An orthodontist is a dental specialist focused on diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our orthodontists provide a wide range of orthodontic treatments designed to correct issues like misaligned teeth, improper bites, and jaw discrepancies. Here’s what an orthodontist typically does:

• Braces and Aligners: Orthodontists use braces and clear aligners, such as Invisalign, to gradually move teeth into their correct positions.
• Bite Correction: They address overbites, underbites, and crossbites to improve both function and aesthetics.
• Retainers: After the initial orthodontic treatment, orthodontists provide retainers to maintain the results.
• Comprehensive Care: Orthodontists work closely with other dental professionals, like general dentists and dental specialists, to ensure comprehensive oral health care.

   

If you’re considering orthodontic treatment, visiting an orthodontist at our Plattsburgh dental clinic ensures that you receive specialized care tailored to your specific needs.

Orthodontics is beneficial for anyone experiencing misalignment or other dental issues that affect the appearance or function of their teeth. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we believe that orthodontic care isn’t just for kids—patients of all ages can benefit from it. Here’s who might need orthodontic treatment:

• Children and Teens: Early intervention can prevent more serious issues later on. It’sTo identify potential problems, it’s recommended that children have a dental checkup with an orthodontist by age 7.
• Adults: More and more adults are seeking orthodontic treatment to correct long-standing dental issues or to improve their smile with options like Invisalign aligners.
• Those with Misaligned Teeth: Crooked or crowded teeth are common reasons for seeking orthodontic care.
• Bite Issues: Anyone with an overbite, underbite, or crossbite can benefit from orthodontics to correct the alignment and improve oral health.

If you think you might need orthodontic treatment, a consultation at our Plattsburgh dental clinic is a great first step.

Caring for your teeth while wearing braces is essential for maintaining oral health and ensuring the success of your orthodontic treatment. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we provide detailed guidance to help you manage your braces effectively. Here’s how to care for your teeth with braces:

1. Brushing: Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brush after every meal, making sure to clean around the brackets and wires thoroughly.
2. Flossing: Use a floss threader or special orthodontic floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under the wires.
3. Avoid Certain Foods: Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods, such as popcorn, nuts, and chewing gum, that can damage your braces.
4. Regular Dental Checkups: Continue visiting our dental clinic for regular checkups and cleanings to monitor your oral health during your orthodontic treatment.

Following these steps will help keep your teeth and gums healthy while you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment in Plattsburgh, NY.

While braces are a significant part of orthodontic treatment, orthodontists at Mint Dental Care PLLC offer much more. Our orthodontists specialize in various treatments to improve your dental health and smile. Here’s what else they do:

• Clear Aligners: We offer Invisalign aligners as a discreet alternative to traditional braces. These clear aligners gradually move teeth into the desired position.
• Retainers: After completing treatment with braces or aligners, orthodontists provide retainers to maintain the alignment of your teeth.
• Orthodontic Surgery: For severe cases, our orthodontists may collaborate with oral surgeons to correct significant jaw and facial irregularities.
• Early Orthodontic Intervention: Orthodontists assess and guide the development of children’s teeth to prevent or address issues early on.

So, while braces are a common orthodontic treatment, our Plattsburgh orthodontists provide a comprehensive range of services to meet your specific needs.

There are several reasons why you might need to see an orthodontist. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our orthodontists are here to address any concerns you have about the alignment of your teeth or your bite. Here’s when you should consider making an appointment:

• Misaligned Teeth: If your teeth are crooked, crowded, or have gaps, an orthodontist can help straighten them with braces or aligners.
• Bite Issues: Problems like overbites, underbites, or crossbites can affect your ability to chew properly and might cause jaw pain.
• Jaw Alignment: An orthodontist can correct misaligned jaws that could be causing discomfort or affecting the symmetry of your face.
• Speech Problems: Sometimes, misaligned teeth can cause speech difficulties, which orthodontic treatment can help correct.
• Desire for a Better Smile: If you simply want a more confident, beautiful smile, an orthodontist can guide you through various treatment options.

