Why Orthodontists Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month (NCDHM). The American Dental Association (ADA) hosted the very first Children’s Dental Health Day back in 1949. The month focuses on dental education and promotes the benefits of good oral health to children and their caregivers. By promoting good oral health, dentists hope to build positive attitudes and healthy habits that will help protect children from cavities and gum disease. Oral health plays a significant role in overall health, so dentists are dedicated to improving the oral health and quality of life of children across the nation.
Orthodontists Are Dentists
Dentists and orthodontists are doctors who specialize in oral health. Dentists are trained to prevent, monitor, diagnose and treat disease of your gums, teeth, tongue and mouth. Orthodontists are first trained as dentists, but they receive additional education in monitoring, diagnosing and treating misalignments of your teeth and jaws. Because they were dentists first, orthodontists are also concerned about your oral health.
How Oral Health Aids Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment involves changes in jawbones, facial bones and soft tissue as teeth are moved into their new positions. For orthodontic treatment to work effectively, your teeth and gums need to be strong to withstand the extra pressure. Healthy gum tissue is tough and flexible, but if it is swollen or weakened by gum disease, it is not suitable for orthodontic treatment. If your teeth have cavities, orthodontic treatment could damage your teeth and bone, so they must be repaired before orthodontic treatment can begin. Good dental health is important before beginning orthodontic treatment.
How Straight Teeth Help Oral Health
Teeth that are misaligned are harder to clean and can cause abnormal wearing of tooth enamel, leading to extensive and expensive dental procedures. Straight teeth improve your oral health because they are easier to clean and floss, and there are fewer places for bacteria to hide.
Advantages of Straight Teeth
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- Limit Tooth Decay – Straighter teeth are easier to clean and maintain properly.
- Prevent Flat, Worn, Chipped Teeth – When teeth don’t come together correctly, they may hit each other at odd angles, and the teeth will start to wear down flat, creating sharp edges or even chips in the biting surfaces.
- Correct and Prevent TMJ Disorders – When your teeth do not align properly, neither does your jaw. Your muscles and teeth will compensate, which can strain the Temporomandibular joint (TMJ).
- Reduce Your Risk for Gum Disease – When teeth are out of alignment, oral hygiene often misses areas along the gum lines causing bacteria to build up, leading to tissues and supporting bone to detach from the tooth.
- Healthier Smile Generally Equals A Healthier You – Crowded teeth cause gum disease, which can significantly increase your overall health risk with problems such as heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, premature labor and fertility problems.
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Options For Orthodontic Treatment
Braces
Braces are the most common way to straighten teeth. They can be metal or clear. Braces work by placing light forces on the teeth over a period of time. The forces on the teeth create a response that causes a remodeling of the areas around the teeth. Today, they are smaller and more efficient than ever before. The dramatic decrease in the size of modern brackets has made them more appealing to both kids and adults.
Invisalign®
Invisalign® is the virtually invisible way to get beautiful straight teeth. Invisalign® is a series of clear, customized, removable aligners. They are virtually undetectable, which means hardly anyone will know you are straightening your teeth. Invisalign® has many advantages, including no dietary restrictions and the ability to maintain your normal oral hygiene routine because they are removable when eating, drinking, brushing and flossing. Plus, appointments are shorter, and there are fewer of them.
Dr. Meredith Parks, Orthodontist
Dr. Meredith Parks has been an orthodontist for almost twenty years. She received her Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the Medical College of Virginia. She completed a three-year residency in orthodontics at West Virginia University, earning a Master of Science in Dentistry.
As a Diamond+ Invisalign® Provider, Dr. Parks has achieved the highest level of Invisalign® case experience. It’s not something every orthodontist office achieves. Having this distinction helps patients find an Invisalign® provider they can trust – one that has the knowledge and experience to create healthier, straighter smiles. We have a proven track record of successfully treating patients of all ages.
Parks Orthodontics
When selecting a doctor for your family’s orthodontic care needs, we understand how difficult it can be to tell the difference between one practice and another. With so many options, which provider should you choose? Parks Orthodontics is proud to be a trusted orthodontic practice in Yorktown, VA. We provide our patients with quality care in a personal and professional environment. Our Orthodontist has years of experience and has the skills to treat even the most difficult cases.
Many of our team members have been with our office for ten or more years. Not only is this a testament to how much they enjoy their jobs and the work environment, but it also builds an incredible amount of stability for consistently delivering exceptional service and results for our patients. Plus, our team will make your experience memorable and rewarding! Enjoy free wifi, coffee, snacks, iPad gaming stations and much more!
Contact Parks Orthodontics Today!
Whether you’re a parent looking to give your child the gift of a straight smile or you are an adult interested in setting things straight, we would feel honored to be a part of your journey to a smile you’ll love! As an award-winning orthodontist in Yorktown, Dr. Parks is proud to help patients of all ages achieve their dream smile. Call today at 757-874-6655 or visit us online to schedule a complimentary orthodontic consultation.
