Can My General Dentist Do Teeth Straightening?

People tend to assume that general dentists are primarily concerned with the oral health of patients, and while this is usually the case, many general dentists also offer teeth straightening to patients as well. General dentists are concerned with both the oral health and appearance of patients, and teeth straightening offers both cosmetic and oral health benefits.
General dentistry and teeth straightening
While each general dentist has their own services and not all offer teeth straightening, many may offer options to patients. By learning more about what teeth straightening is, who offers it and how it works, you can determine if it is right for you.
What teeth straightening is
Teeth straightening refers to treatment that has the goal of improving the alignment of teeth. There is a range of possible treatment options for patients to consider, including traditional metal braces, clear aligners and more. Each option has its own pros and cons, and general dentists and patients together can make an informed decision as to which option is the most appropriate. Teeth straightening can fix a range of cosmetic and oral health concerns, including crooked teeth, overcrowding and more.
Who offers teeth straightening
While some types of dental health professionals offer more specific treatments, dentists of all varieties can choose to focus on and offer teeth straightening for their patients. Many general dentists offer teeth straightening to their patients. In large part, this is because clear aligners, braces and other methods work to improve oral health as well as cosmetic appearance. In some instances in which teeth are crowded or crooked, it can be hard to reach all areas of teeth while brushing, increasing the risk of a cavity and other oral health concerns.
When to consider teeth straightening
Anyone who is not happy with the appearance of their smile or who deals with oral health issues because of misalignment should consider the benefits of treatment. Teeth straightening methods aim to fix a range of alignment concerns. They can address issues with both jaw alignment and misalignment of the teeth:
- Crooked teeth
- Overcrowding
- Gap teeth
- Bite complications
There are treatment methods available to both patients with a mild to moderate issue and those who have a more severe malocclusion.
How the treatment process works
The first step in teeth straightening from a general dentist is to arrange a consultation visit. During the visit, the dentist will conduct an oral examination and likely order dental X-rays. Once both the patient and the dentist agree on the best form of treatment, they can move forward with wearing the aligner or braces chosen. Treatment typically takes anywhere from six months to two years, after which the patient may need to wear a retainer as directed.
Find out more from a general dentist
To learn more about teeth straightening, reach out to our general dentist team and schedule a time for your first visit. We offer various forms of treatment and can help you determine which option is best.
Are you considering teeth straightening in the Chicago area? Get more information at https://www.alluredentalchicago.com.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
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