According to the beauty standards in our society, a perfect smile is something everyone strives for. We want straight teeth that are white, aligned, and look great.

However, if you don't visit an orthodontist Waterloo, you might miss out on a great way to change your smile. 

WHO states that more than two billion people neglect their dental health worldwide. This can lead to severe gum disease, tooth loss, and other issues. If you want the perfect smile, you are in the right place. 

Our professional orthodontist at KWC Dental has provided a complete guide on how we can transform lives. 

What Are Orthodontists?

Not everyone is born with straight teeth or a perfect smile. This is where an orthodontist can come in to ensure you receive the smile you deserve. For example, if you have large spaces between your teeth or a bad bite, they can easily fix such issues. 

Generally, orthodontists are dentists trained to prevent, diagnose, and treat any jaw or teeth irregularities.

They also correct any issues you have and identify problems you might be susceptible to. An orthodontist Waterloo works with people of all ages, from kids to adults. 

Here are some common problems you can contact an orthodontist for:

• Jaw misalignment 

• Large spaces between teeth 

• Crowded teeth

• Underbite or overbite 

• Crooked teeth

Ensure you contact orthodontists at KWC Dental if you want to fix any such problems with your teeth. 

What To Expect At The Orthodontist

Dental fear and anxiety are common, which is why many people don't even seek treatment in the first place. Knowing what to expect when you enter the office is a good way to reduce this fear.

During your first consultation, you will most likely have to go through:

• Panoramic X-ray of your head and face 

• Oral examination 

• Impressions for creating molds for your teeth 

• Dental X-rays 

• Photos of your smile and face 

These examinations and tests will guide your orthodontist on how they can begin treatment. It will also help them gauge the best treatments for your individual case. So, ensure you are prepared for these things, and let your orthodontist do their job. 

Types Of Orthodontic Treatments 

The type of treatment an orthodontist Waterloo will choose for you depends on your issue.

However, there are common orthodontic treatments that most clinics offer.

Here are some of the options you will have at your disposal: 

• Braces 

Braces are the most common orthodontic treatment that many people opt for. There are also different types of braces you can choose from. For example, the most traditional braces are metal ones for most kids. 

These are the most affordable option, and the brackets exert pressure on the teeth to move them to their place. Another option is lingual braces applied on the bite's inner side. You will not see from the outside unless someone opens their mouth. 

Your orthodontist will provide you with all the information regarding these braces, along with the cost. Once you have this information, you can decide whether it will suit your dental needs. 

• Retainers

Retainers may only be used when your orthodontic treatment is about to end. They come in removable and fixed forms you can choose from. The purpose of retainers is to hold your teeth while the bones and gums move to a new spot. 

Most people think they can permanently straighten their teeth if they wear a retainer. However, you must be consistent with this habit and wear retainers most of the time. Remember that retainers will only be used once your teeth have been straightened to their correct position. 

• Invisalign 

Invisalign is slowly gaining traction in the dental world, especially with busy professionals and adults. These are invisible aligners that you can remove while eating or drinking. Many people opt for this treatment because it allows them to have the aligner on without hurting their confidence with visibility. 

However, this treatment option is much more expensive than braces. If you have the budget for it, this will be your best option. Working professionals also find this to be the most discreet form of braces. 

You can ask your orthodontist Waterloo at KWC Dental about this treatment option. They will provide you with a detailed guide on whether it is the right choice for you. Then, you can make an informed decision regarding Invisalign. 

How A Waterloo Orthodontist Can Transform Your Life

Now that you have some idea about what orthodontists do and the options you have at your disposal, it is crucial to understand the various benefits of such treatment.

Here are some important ways that an orthodontist can completely change your life:

• Correcting Misalignments Of Teeth 

One of the primary goals of an orthodontist is to correct misaligned teeth and jaws. Crooked teeth, overbites, underbites, and crossbites affect your appearance and can cause functional issues such as difficulty chewing, speaking, and maintaining proper oral hygiene. 

By using various orthodontic treatments like braces, aligners, and other appliances, an orthodontist can align your teeth and jaws, improving their functionality.

You will be more confident in smiling and can say goodbye to crooked teeth. If you have been facing these issues with your teeth, we recommend contacting an orthodontist as soon as possible. 

• Improved Aesthetics 

A major aspect of orthodontic treatment is enhancing your smile aesthetics. Misaligned teeth can significantly impact your self-confidence and how you perceive yourself. Orthodontic treatment can strengthen teeth, close gaps, and correct overcrowding, resulting in a more attractive smile. 

This aesthetic improvement can boost self-esteem and positively impact social and professional interactions. Any working professional or adult will benefit the most from these aesthetics. You won't have to worry about looking good while giving your presentations, as the orthodontist will guarantee it's not a problem. 

• A Boost In Oral Health 

Orthodontic treatment not only enhances the appearance of your smile but also improves your overall oral health. Misaligned teeth can make cleaning difficult, leading to plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. An orthodontist Waterloo makes brushing and flossing easier by aligning your teeth, reducing the risk of oral health problems. 

