Serving patients of Erwin, Jonesborough, and Greeneville, TN
Are you living with crooked teeth, but hesitant to seek treatment because of the obviousness and discomfort of braces? Orthodontics has come a long way since traditional metal braces were the only way to obtain straighter teeth. This page includes more information about the program of orthodontic treatments at Tusculum Dental Care.
Why we practice functional orthodontics
Functional orthodontics is a philosophy that focuses on straightening teeth, while also seeking treatment goals such as a well-aligned bite and an aesthetically pleasing facial profile. A dentist who practices functional orthodontics still uses standard means of orthodontic treatment such as braces but uses these methods in combination with other treatments such as custom-made oral appliances.Â
Functional orthodontics is grounded in the principles of neuromuscular dentistry, a specialization of dental science that focuses upon identifying, finding, and restoring the ideal alignment of the bite and jaw. In addition to the previously listed goals, patients who undergo a course of functional orthodontic treatment have wider, open airways and a better chance of maintaining healthy jaw joints than those who receive traditional orthodontic treatment alone.
Functional orthodontics also has been documented to correct issues such as the following:
- Excessive wear and chipping of the front teeth
- Significant crowding or spacing issues
- Crossbite of the front and back teeth
- Limited room in the mouth for the tongue
- Narrow airwayÂ
Tusculum Dental Care can screen a patient as early as the age of five to determine if he or she has any issues that can be corrected through functional orthodontics.
Braces
An orthodontic program may include the use of braces, which apply gentle pressure over time to move teeth into a straighter, more aesthetically pleasing, higher-functioning alignment. How long a patient wears braces is determined by the severity of the crookedness of their teeth, as well as other factors such as age, their level of oral hygiene, and how well the patient cooperates with the course of treatment.
At Tusculum Dental Care, we offer braces with tooth-colored brackets. Unlike traditional braces, which have metal brackets and wires, tooth-colored brackets are made of dental ceramic that can be matched to the color of the teeth. In addition to being metal-free, making these brackets a great treatment choice for patients who seek straighter teeth but suffer from a metal allergy, tooth-colored brackets are more discreet for patients who are concerned about aesthetics or that have a stigma toward wearing braces. Ceramic brackets also will not irritate the gums, lips, and cheeks the same way that metal brackets can. And these tooth-colored brackets function as well as traditional braces to produce beautiful, straighter teeth.
Invisalign
Another discreet treatment option for both teens and adults with crooked teeth, Invisalign guides teeth into a straighter alignment through gentle pressure, applied through a set of clear plastic aligners. These aligners will be switched out every few weeks. They are almost undetectable and can be removed when you eat, drink, perform oral hygiene, or plan to attend a special event where pictures will be taken.
Orthodontic Treatment in Greeneville
Generally speaking, orthodontic treatment is not just for children and adolescents. One of every five patients who seek orthodontic treatment is an adult. Living with crooked teeth may compromise your oral health later in life. Why take that risk? To learn more about the program of orthodontics at Tusculum Dental Care, call our office at (423) 639-7575 to schedule a consultation.
Tusculum Dental Care is proud to serve patients in the areas of Greeneville, Jonesborough, and Erwin, Tennessee.