• Cosmetic Dentistry
  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Tooth Whitening
  • Bonding
  • Cosmetic Tissue Contouring
  • Smile Makeover
• Reconstructive Dentistry
  • Crowns
  • Inlays/Onlays
  • Bridges
  • Dental Implants
• Orthodontics
  • Invisalign and The Damon System
• TMJ/Headache Treatment
• Family Dentistry
• Periodontics

Orthodontics

In Cleveland and Akron-Canton, Ohio

There are many areas of dentistry (general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, reconstructive dentistry, neuromuscular dentistry, etc.); orthodontics is the area of dentistry that deals with the treatment of problems with the alignment of your teeth and jaws. We all know that a beautiful, straight smile increases our self-confidence, and with the proper checkups and care (and orthodontic treatment if necessary), you can have a gorgeous smile that can last a lifetime.

One of the most common problems is something called “malocclusion,” which means a misaligned bite. A misaligned bite can cause a whole host of problems that are painful, degenerative, and chronic. Straightening ones teeth, can put your bite back into proper alignment and relieve your painful symptoms.

Orthodontic treatment can be carried out for purely aesthetic reasons—improving the general appearance of the patient’s teeth and face for cosmetic reasons. However, orthodontic treatment is also often provided to give the patient a more functional occlusion (bite).

Stages of Teeth Development

There are three stages of growth that our teeth go through.

Stage 1 (ages 3-6) is a very important stage because your dentist must be concerned not only with the condition of your child’s teeth but the position and symmetry of the jaws, future growth, spacing of the teeth, breathing, and other oral habits that may, in time, result in abnormal dentofacial development. The teeth in the first stage are referred to as deciduous teeth (baby teeth).

In Stage 2 (ages 7-9), one of the main interests is your child’s occlusion. Your dentist may have concern over the future available space for all your child’s teeth, especially wisdom teeth.

In Stage 3(age 10 and up), your dentist will be concerned with how the teeth and jaws work together. Special attention will be given to the TMJ (temporomandibular joint), the facial profile, and periodontal tissues.

Straightening Teeth

A variety of treatments are used to straighten one’s teeth and bite; the most common of these treatments is, of course, braces. With the advances in dental technology, there are many different types of braces from which to choose, and some that are virtually invisible.

With the Invisalign clear braces system, instead of wearing braces for a year or more to straighten your teeth, we use a series of clear aligners, each custom made to the mold of your teeth. Each aligner fits over the top or bottom teeth and each one picks up where the previous one left off. Unlike traditional silver braces, Invisalign braces can be taken out at any time.

To learn more about how orthodontics can straighten your teeth and leave you with a dazzling smile, please contact the Stow Dental Group, serving patients in Cleveland and surrounding areas of Ohio.