Many people wonder what the difference between a dentist and orthodontist entails. Both dentists and orthodontists assist patients with their oral health, focusing on the teeth, jaw, gums, and nerves, albeit in different ways. Orthodontists prioritize the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of jaw and teeth irregularities. They can identify tooth alignment problems that may develop when conditions get left untreated. If you have an oral health related issue, we suggest contacting our Pelham, AL orthodontist at your earliest convenience for an appointment. Dr. Jeff Backus is happy to help!
When To See An Orthodontist
It is recommended that everyone gets a dental checkup by the age of 7. You may need to visit an orthodontist if you have misaligned teeth, irregular bite patterns, overcrowding, teeth that are too far apart, or a slightly misshapen jaw. Orthodontists can treat various conditions but will first have to perform diagnostics using dental x-rays, oral exams, and/or digital scans. The goal of an orthodontist is to improve the patient’s bite, oral health, and smile. Depending on the case we may suggest braces, invisible aligners, retainers, or another form of treatment. When you have a healthy and aligned bite, you can chew, eat, and speak properly. Ultimately, orthodontic care can greatly enhance one's quality of life. Not only will you feel good about your oral health, but more confident about your appearance and smile.
Treatment For All Ages
Contrary to what many may believe, orthodontic care is not just for teenagers and children. Anyone with dental related problems can benefit from orthodontic care. Through technological advances, the approaches for addressing misalignments have become more discreet and comfortable than ever before. Patients can achieve a confident smile without sacrificing aesthetics along the way. Our knowledgeable orthodontist suggests early intervention for children who have orthodontic issues. This is because they are still in the growth process and correcting misalignments will be easier. But don’t worry, adults also find success with orthodontic treatment too! It really is for all ages and thankfully there are many options that patients can choose from. The benefits of orthodontic care include:
- Improved chewing ability: a bite with proper teeth alignment allows for more efficient chewing, which helps with overall gut health and digestion.
- Enhanced speech: tooth misalignments can sometimes impact someone’s ability to speak. Orthodontics can improve speech pronunciation and clarity.
- More self-confidence: a straighter smile can boost self-esteem and improve someone’s overall health and sense of well-being.
- Reduced risk of cavities: straight teeth can be cleaned more readily, helping prevent gum disease and cavities.
Backus Orthodontics
Choosing the right orthodontic team is essential for a happy and successful outcome of your dental care treatment plan. If you are curious about the treatment options we provide, don’t hesitate to speak with our Pelham orthodontist about what we can do for you. At Backus Orthodontics, your comfortability and positive experience is our top priority. Let us get you started on a path to a more confident smile! Dr. Jeff Backus is ready to hear from you.
The Treatment Services We Provide
Our Pelham, AL orthodontist offers a range of services so that we can address the varying needs and health goals of all of our patients. Whether you're a teenager looking to correct misaligned teeth or an adult wanting a more confident smile, our modern orthodontic solutions are designed to provide personalized care and meaningful results.
Metal Braces
Metal braces have been the standard in orthodontic care for decades, and for good reason—they’re highly effective for treating even the most serious alignment issues. They consist of metal brackets and wires that work together to gradually shift teeth into the desired position. While metal braces are visible, modern designs are smaller, more comfortable, and more efficient than ever before.
Our Pelham orthodontist offers metal braces to patients of all ages, particularly for those who need to correct significant misalignments or bite issues. We often recommend them to our younger patients, as they offer a durable solution for growing teeth. Across all our services, we provide personalized treatment plans to ensure the best possible results while prioritizing comfort and convenience throughout the process.
Clear Braces
Made from ceramic material, clear braces blend in with the natural color of your teeth, making them less noticeable. Clear braces work just like metal braces to align teeth, correct bite issues, and close gaps. The brackets are smaller and smoother than their metal counterparts, offering both comfort and aesthetic advantages.
Because of these qualities, we often recommend clear braces to adults and teenagers who express concerns about the thought of wearing braces. Ultimately, clear braces provide the same results as traditional metal braces, but without drawing as much attention to your treatment.
Clear Aligners
Clear aligners, such as Invisalign® , are an excellent alternative for patients who want a nearly invisible orthodontic treatment option. These custom-made, removable trays are worn over the teeth and gradually move them into the proper position.
One of the primary benefits of clear aligners is that they can be removed for eating, drinking, and brushing, allowing for better oral hygiene and fewer dietary restrictions. Patients typically wear their aligners for 20-22 hours per day and switch to a new set every few weeks as their treatment progresses.
Our Pelham orthodontist often recommends clear aligners to adults and teenagers who have busy lifestyles and prefer a treatment option that doesn’t interfere with their daily routine.
Retainers
After any orthodontic treatment, retainers play a crucial role in maintaining your new smile. Retainers are designed to keep your teeth in their corrected position after braces or aligners have done their job. Without a retainer, teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions, undoing months or even years of progress.
At Backus Orthodontics, we offer both fixed and removable retainers, depending on the patient’s needs. Fixed retainers are attached to the back of the teeth and provide continuous support, while removable retainers can be worn at night or for a specified number of hours per day. Retainers are essential for ensuring the long-term success of your orthodontic treatment, and our team will guide you in choosing the right option for your lifestyle.
A Happier, Stronger Smile Awaits
Whether you’re a parent seeking early intervention for your child or an adult finally ready to address long-standing dental concerns, our Pelham orthodontist offers personalized care to ensure you reach your smile goals. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is dedicated to making your orthodontic journey as comfortable and seamless as possible, offering a range of treatment options to suit your individual needs.
At Backus Orthodontics, your smile is our top priority. If you’re ready to explore your treatment options, give us a call and schedule a free consultation.