Orthodontist in Belmont, MA

What Can an Orthodontist Help Correct?

Orthodontic treatment focuses on improving the position of the teeth and how the upper and lower teeth come together. Treatment may be recommended for crooked or crowded teeth, spacing, or bite problems. Harvard School of Dental Medicine notes that orthodontic care can address both tooth alignment and bite function.

Crowded or Crooked Teeth

When there is not enough room for teeth to align properly, they may overlap, rotate, or erupt out of position. An orthodontist can evaluate the amount of available space and determine how the teeth can be moved into better alignment.

Gaps Between Teeth

Extra space can occur between individual teeth or across several areas of the smile. Orthodontic treatment can gradually move teeth into more balanced positions when closing those spaces is appropriate.

Overbites, Underbites, and Other Bite Problems

Orthodontists also evaluate how the upper and lower teeth meet. Gentle Dental identifies overbites, underbites, crooked teeth, and other forms of malocclusion among the conditions orthodontic treatment may address.

Orthodontic Care for Different Stages of Life

Orthodontic needs can change with age, which is why treatment planning considers dental development, tooth position, bite, and individual goals.

Orthodontic Care for Children

Some orthodontic concerns can be identified while a child's teeth and jaws are still developing. Early evaluation can help determine whether treatment should begin during growth or whether the child's development should simply be monitored.

Gentle Dental Belmont's orthodontist, Dr. Shaima Tabari, provides Phase I and Phase II treatment, interceptive orthodontics, and growth modification when appropriate.

Orthodontics for Teens

The teenage years are a common time to address crowding, spacing, and bite alignment. Depending on the orthodontic problem and the patient's needs, treatment may involve braces, clear aligners, or another recommended approach.

Adult Orthodontic Treatment

Orthodontic treatment is not limited to children and teenagers. Adults with healthy teeth and supporting tissues may also be candidates for treatment. Harvard School of Dental Medicine notes that many orthodontic problems can be treated during adulthood.

Braces and Clear Aligner Options in Belmont

Your orthodontist will recommend an approach based on the type and complexity of tooth movement required, your bite, oral health, and treatment goals.

Traditional Braces

Braces use brackets and wires to gradually guide teeth into planned positions. They can be used for a range of orthodontic concerns, including crooked teeth, crowding, spacing, and bite problems.

Gentle Dental Belmont lists braces among the orthodontic treatments available at the office.

Invisalign Clear Aligners

Invisalign uses a series of removable clear aligners to gradually move the teeth. Clear aligners may be an option for certain cases involving crowding, spacing, overbite, underbite, crossbite, or open bite. Whether Invisalign is appropriate depends on the patient's specific orthodontic needs.

What Happens at an Orthodontic Consultation?

Your first orthodontic visit is an opportunity to understand what is happening with your teeth and bite before deciding on treatment.

Evaluation of Your Teeth and Bite

The orthodontist examines tooth alignment, spacing, and how the upper and lower teeth fit together. For younger patients, jaw growth and dental development may also be considered.

Digital Records and Treatment Planning

Dental imaging and digital records may be used to help evaluate tooth position and plan treatment. Gentle Dental Belmont uses all-digital X-rays, and orthodontic treatment may also involve digital scanning depending on the recommended approach.

A Treatment Plan Based on Your Needs

After the evaluation, your orthodontist can explain which treatment options may be appropriate and what the proposed treatment is intended to correct. The recommended plan can vary depending on the complexity of the orthodontic problem and individual treatment goals.

Meet Our Belmont Orthodontist

Dr. Shaima Tabari provides orthodontic care at Gentle Dental Belmont. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics and earned her Doctorate in Orthodontics from Harvard School of Dental Medicine.

Dr. Tabari treats children, adolescents, and adults and provides traditional braces, Invisalign, Phase I and Phase II treatment, interceptive orthodontics, growth modification, and surgical orthodontic care when appropriate.