Orthodontic care plays a pivotal role in achieving a healthy and aesthetically pleasing smile. Whether correcting misaligned teeth or addressing bite issues, orthodontics can drastically improve oral health and overall well-being. At Brewer Dental Center (BDC) in Billings, MT, you’ll find a wide range of orthodontic treatments designed for both children and adults, from traditional braces to Invisalign, tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient.
Why is Orthodontics Important?
Orthodontic care extends far beyond straightening teeth for cosmetic purposes. It offers profound benefits affecting oral health, functionality, and confidence. Here are some reasons why orthodontics is so essential:
Improved Oral Health: Misaligned teeth can make it difficult to properly clean between them, which increases the risk of cavities and gum disease. Orthodontics helps position teeth for better hygiene.
Enhanced Functionality: Orthodontic treatment addresses bite problems such as overbites, underbites, and crossbites, which can cause problems with chewing, speaking, and even breathing. Correcting these issues can improve your overall dental function.
Prevention of Future Issues: Misaligned teeth or jaw issues can lead to problems like temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), excessive wear on tooth enamel, and even headaches. Orthodontic care can help prevent these complications before they start.
Boost in Confidence: A straight, healthy smile can significantly boost self-esteem, making you feel more confident in both social and professional settings. Whether you’re a child or an adult, having a smile you’re proud of can enhance your quality of life.
Why See an Orthodontist?
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, many patients wonder if they should visit their general dentist or seek out an orthodontist. While dentists handle a broad range of oral health issues, orthodontists are specially trained experts in the alignment of teeth and jaws. Here’s why seeing an orthodontist for your treatment is critical:
Expert Knowledge in Tooth Movement
After four years of dental school, orthodontists undergo an additional 2-3 years of specialized training in a residency program. During this time, they focus on understanding the intricacies of how teeth move, how the alignment of your teeth affects your jaw, and the overall function of your mouth. They also learn about different orthodontic appliances, such as braces and aligners, and how they correct a variety of dental issues. This extensive education allows them to create customized treatment plans to efficiently and safely align your teeth while ensuring optimal jaw function.
Experience with Complex Cases
Orthodontists regularly deal with more complex cases that go beyond simple misalignment. If you have a jaw alignment problem (such as an underbite or overbite) or require treatment that involves more than just your teeth (such as issues with the bones of the face), an orthodontist is your best choice. Their specialized training equips them to handle these cases with precision.
Access to the Latest Treatments
Orthodontists are at the forefront of dental technology and treatment techniques. Brewer Dental Center offers modern orthodontic treatments, including Invisalign, clear braces, and traditional metal braces, ensuring you have access to the most advanced care available.
Comprehensive Care Beyond Aesthetics
Orthodontists are trained to understand how orthodontic treatment impacts more than just the appearance of your smile. They consider how your teeth, jaws, and facial structure will work together in the long term, ensuring that the treatment you receive promotes lasting oral health.
Traditional Braces
Traditional metal braces remain one of the most effective treatments for correcting misaligned teeth and bite issues. They are particularly effective for more complex cases where significant tooth movement is needed. Brewer Dental Center offers metal braces that are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than braces from the past. Braces have changed a bit over the years. Today’s modern braces are built with arch wires that utilize body heat to help teeth move into proper positions while minimizing discomfort.
What Does an Orthodontist Do Besides Braces?
Many people wonder, “Do orthodontists only do braces?” While braces are the most well-known orthodontic treatment, orthodontists provide a wide array of services that address various oral health issues. At Brewer Dental Center, these services include:
Invisalign
For patients looking for a more discreet orthodontic option, Invisalign is an excellent choice. Invisalign uses a series of clear aligners to gradually move teeth into their correct position. The aligners are nearly invisible and can be removed for eating, brushing, and flossing, making them a convenient option for both adults and teens. They’re made from a clear, flexible plastic material called SmartTrack, which helps make them virtually invisible when worn. Invisalign aligners can be worn by children as well as adults. At Brewer Dental Center, we recommend that children have an orthodontic evaluation as early as the age of seven; it’s the best time to examine their bite and correct any issues before permanent teeth come in.
