Orthodontics

Crooked teeth are more than cosmetic concerns. They’re also harder to clean properly and can cause uneven wear on your enamel over time. At Tiger Family Dental Care in Rockville, Maryland, Ibad Farshori, DMD, and Florentino Palacios, DDS, use braces to correct misaligned teeth, gaps, and bite problems. Straight teeth make brushing and flossing more effective, which reduces your risk of cavities and gum disease. If you have crowding, spacing, or bite issues, orthodontic treatment can fix these problems. Call today or schedule online to discuss your options.

What is orthodontic treatment? 

Orthodontics uses braces or other appliances to gradually move teeth into proper alignment. The process corrects crooked teeth, closes gaps, and fixes bite problems that can lead to jaw pain, tooth wear, and difficulty chewing.

When you have crooked or misaligned teeth, you’re at a higher risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Straight teeth are easier to brush and floss effectively, reducing your risk of these oral health problems. 

Who needs orthodontic treatment? 

Many people can benefit from orthodontic care. Common issues that orthodontics addresses include:

• Crowded or overlapping teeth
• Large gaps between teeth
• Overbite or underbite
• Crossbite
• Open bite
• Teeth that don’t meet properly when you bite

Your dentist at Tiger Family Dental Care can identify orthodontic problems during routine exams, often recommending treatment during the teenage years when teeth and jaws are still developing. But you can still be an excellent candidate for orthodontics as an adult; it’s never too late to achieve a healthier, more attractive smile.

What types of braces are available? 

Tiger Family Dental Care offers traditional metal braces, the most common and effective type of orthodontic treatment. Metal braces use brackets attached to each tooth and connected by wires that apply gentle, consistent pressure to move teeth into position.

Modern braces are smaller, sleeker, and more comfortable than older versions. The brackets are bonded to your teeth with a special adhesive, and elastic bands help guide tooth movement. Your dentist adjusts the wires periodically to continue moving your teeth toward their ideal positions.

What happens during orthodontic treatment? 

The process begins with a comprehensive exam, including digital X-rays and impressions of your teeth. Your dentist creates a treatment plan that maps out how your teeth will move over time.

Getting braces involves cleaning and preparing your teeth, then bonding brackets to each tooth and connecting them with wires. Expect to return every 4-6 weeks for adjustments, where your dentist tightens or replaces wires and checks your progress.

How long does treatment take? 

Most orthodontic treatment takes 18-36 months, depending on the complexity of your case and how well you follow care instructions. Simpler cases may finish sooner, while severe alignment problems take longer to correct.

Call Tiger Family Dental Care today or use the online booking tool to schedule an orthodontic consultation and learn about your treatment options.