances such as braces or headgear.
Crowding
Crowding can occur when there is insufficient space in the mouth for all teeth. This can cause the teeth to overlap, making them harder to clean and increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Factors such as genetics, early loss of baby teeth, or insufficient room in the jaw can cause crowding. Our team can help correct crowding by creating more space using appliances such as braces.
Improving Overall Dental Health
By addressing orthodontic issues early, you can improve your overall dental health. Straighter teeth are easier to clean, and proper alignment can alleviate dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, and even bad breath. Orthodontic treatment can also help prevent more serious dental issues from developing.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Braces
Your orthodontic treatment method will vary depending on your condition but may be similar to the following steps. Braces are a common, tried, and true method of addressing orthodontic issues. In this step-by-step guide, we will explain what you can expect from your first visit to your orthodontic treatment to aftercare.
Step 1: Consultation with Dr. Cherry
The first step to getting braces is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Cherry. During this initial visit, he and his team will examine your teeth, take X-rays, and discuss your orthodontic options. We will provide you with a recommendation for a treatment plan that fits your needs. Be sure to ask any questions you have during this visit.
Step 2: Braces Application
If you and our team have decided that braces are the best fit for your orthodontic needs, the next step is to apply the braces. This process can take up to two hours. We will clean and dry your teeth, use bonding glue, and then precisely place the braces on your teeth. Afterward, we will secure the braces with tiny rubber bands.
Step 3: Adjustment Appointments
After you receive your braces, we’ll schedule adjustment appointments with Dr. Cherry every four to six weeks. We will adjust your braces during these visits, such as tightening the wires. These adjustments will help your teeth shift into the desired position. Adjustment appointments usually last between 20 to 30 minutes.
Step 4: Wearing Retainers
After we remove your braces, we can provide you with a retainer. A retainer is a custom-made device designed to fit precisely to your teeth. We create the retainers to keep your teeth in their new positions and prevent them from shifting back into their old misaligned positions. It’s essential to follow Dr. Cherry’s instructions to ensure your new smile remains perfect.
Treating Orthodontic Issues
Orthodontic treatment at Cherry Orthodontics can help prevent serious dental problems and boost your self-confidence by improving your smile. Dr. William Cherry and his team can help you achieve the smile you have always wanted with options such as braces and clear aligners.
Please don’t wait any longer. Contact us in Bethlehem to schedule an appointment with Cherry Orthodontics, and let us help you get the smile of your dreams. We offer treatments for adults, teens, and children!
