Orthodontic Solutions in Chesterfield, MO

While maintaining good oral health with general and preventative dental care is vital to achieving optimal overall health, basic dental care can only go so far. Orthodontic treatment is needed to address deeper anatomical issues that impact the alignment of the teeth, jaws, and bite for a balanced and comfortable smile. When your teeth are properly aligned, they experience even wear, making daily care easier and keeping your mouth healthy and happy. 

At Monarch Valley Dental, we help our patients achieve optimal oral health with comprehensive treatments, including orthodontics, with our orthodontist in Chesterfield, MO. 

What Is Orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a specialized branch of dentistry that identifies, diagnoses, prevents, and corrects abnormalities related to the positioning and alignment of the teeth, jaws, and bite (occlusion) in children, teens, and adults. 

Orthodontic treatments commonly address concerns such as:

• Crooked teeth
• Crowded teeth
• Spacing (gapped teeth)
• Malocclusion
  
  • Overbite
  • Overjet
  • Protrusion
  • Underbite
  • Openbite
  • Crossbite
• Misaligned midlines
• Abnormal tooth eruption

What's the Difference Between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?

Some dentists provide orthodontic treatments such as teeth straightening with Invisalign or braces. However, these dentists are not orthodontists. Like dentists, orthodontists complete a bachelor's degree and attend dental school. Unlike dentists, orthodontists undergo an additional 3,700 hours of training over two or three additional years to obtain a specialized orthodontics degree. Orthodontists are highly trained in preventing, diagnosing, and treating orthodontic issues specifically related to the alignment and structure of the teeth and jaws. 

Access Comprehensive Care With Orthodontics

We are fully trained and equipped to provide our patients with comprehensive orthodontic care, including:

Early Childhood Orthodontic Evaluation and Interceptive Orthodontics

By age seven, children should have their teeth, jaws, and maxillofacial structures evaluated for proper alignment and development. At this age, orthodontists can identify problems and use interceptive orthodontic treatments to prevent these issues from worsening or becoming more complex as a child grows. Orthodontic treatment in childhood is ideal because it is preventative, faster, less complex, and usually less costly. 

Braces

Braces are the most common method for addressing a wide array of alignment issues. Traditional braces use a system of metal wires, brackets, and rubber bands to treat slight misalignment to more severe and complex orthodontic problems.

While most patients associate braces with metal, there are actually a variety of different types of braces available, such as tooth-colored ceramic, clear, and lingual braces that offer more discreet treatment options. 

Invisalign

Invisalign is a highly popular orthodontic treatment alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses a system of clear, plastic aligners that are custom-designed to fit over a patient's arches of teeth. The aligners exert gentle pressure on the teeth and gently shift them into proper alignment over a course of treatment that uses several sets of graduated trays. 

This almost invisible treatment option provides patients a high degree of flexibility during their treatments with minimal lifestyle and zero dietary adjustments required. 

Space Maintainers

The purpose of a space maintainer is to hold existing teeth in place to prevent them from shifting out of alignment into open spaces in the mouth. A space maintainer can be used in several situations, but they are commonly recommended for children whose permanent teeth are slow to erupt after losing a primary tooth. 

Retainers

Retainers are typically required after orthodontic treatment with braces or Invisalign. The purpose of a retainer is to prevent the teeth from shifting out of alignment after treatment. 

Expanders

Expanders are used to gradually create more space inside the mouth. They exert gentle pressure to widen the jaws and gradually expand the palate. 

Oral Surgery

In the most complex orthodontic cases, oral surgery might be needed to address abnormal jawbone alignment or structure. Additionally, tooth extractions are sometimes required as a part of orthodontic treatment, and, depending on the complexity of the process, these extractions are sometimes considered surgical procedures.

Am I Too Old for Braces? 

The ideal time to receive orthodontic treatment is in childhood, while the jawbones and other maxillofacial structures are still growing and developing. At this time, orthodontic treatment takes less time because it can often be used to prevent more complex problems from developing as a child grows. This is why the American Association of Orthodontics recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age seven. 

However, if you are an adult who did not receive orthodontic treatment as a child, it's not too late! Patients of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Even in adulthood, orthodontic treatment can address and correct alignment problems with your teeth, jaws, and bite. So, if you are an adult who is tired of living with a crooked, uncomfortable smile, then we strongly encourage you to request an orthodontic evaluation with our orthodontist to learn more about what orthodontic treatment would look like for you. 

Covering the Cost of Orthodontic

The cost of orthodontic services can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the patient's age, the complexity of the case, and the type of treatment needed. 

Many dental insurance policies include coverage for orthodontic treatment, especially when the treatment is considered medically necessary (i.e., not solely achieving a cosmetic or aesthetic purpose). The amount of coverage provided varies greatly between insurers and policies. Sometimes, a certain percentage of care is covered. Other times, a fixed dollar amount is provided. 

Our office can provide you with a complete estimate for the cost of your care and help you navigate your insurance policy. We're committed to ensuring that our patients are able to access the care they need, and we can work with you to find a solution that meets all of your needs. 

Treatment Plans Tailored to Your Needs with Our Orthodontist in Chesterfield, MO

If you or your child has orthodontic issues, we encourage you to talk with our orthodontist about your treatment options. We can work with you to provide you with a personalized treatment plan designed to help you achieve our oral health goals while honoring your treatment preferences. To learn more or request a consultation, we welcome you to contact Monarch Valley Dental today.