Space Maintainers
For children who lose baby teeth prematurely, space maintainers can be crucial to ensuring that adult teeth grow properly. Orthodontists use these devices to hold space in the mouth until the permanent teeth erupt, preventing crowding and alignment issues later on.
Retainers
After orthodontic treatment, retainers are used to keep teeth in their new positions. Retainers are customized to fit each patient’s mouth, helping to maintain the results of braces or Invisalign over the long term.
Orthodontic Emergency Care
Orthodontic emergencies, such as a broken wire or bracket, can be uncomfortable and require immediate attention. Brewer Dental Center offers orthodontic emergency care to address these issues quickly, minimizing discomfort and ensuring your treatment stays on track. In the rare event that you have an orthodontic emergency, we answer the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Should I Seek an Orthodontist?
Many people are unsure whether they need orthodontic treatment or if their issue can be resolved by their general dentist. Here are some signs that it might be time to seek out an orthodontist:
Crowded or crooked teeth: If you have teeth that overlap or are misaligned, orthodontic treatment can correct the issue and prevent future oral health problems.
Bite issues: Do you have an overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite? These can affect how you eat, speak, and even your facial structure, making orthodontic care essential for correction.
Difficulty chewing or speaking: If you have trouble chewing food properly or notice a lisp or other speech impediment, it could be due to misaligned teeth or jaw issues.
Jaw pain or clicking: Orthodontic problems can lead to discomfort in the jaw, clicking sounds when opening and closing your mouth, or more serious conditions like a temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ).
A desire for a straighter smile: Sometimes, the desire for a more aesthetically pleasing smile is reason enough to seek orthodontic care. Modern treatments like Invisalign make it easy to improve your smile discreetly.
Finding the Best Orthodontist in Billings, MT
If you’re in the Billings, MT area, you want to ensure you’re choosing the best orthodontist for your care. Here are some tips for finding the right provider:
Look for Board-Certified Orthodontists
When seeking orthodontic care, it’s essential to find a board-certified orthodontist. This certification demonstrates that the orthodontist has completed the necessary education and continues to uphold the highest standards of care.
Check for a Range of Services
The best orthodontists offer a wide array of treatments to suit different needs. Brewer Dental Center, for example, provides options like Invisalign, metal braces, clear braces, and more. BDC is the only practice in Yellowstone County offering general and specialty services for straighter teeth.
Read Patient Reviews
Online reviews can give you a good sense of what to expect from an orthodontist. Look for feedback on both the quality of care and patient satisfaction. BDC has been voted 2023’s Best Dental Practice in Billings by the Billings Gazette’s Readers’ Choice Awards.
Consider Office Location and Hours
Convenience matters, especially for orthodontic care, where you’ll have multiple appointments over the course of treatment. Brewer Dental Center is located conveniently in Billings, MT, with flexible hours to accommodate busy schedules. We’re open five days a week, Monday through Friday, with hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., making our services convenient for you and your whole family.
Schedule a Consultation
Before committing to treatment, schedule a consultation to meet the orthodontist, discuss your needs, and review your treatment options. A consultation will give you a feel for the office and help ensure you’re comfortable with the orthodontist and their approach. BDC offers free consultations to help evaluate the best possible treatment for your unique needs.
Schedule an Orthodontics Consultation at Brewer Dental Center Today!
At Brewer Dental Center, we are proud to offer both adult and pediatric orthodontic services tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. Whether you need braces, Invisalign, or other orthodontic care, our expert team is ready to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. We invite you to schedule a free orthodontic consultation today at our Billings, MT, office to learn more about your options. Don’t wait to get the smile you’ve always wanted—contact Brewer Dental Center and take the first step toward better oral health today!