San Fernando Valley Orthodontics: A Holistic Approach to Better Oral Health

A beautiful smile is one of the most important elements of confidence, but orthodontic health is so much more than straightened teeth. The position of the teeth, development of the jaws and bite function, the growth of the face and oral habits all affect one's long-term oral health. Comprehensive Orthodontic treatment can take all of these elements into consideration as it addresses a patient's specific orthodontic needs. 

Instead of only being concerned with cosmetic cosmetic alignment of teeth, holistic orthodontic treatment aims to address the interaction of teeth, jaws, facial structures and the overall functioning of the mouth. 

This type of patient-specific treatment is appropriate for children, adolescents and adults who seek orthodontics on their terms.

What Is Holistic Orthodontics?

Holistic orthodontics is an approach to orthodontics and oral healthcare where attention is given to the complete oral and facial system. While the alignment and position of crowded or crooked teeth are often examined, an orthodontic specialist will take into consideration all of the patient's relationships between teeth, bite alignment, the development of their jaws, the maturation of their face and other factors influencing orthodontic health. Understanding each patient's personal circumstances before beginning orthodontic treatment ensures that each course of treatment is selected according to individual needs, as no two smiles develop in the same way. Holistic orthodontics is ideal for both parents and patients who wish to achieve not only straight teeth, but also optimal dental development and function.

How Can Holistic Orthodontics Improve Your Smile?

Many issues concerning orthodontic appearance stem from more than the position of the front teeth alone. Crowding, spacing between teeth, overbites, underbites and crossbites can often compromise the development, alignment and function of your overall bite. Your comprehensive orthodontic evaluation may account for tooth alignment and spacing as well as bite and jaw relationships between each individual patient's teeth and the underlying bone. 

It also includes the relationship of facial growth to teeth, how one's tongue positions as well as the habit to open-mouth breathe-which can affect and contribute to developmental facial growth of the teeth and mouth. 

When these factors are taken into consideration, the orthodontist will have a far greater understanding of what is occurring within the patient's mouth. Long-term orthodontic goals as well as his or her overall dental health can impact the selection of the type and length of orthodontic appliances chosen to align the teeth. Age and even dental development stage will be important in addressing overall systemic health concerns the individual might currently have.

What Orthodontic Problems Can Holistic Care Address?

Patients may opt for holistic orthodontics to treat crowded teeth, missing teeth, spacing between teeth or for more prominent bite issues. Among the common concerns that holistic orthodontic care may address include those caused by gaps between the teeth as well as overbites, underbites and crossbites. Young children and adolescents may require orthodontic care to monitor growth and development before active orthodontics are introduced. 

In adult Orthodontics, treatment can focus on improving the alignment of the teeth and bite while remaining highly mindful of all systemic health issues that may influence the process. 

Treatment will depend on the specific concerns that the individual is facing.

How Does San Fernando Valley Orthodontics Offer Customized Care?

The pursuit of orthodontic care in San Fernando Valley would ideally lead individuals to seek out one provider who offers not only convenience but also professional and specialized orthodontic treatment tailored to each patient's specific orthodontic needs. In utilizing a holistic approach as part of treatment, individual patients are sure to have a clear understanding of their teeth, the bite as well as the growth of the jaws; thereby providing comprehensive insight into an individual's orthodontic diagnosis and possible future treatment options. An initial orthodontic consultation will assess how well the current dental situation fits your unique face to enable an orthodontic professional the best option to develop a treatment that works best for you. Regardless of whether you opt for traditional braces or transparent aligners, a truly holistic orthodontic consultation would allow the provider to offer you every suitable choice that is appropriate and most beneficial to your health and well-being and your personal goals and needs.

Why Should Every Child Undergo Orthodontic Assessment and Early Orthodontic Intervention?

Most parents might be accustomed to wondering when exactly the child should begin receiving a full orthodontic assessment and subsequent intervention. In some cases, orthodontic evaluation will give insight into the developmental growth occurring both within the jaw and the face of a child. A comprehensive orthodontic exam by your specialist can help detect subtle problems so you can make informed decisions regarding future orthodontic care. 

Although an initial examination does not always mean active orthodontics will begin at that very same point in time. 

In instances where it may not yet be necessary the development of growth and the features of the teeth alone may be monitored on a continuous and consistent schedule over time until the optimal time is determined to initiate any needed active treatment or appliance therapy.

Is Holistic Orthodontics Right for Adults?

Certainly! As adults age, it is common to decide that you want to invest in your orthodontic health with a corrective treatment option. Regardless of your existing orthodontic issue or condition-whether it's closely aligned teeth, crooked ones or a misaligned bite-there are numerous treatment options available to rectify any underlying problems you may have encountered along with many additional personal preferences to account for in the treatment. 

An orthodontic evaluation through your provider within San Fernando Valley could suggest either traditional orthodontic braces or clear aligners based on your case, your needs and your budget for treatment. 

There are many options of orthodontic treatments for adults and so be sure to find an orthodontic professional whose orthodontic analysis matches your personal priorities before committing to the right orthodontic treatment that best satisfies your own individual needs.

Treatments on your individual basis-that's what Holistic Orthodontics is all about. Don't be afraid to seek out every type of orthodontic approach which fits your personal needs; you can discuss the pros and cons of each type of orthodontic therapy plan thoroughly before ultimately committing yourself to one specific regimen. It could be worthwhile to schedule an orthodontic consultation with San Fernando Valley Orthodontics or any trusted orthodontic professional of choice to learn more about what is necessary and appropriate for you or your child to begin orthodontic evaluation, analysis and treatment today!