Orthodontic Services, Rapid City

If you are someone who thinks of dental braces every time you hear the word "orthodontics," you surely are not the only one. Unfortunately, however, most patients fail to realize that orthodontics encompasses a variety of dental treatments that not only align your teeth but can also help with jaw disorders.

Orthodontics is a branch of dentistry that deals with the diagnosis, alignment, and positioning of misaligned teeth. Although a significant part of the orthodontist's job is to provide different types of orthodontic appliances to patients, it is not the only thing orthodontists can help you with.

At Orthodontics Of The Black Hills, Dr. Ross Johnson also specializes in diagnosing and treating TMDs (temporomandibular disorders) for children, teenagers, and adults. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ, acts like a sliding hinge, connecting your jawbone to your skull. When dysfunction occurs with this joint, it can lead to pain, discomfort, difficulty chewing, clicking, locking of the jaw, and chronic headaches/migraines.

Orthodontics Of The Black Hills offers various services for patients with multiple concerns:

• Dental Braces
  People who want straight teeth but don't know if braces would be a good fit can visit Orthodontics Of The Black Hills for a consultation. With various dental braces options available, our orthodontist will help you or your family choose the right appliance and treatment option to obtain your health and esthetic goals.
• Functional Orthopedic Appliances
  These devices are bone movers and shapers. They were originally designed and predominantly used in Europe. They are great for treating certain types of malocclusions because they also help train muscles to function properly. Every malocclusion can be thought of as a triangle: teeth, muscles, and bones. Addressing the muscle and bone portion of the malocclusion "triangle" is where these appliances shine.
• Clear Aligners
  Clear aligners can help you correct the positioning of your teeth, offering the most concealed orthodontic option on the market. Clear aligners are highly popular since they can be easily removed, cleaned, and maintained during the course of treatment.
• Sleep Apnea and Sleep Disordered Breathing
  Sleep apnea is a sleep disruption that occurs when patients stop breathing in their sleep. It can cause severe health issues, including early-onset dementia and other brain impairments. Sleep apnea is associated with an obstruction or the relaxation of your throat muscles, and a variety of sleep apnea procedures are offered at Orthodontics Of The Black Hills that can improve the quality of your sleep.
• TMJ Treatment
  Some people have the misfortune of dealing with a temporomandibular disorder. TMD, as it is called short-hand, is a jaw disorder that can cause a plethora of signs and symptoms, including jaw muscle pain and the very common and painful chronic headache and migraine. If you are experiencing jaw disorders, jaw muscle pain, or chronic migraines, please contact Dr. Ross Johnson to diagnose and treat a TMJ disorder. Our TMJ treatment options may be the answer you are looking for.

Orthodontics Of The Black Hills can help you with any orthodontic problem that you may be facing. Dr. Ross Johnson can ensure you are provided with the best orthodontic treatment plan for your oral health. From traditional dental braces to TMJ treatment options, Dr. Johnson has you covered. Contact us today or email us for a consultation with our experts.