Seeing a Plattsburgh orthodontist ensures you get specialized care tailored to improving both the function and appearance of your smile.

The best age to see an orthodontist can vary, but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic checkup by age 7. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we believe early orthodontic evaluations are key to identifying potential issues before they become more serious. Here’s why:

• Early Detection: Orthodontists can spot problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth that may not be obvious to parents or even general dentists.
• Guided Development: Early intervention allows for guiding the growth of the jaw and incoming teeth, reducing the need for more extensive treatment later.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Based on the initial evaluation, our orthodontists can create a plan that may involve early treatment or simply monitoring the development of your child’s teeth.

However, orthodontic treatment isn’t just for kids. We see many adults who decide to improve their smile with braces or Invisalign aligners later in life.

No, you’re never too old for orthodontic treatment! At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we welcome patients of all ages who are looking to improve their smiles. Orthodontics isn’t just for children and teenagers—adults can benefit from treatment as well. Here’s why:

• Health Benefits: Straightening your teeth can improve oral health by making it easier to clean your teeth and reducing the risk of gum disease.
• Modern Options: With options like Invisalign aligners, orthodontic treatment is more comfortable and less noticeable than ever before.
• Improved Confidence: Many adults choose orthodontic treatment to enhance their appearance, leading to increased confidence in both personal and professional settings.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, it’s never too late to achieve the smile you’ve always wanted. Our orthodontists in Plattsburgh are here to help you explore your options.

Clear aligners, like Invisalign, have become a popular alternative to traditional braces, and for good reason—they are effective, discreet, and convenient. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we offer Invisalign aligners to help you achieve a beautifully aligned smile. Here’s how they compare to braces:

• Effectiveness: Clear aligners are highly effective for treating mild to moderate orthodontic issues, such as crooked teeth or gaps. However, traditional braces may be more suitable for complex cases.
• Appearance: Aligners are nearly invisible, making them a preferred choice for adults and teens who want a discreet option.
• Comfort: Aligners are made of smooth plastic and are generally more comfortable than braces, which can cause irritation with brackets and wires.
• Removability: You can remove aligners when eating or brushing, making it easier to maintain oral hygiene during treatment.

While both clear aligners and braces are effective, the best choice depends on your specific orthodontic needs. Our Plattsburgh orthodontists will help you decide the right option for your smile.

Wearing a retainer after orthodontic treatment is crucial to maintaining the results you’ve achieved. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, we emphasize the importance of retainers in orthodontic care. Here’s why:

• Prevents Relapse: After braces or aligners have moved your teeth into their new positions, a retainer helps prevent them from shifting back to their original alignment.
• Maintains Your Smile: Regularly wearing your retainer keeps your teeth in their ideal position, ensuring your smile remains straight and beautiful.
• Custom Fit: Our orthodontists provide retainers that are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly, offering maximum comfort and effectiveness.
• Variety of Options: Whether you prefer a fixed or removable retainer, we offer options that suit your lifestyle and orthodontic needs.

Wearing your retainer as instructed by our orthodontists is the key to preserving the time and investment you’ve made in your orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic surgery, also known as orthognathic surgery, is a specialized procedure used to correct severe jaw irregularities that cannot be fixed with braces or aligners alone. At Mint Dental Care PLLC, our orthodontists work closely with oral surgeons to provide comprehensive orthodontic care when surgery is needed. Here’s what orthodontic surgery involves:

• Jaw Alignment: Surgery is often required when the upper and lower jaws are significantly misaligned, causing problems with biting, chewing, or speaking.
• Facial Symmetry: The surgery can improve the balance and harmony of your facial features, enhancing both function and appearance.
• Pre- and Post-Surgery Orthodontic Treatment: Typically, braces or aligners are used before and after surgery to fine-tune the alignment of your teeth.
• Collaboration with Specialists: Our orthodontists coordinate with experienced oral surgeons to ensure a seamless and successful treatment process.

Orthodontic surgery is reserved for cases where conventional orthodontic treatment isn’t sufficient, providing a permanent solution for complex dental and facial issues.