By Stephanie Smith DMD

In today’s culture as we watch celebrities and newscasters flash beautiful smiles from television shows and magazine covers, fabulously straight, white teeth have become the norm. However, many adults start the day with a headache instead of a smile! Increasing evidence shows that all too often, these issues are related to the way your teeth bite together as well as the way they look. Crooked teeth, plaque catchers, dental food traps, and “clicking” noises can indicate the need for orthodontic intervention. In other words, many adults need braces to straighten their teeth for health-related reasons as much as for aesthetic reasons.

Mis-alignment of the upper and lower jaw and the associated tooth-related problems can cause a host of symptoms. Many adults are interested in using orthodontics solely to create that beautiful smile that has become the norm. But the want to flash a dazzling smile may actually be masking the need to address an underlying jaw and joint condition called “TMJ Syndrome.” Temporo-mandibular joint (TMJ) disorders have been called the “Great Imposters” due to the fact that so many of the symptoms overlap other symptoms which often mimic other conditions. Adults have to deal with two distinctly different, yet fundamentally intertwined issues: the way your smile looks and the way your bite and jaw feel.

There are the obvious issues such as clenching or grinding your teeth. But there are more vague symptoms such as headaches, ear aches, pain behind the eyes, and ringing in the ears, that can indicate the relationship between the upper and lower jaw is unhealthy. Because these symptoms masquerade so many other conditions, many people travel from medical doctor to medical specialist in search of an answer and never consider a visit to the dentist.

Often, with the day-to-day demands of working and caring for children and a household, many adults (especially women) put themselves last on the list. This can lead to increased stress and can start a vicious cycle that can worsen a pre-existing TMJ disorder. Often, adult orthodontics is a healthcare necessity. Earlier intervention is advantageous and can significantly improve long-term results. The goal of adult orthodontics is not only to create an aesthetic outcome, but to resolve the symptoms related to TMJ dysfunction.

There are a number of ways to treat the symptoms that are related to TMJ and achieve a smile that not only makes you appear more youthful and refreshed, but also improves the jaw relationship that could be causing anything from worn teeth to shoulder and neck pain. Adult orthodontics includes treatment plans that may start with a simple nighttime mouthguard or require braces. Traditionally, “braces” are metal brackets bonded to each tooth individually. However, new technology allows for clear brackets and white wires. The most incredible advance in orthodontics is “Invisalign” and “Invisalign Teen.”

A nighttime guard can correct minor jaw and tooth problems. These may be worn only on a short-term basis when symptoms indicate it is necessary. But for long term success, orthodontic movement of teeth is often the only appropriate treatment plan.

Clear braces are now available to be used with white arch wires. They are an excellent choice when more aggressive tooth movement is needed, but they relieve the aesthetic concern of having a “metal mouth.” This is often an excellent way to resolve the symptoms related to TMJ disorder and create a beautiful smile.

Invisalign is the truly invisible way to straighten your teeth and repair TMJ syndrome without braces. Align Technology has created a patented system that is like no other. It involves a series of custom-made, state-of-the-art, computer generated trays that are literally invisible. They fit your teeth like a second skin, and each set of trays incrementally moves your teeth and adjusts your bite.

Each method has its own benefits and advantages. Nighttime occlusal guards, braces, and Invisalign can be used alone or in combination to help correct adults’ crooked teeth or jaw relationship problem and to achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Each patient must be diagnosed, and treatment is planned by a dental professional who has special knowledge of adult orthodontics, tempero-mandibular joint disorder, and aesthetic dentistry.

Drs. Stephanie and Kevin Smith founded Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County in 1990 to promote high quality, state-of-the-art dentistry to the discriminating patient. The doctors graduated from the world-renowned University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in 1987 and 1986 respectively. After working in a typical “family practice” where insurance policies were treated with more respect than patient care, Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County was opened. From the moment that you walk in the door at Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County you will realize that you are the most important person in the office and that this is a place where your needs come first. Whether you come to our practice for prevention, restorations that will leave your teeth looking naturally flawless, or esthetic dentistry for a smile of singular distinctive beauty, we want you to be glad you chose us to be your dentist.

At Distinctive Dentistry, we think about your health and good appearance in everything we do.

Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County is conveniently located at the corner of Rts 926 and 202 in West Chester, PA.

Call 610-399-1080 today to schedule your consultation.
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Testimonials:
“Before becoming a patient at Distinctive Dentistry of Chester County I’d never believed that I could afford the perfect and beautiful smile I’d always wanted. But after having the most thorough dental exam I’ve ever experienced, working out a plan, and most important for me: being able to have all the work done in one office without ever having to travel from specialist to specialist, I have healthy teeth, my headaches are gone, and I feel proud every time I smile!”               ~ P.C.