Orthodontic Treatment in Baltimore, Parkville, and Pikesville, MD
At Markovitz Orthodontics, we are experts in creating beautiful and healthy smiles. We take the time to understand your needs and consider all types of orthodontic treatment based on variables like your age, jaw structure, the size of your teeth, and your personal preferences and lifestyle. Dr. Stanley Markovitz and our highly specialized staff will work with you to choose the right treatment, and ensure you get the smile you’ve always wanted.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics addresses the diagnosis, prevention, interception, guidance, and correction of dental malocclusions, using appliances like Invisalign and braces. An orthodontist is the specialist you consult for your treatment.
You may think that straightening your teeth only has aesthetic benefits, but straight teeth reduce your risk for many oral health issues. The way your teeth fit together has a significant impact on your oral health: crooked teeth can be hard to clean, which can lead to cavities, tooth decay, periodontal disease, gum disease, and excessive wear. Additionally, misaligned teeth can make it harder to chew, leading to headaches, shoulder or back pain, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
Orthodontic treatment is often associated with children and teens, but orthodontists can help people of all ages! At Markovitz Orthodontics, we provide orthodontics for the whole family, so you can achieve a healthy and beautiful smile no matter your age!
How Does Orthodontics Work?
Orthodontic treatment uses devices or appliances, like braces and aligners, to guide teeth to their ideal positions over a period of time. Tooth movement happens by applying gentle pressure and strategically moving the tooth into the desired position. The bone then regenerates in the previous position of the tooth, and your jaw muscles are retrained into the right place.
An evaluation for orthodontic treatment is recommended by the age of 7, to be able to understand and address issues as they arise. Orthodontic treatments can involve fixed or removable appliances, and depending on your specific needs and circumstances, your orthodontist will advise you on which approach is the right one for you. At the end of “active” treatment (when teeth are being moved), patients will wear retainers to ensure their teeth stay in their new positions.
Types of Orthodontic Treatment
There are several kinds of orthodontic treatments to meet the unique orthodontic and lifestyle needs of each patient. Depending on your goals, the severity of your case, your personal preferences, and other factors, our team of orthodontic specialists can develop a customized treatment plan just for you. Read on to learn more about the different types of orthodontic services we offer and how they can benefit you.
Invisalign
Invisalign uses a series of clear, removable aligners to straighten your teeth in a way that is both efficient and discreet. Patients wear each virtually invisible, customized aligner set for 1-2 weeks, for at least 22 hours per day, removing it for meals, brushing, and flossing.
Today, Invisalign aligners are able to fix nearly all mild to moderately complex teeth straightening and bite issues, including: overcrowding, crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, underbites, open bites, cross bites, and more. They are also a great choice for people who have had orthodontic treatment in the past but had their teeth start to move back to their original position.
If you want to make a change and are worried about how you will look throughout treatment, Invisalign may be right for you!
Braces Treatment
Braces are a classic treatment option that moves your teeth into proper alignment over time by applying gradual, consistent pressure. They typically consist of brackets that are bonded to the teeth, connected with an archwire, and held in place by tiny elastic bands. During treatment, your orthodontist will periodically adjust this archwire during check-ups, keeping teeth movement on track. Markovitz Orthodontics offers traditional metal braces as well as ceramic braces.
Traditional metal braces are the most common type of braces, and that’s because they work well with complex cases. The great news is that modern braces are more comfortable than ever before! Made of high-grade stainless steel, braces deliver a constant, gentle force to move teeth. Although metal braces are more noticeable than other treatment options, they allow you to express your personality by choosing colored elastic bands that match your style.
Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and provide a more discreet option for orthodontic treatment, without sacrificing effectiveness. They are made with a translucent, stain-resistant ceramic material that blends in with your natural tooth color, which makes them less noticeable than traditional braces. One drawback to ceramic braces is that they’re more fragile than metal braces, so they require the wearer to pay more attention to oral hygiene.
Early Treatment
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children should have their first orthodontist visit by no later than age 7. The goal of early orthodontic treatment, also known as phase 1, is to intercept potential orthodontic issues as they develop, eliminate the causes, guide the growth of facial and jaw bones, and create enough space for incoming permanent teeth.
Although treatment may not be necessary at an early age, it’s a good time to find out if there are any developing issues. However, because early treatment also helps to make room for permanent teeth to come in properly, children who need early orthodontic treatment can often reduce their need for extensive dental procedures in the future.
Retainers
After your orthodontic treatment, your gums, bones, and muscles need a chance to get used to the change. Retainers hold your teeth in their correct placement so the newly formed bone can harden around them, keeping them in place long-term.
There are various types of retainers, some of which are removable, like traditional Hawley retainers, or aligner-style retainers, and others that are fixed to your teeth. Wearing your retainers as instructed is key to maintaining the success of orthodontic treatment.
When to Seek Orthodontic Treatment
Many people can benefit from orthodontic care. There is no ideal age for treatment; teeth alignment can be improved at any age, as long as you have healthy gums and bone structure. Some of the issues that can be solved with orthodontic treatment include:
Crowded teeth
when there is a lack of space for your teeth to fit normally within your jaw.
Underbite
when lower teeth are in front of the upper teeth.
Crossbite
when your upper teeth fit behind your lower teeth when your mouth is closed.
Overjet
when the upper front teeth appear to stick out over the lower teeth.
Visibly crooked teeth
when your teeth do not have correct alignment with each other. In such cases, some of your teeth may protrude further than others, while others may recede into your mouth.
Gaps between teeth
when your teeth don't seem to fill up your mouth. There appear to be spaces between teeth. In most cases, a gap may only occur once (diastema) though some people may have multiple gaps through their teeth.
Open bite
when the top and bottom teeth don’t touch each other despite your mouth being closed, leaving a space between them.
Many of these issues can put strain on your jaw muscle, make it hard to clean your teeth, and make your teeth more likely to be damaged. Our orthodontist in Baltimore, Parkville, and Pikesville can correctly determine which orthodontic treatment is right for you.
Transform Your Smile: Expert Orthodontic Treatment Available Now
At Markovitz Orthodontics, we specialize in helping our patients achieve the smiles they have always wanted. We offer a wide range of treatments to address various orthodontic issues, from minor misalignments to complex cases, and ensure you walk out with a healthy, confident smile.
With offices in Baltimore, Parkville, and Pikesville, we are dedicated to providing you and your family with the personalized care you deserve. Dr. Markovitz and our amazing staff will work with you to determine a customized treatment plan that aligns with your needs, lifestyle, and preferences. Call us or schedule a consultation online to start your journey today!