Correcting bite issues can alleviate excessive stress on certain teeth, reducing the likelihood of premature wear and dental injuries. Not all of this will be applicable to you. It will depend on the treatment you will have undergone. 

• TMJ And Jaw Pain Relief

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders can cause jaw pain, headaches, facial discomfort, and difficulty opening or closing your mouth.

Orthodontic treatment can help realign the jaw, reducing the strain on the TMJ and alleviating these symptoms. An orthodontist can relieve TMJ-related pain and discomfort by improving the harmony between your teeth and jaws.

An orthodontist Waterloo at KWC Dental understands exactly how to bring your jaws and teeth into harmony. In the long run, your symptoms will significantly reduce, and you will not have to deal with such pain any more. Anyone facing severe issues regarding these problems can contact an orthodontist immediately for relief. 

• Long-Term Dental Stability 

Orthodontic treatment aims for long-term results. By correcting dental and jaw misalignments, an orthodontist ensures that your teeth are in proper alignment, providing stability and preventing relapse.

This helps maintain the results achieved through orthodontic treatment, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and functional smile for years to come.

The secret is to select the right orthodontist with decades of experience with these problems. Experience ensures that they don't make any mistakes and guarantee dental stability for decades. A good orthodontist can save years of dental visits and costs by fixing your dental issues from the root cause. 

• Better Chewing And Speech 

When your teeth and jaws are misaligned, it can affect your ability to chew food properly and articulate words clearly. Orthodontic treatment can correct these issues, improving chewing efficiency and better speech clarity. This can enhance your overall eating experience, nutritional intake, and communication skills.

Issues with chewing and speech can have detrimental effects on your quality of life. If you face any such problems with your dental health, it is important to seek help as soon as possible. Once you do, you will not lose confidence in eating and speaking. 

• Better Quality Of Life

The positive impacts of orthodontic treatment extend beyond oral health and aesthetics. An orthodontist Waterloo can positively influence your overall quality of life by improving your oral function, smile, and self-confidence. You may experience improved social interactions, increased self-esteem, and greater well-being.

Neglecting dental health means you are overlooking an important aspect of your health that has the ability to change your life. Going to an orthodontist will mean you are improving your life. 

• Lower Your Risk Of Sleep Apnea 

When your jaw is misaligned, you are at a higher risk for sleep apnea. This happens when there is an obstruction in your airway while sleeping. The position of the teeth and jaw can greatly impact your ability to breathe while you are sleeping. 

For example, when the jaw is misaligned, the tongue will tend to fall back and block breathing. This can lead to serious medical issues in the long run because your brain will not receive enough oxygen. So, visit an orthodontist as soon as possible if you are struggling with sleep apnea or want to lower your risk. 

• Possibly Lower Risk Of Heart Disease

Heart disease and the level of inflammation in your body have a possible link. Crowded or crooked teeth can enhance the risk of gum disease, which can lead to bacteria causing inflammations and infections within your body. Such problems can make you susceptible to heart disease. 

It is crucial to keep your mouth in the best oral shape, which can lead to a healthy body and heart. Bacteria from our mouth can wreak havoc on other systems, which can deteriorate our health. Connect with an orthodontist Waterloo at KWC Dental to learn more about how you can boost your oral hygiene. 

Selecting The Right Orthodontist To Change Your Life: Factors To Consider

Before you select an orthodontist in Waterloo, here are some factors you can consider:

Convenience And Location

Consider the location of the orthodontic office and its convenience in terms of accessibility and scheduling appointments. Orthodontic treatment often requires regular visits, so choosing an easily reachable office from your home, school, or workplace can make the process more convenient.

Treatment Options 

Inquire about the range of orthodontic treatments offered by the orthodontist Waterloo. Different cases may require different approaches, so choosing an orthodontist who offers the specific treatment option that aligns with your needs and preferences is important. For example, if you want clear aligners, ensure the orthodontist provides that option.

Reviews By Other Patients

Seek recommendations from family, friends, or your general dentist who has undergone orthodontic treatment. Their personal experiences can give you valuable insights into the orthodontist's expertise, professionalism, and patient satisfaction. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to gather more information about the orthodontist's reputation.

Payment Options And Cost 

Orthodontic treatment can involve a significant financial investment, so discussing the cost and payment options with the orthodontist is important. Inquire about insurance coverage, payment plans, and any potential additional costs to ensure you clearly understand your treatment's financial aspects.

Communication 

Schedule an initial consultation with the orthodontist to assess their communication style and how comfortable you feel discussing your concerns with them. Orthodontic treatment often requires ongoing visits over an extended period, so choosing an orthodontist with whom you have a good rapport and who can explain the treatment process clearly is important.

Contact KWC Dental Today 

An orthodontist Waterloo at KWC Dental will provide incredible benefits that will reap long-term results. Our professionals have years of experience that can change the way you smile. We have been transforming smiles and lives for a long time, so feel free to contact us for a consultation today to discuss your dental needs.