Orthodontics
Portland, OR
 Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that realigns and straightens crooked teeth along with misaligned bites in teenagers and adults. Various fixed and removable applications and devices are used to apply slight pressure. This gently moves your teeth or jaw over time to its proper position. Orthodontics are not just a cosmetic fix; they also prevent and preserve dental health, putting a stop to further gum and tooth damage.
At Great Grins for KIDS - Portland, our team of orthodontists, Dr. Fariba Mutschler and Dr. Mark Mutschler, will give you a full dental exam and use your dental history, oral x-rays, and teeth impressions to design a completely tailor-made orthodontic treatment plan to correct your dental misalignments.
Reasons for Orthodontic Treatments
There are a number of dental issues that can be addressed with the proper orthodontic treatments, which includes:
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Large gaps or spacing between smaller or wider set teeth
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Crowded teeth that have pushed each other out of line
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Teeth that have grown crooked
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Overbites where the front upper teeth protrude ahead of the lower teeth
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Under-bites where the front lower teeth extend beyond the upper teeth
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Open bites where the teeth of the upper and lower jaw do not meet properly
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Overjet where the upper teeth stick out as a result of thumb sucking |
Types of Orthodontic Treatments
When you meet our doctors, they will provide you with a variety of treatment options from which you can choose the one best suited for your lifestyle. These include custom made applications that can either be fixed to your teeth or removable options that are regularly adjusted over a period of 18 – 24 months or as advised by our doctors.
The most common are fixed braces which are fitted directly on the inside or outside of your teeth. They may be uncomfortable at first, but you will quickly get used to them. Removable braces are also an option for minor problems, but we generally discourage them for our younger patients as they require more cleaning and maintenance. More aesthetically pleasing options are aligners, which are transparent rigid devices that are nearly invisible. They can affect speech but are generally favored by adults.
For misaligned bites, there are devices such as splints, lip and cheek bumpers, palate expanders, and headgear that can be used to reposition the jaw and surrounding facial structure to a healthier and more pleasing location.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatments
Orthodontic treatments can greatly affect your self-esteem. Improving your smile and overall facial appearance is more than just a cosmetic change; it can drastically improve your mental wellbeing.
Apart from this, there are also many dental benefits. Orthodontic treatments can improve your bite strength, chewing ability, and improve your overall jawbone health. They can also reduce cases of gum damage and tooth decay and make it easier to clean and floss your teeth.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If you are interested in learning about the treatments available here at Great Grins for KIDS - Portland, give us a call at (971) 470-0054 today. Schedule an appointment to discuss and design the perfect orthodontic plan for you.
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