Cosmetic orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that focuses on improving the aesthetic of a person’s teeth, mouth, and facial features. The goal of cosmetic orthodontics is to enhance the appearance of your smile and boost confidence in your smile, as well. It can also help some people avoid certain conditions, such as TMJ syndrome or a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD).

What is the Goal of Cosmetic Orthodontics?

What is an orthodontist?

An orthodontist is a dentist who specializes in treating and preventing problems with tooth alignment and jaw placement. The word ortho means straight, so if a person’s teeth are crooked or misaligned, a general dentist will recommend they see an orthodontist. Most orthodontic problems, unless caused by trauma, are noticed during adolescence. Orthodontists are trained to treat and prevent a variety of dental problems, including

• Overcrowding: This condition manifests in rotary or vertical forms and happens when the teeth are too close due to an inadequate jaw structure. The teeth will turn sideways and block other teeth from growing normally behind them, or the patient’s upper jaw may be shorter than their bottom jaw, leading to malocclusion.
• Crooked or rotated teeth: Crooked teeth are often referred to as malocclusions. They often form when the teeth do not come together correctly to make a bite that works well for chewing and speaking. A rotated tooth has moved to the side of its normal position in relation to other teeth, making the overall smile appear misaligned.
• Spacing between teeth: In orthodontics, the term space describes the distance between teeth. While it may not be an oral health concern, some patients face this cosmetic orthodontic nuisance.
• Anteroposterior deviations: Overbites, crossbites, and underbites are considered cosmetic orthodontic issues depending on their severity.
• TMJ syndrome: A condition that affects the jaw joint and the muscles of the face. It can cause pain in the patient’s jaws, ears, and neck due to inflammation.
• Temporomandibular joint disorders: TMJD is multiple painful conditions affecting the temporomandibular joints on both sides of the jaw. They connect the jawbone to the base of the skull.

Cosmetic dentistry vs. Orthodontics

While orthodontics focuses on correcting bite-related problems; cosmetic dentistry is focused on aesthetic procedures such as

• Dental crowns
• Dental fillings
• Dental implants
• Teeth whitening
• Veneers

Orthodontics is considered a specialty of dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry is not. Therefore, it is important for patients to know the difference between the two to make an informed decision about which professional to visit.

Cosmetic Orthodontic Procedures

Cosmetic orthodontics is a branch of the dental field that specializes in treating and preventing problems with tooth alignment and jaw placement. For example, a cosmetic orthodontist can correct jaw disorders and straighten crooked teeth using braces, clear aligners, and surgery.

Braces

Patients choose braces for cosmetic treatment for many reasons, including helping to straighten a sagging jawline, but many do not know there are different types—namely, lingual, traditional, and ceramic. 

Since lingual braces are customizable, professionals place them between the patient’s teeth and gumline instead of on the outer part of the teeth, like metal or ceramic braces. Metal or traditional braces consist of metal wires and brackets and reside on the outer part of the patient’s teeth.

Ceramic braces can help correct gummy smiles and smile lines. In addition, they offer a more discreet look with their two parts: the active bracket and the archwire. The ceramic braces bond onto each tooth with a clear adhesive. 

Clear aligners

The clear aligners system is a series of clear, virtually invisible plastic trays that gradually move a patient’s teeth into a linear position without the use of braces. The patient will receive a new set of removable aligners every two weeks. Within these two weeks, their teeth will gradually shift into a new position, and the patient will return to the office to receive a new set. The full process takes about 18 months and does not require drilling or filling the patient’s teeth.

Surgery

Patients can sometimes receive substantial damage to their teeth and jaws by periodontal disease or resulting trauma, such as a car accident. In these instances, the orthodontist may recommend surgery, often referred to as orthognathic surgery, to ensure the patient’s aesthetics are restored as closely as possible. Depending on the extent of the surgery taking place on the patient’s jaw, the orthodontist may be able to perform the procedure in an inpatient setting, other times, an outpatient setting is required.

In Summary

Cosmetic orthodontics is a great option for anyone interested in improving their smile. The above methods can correct tooth alignment issues causing problems with your appearance. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about cosmetic orthodontics. We will work with you to create a customized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

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