Orthodontics at Union Hills Family Dental Care and Orthodontics

orthodontics in phoenix

All About Union Hills Family Dental Care & Orthodontics in Phoenix, Arizona

Dr. Rubio-Ellis’s priority is to provide the highest quality orthodontic care in Phoenix, Glendale, and Scottsdale, Arizona, as well as the surrounding areas. Using proven state-of-the-art technology, Union Hills Family Dental Care & Orthodontics can complete treatment most comfortably and efficiently. We can ensure that each patient receives a healthy and happy smile that will last a lifetime.

What is orthodontics?

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that addresses teeth and jaw abnormalities. Orthodontists diagnose, prevent, and correct mal-positioned teeth, jaws, and misaligned bites. Most who receive care are kids, but more and more adults are getting braces too. In young children, treatment may guide proper jaw growth helping permanent teeth grow in correctly.

Dentist vs. orthodontist, What’s the difference?

Orthodontists and dentists help patients improve their oral health, but in different ways. Dentistry is a medical specialty that deals with the mouth’s teeth, gums, jaw, and nerves. In comparison, orthodontics is a specialty within dentistry that focuses on correcting bites, occlusion, and straightening teeth.

What problems can braces correct?

There are many problems that can be fixed. Keep reading the following sections below to understand the most common reasons people choose to see an orthodontist. If you have any of these issues, braces could benefit you greatly.

Chewing and Speech Issues: This is due to the misalignment of the teeth in the jaws. The chewing and speech issues significantly improve once teeth and jaws align with braces.

Cross-Bite: Cross-bites happen when some of the front teeth go behind the teeth of the bottom jaw when the mouth is closed. People with cross-bites often bite the insides of their mouths. Dr. Rubio-Ellis can quickly correct this issue by using a palatal expander. This problem usually goes away once braces have moved the teeth into the correct position. Read more about cross-bites here.

Underbite: The lower jaw protrudes out past the upper jaw. Clearing up underbite problems is easily accomplished with dental braces.

Overbite: The upper jaw protrudes noticeably over the lower jaw. In some people, the protrusion is pronounced so much that it can make the chin look weak. The benefit, in this case, is that the upper and lower jaws come into better alignment. 

Jaw Problems: Many people with serious jaw alignment problems have chewing and even breathing issues. The misalignment makes these everyday tasks uncomfortable.

Crooked or Misaligned Teeth: People with crooked or misaligned teeth seek an orthodontist to straighten and perfect their smiles. Very often, these misalignments make patients self-conscious. 

Open Bite: Often caused by thumb sucking. Usually, this problem goes away once the permanent teeth come in. However, in other cases, the opening in the front of the mouth doesn’t always correct itself. In this case, wearing braces can quickly treat open bite issues.

Periodontal Disease: Misaligned and crooked teeth can make it difficult to clean teeth and eventually cause gum disease and tooth decay. Bringing the teeth back into alignment makes oral hygiene much more manageable. Learn more here.

Midline Alignment Issues: Midline issues are when the centerline of the top and bottom teeth don’t line up together. Having a misaligned midline isn’t detrimental to your health. However, when the center lines of the teeth line up, it dramatically improves the smile’s appearance.

Boosts Self-Confidence: People with crooked teeth can often feel self-conscious about their smiles. Some refuse to smile or hide their smile. Covering a smile with a shirt or arm undoubtedly affects people socially, professionally, and personally.

Services at Union Hills Family Dental Care & Orthodontics

Here at Union Hills Family Dental Care & Orthodontics, we are pleased to offer many types of orthodontic treatment, including:

Visit Dr. Rubio-Ellis For Your Orthodontics in Phoenix

If you want to feel great about your smile and would like a consultation, please call us at (623) 582-6789 or email us. We love to listen to your concerns and find a treatment plan that is perfect for you at our dental office in Phoenix, Arizona. We love creating beautiful smiles.