Orthodontics for Children
Every parent wants their child to have a beautiful smile - and every child
ought to have a healthy one. The orthodontist's goal is to achieve both for the
patient. An orthodontic evaluation is recommended around age 7. By this age,
most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for
the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and
without surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent
teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb-sucking and help improve minor speech problems
For parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic
treatment.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an
orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at
all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic
evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile
for the future.
Orthodontics for Teens
You've just heard the three words that every teen dreads: “YOU NEED
BRACES!”
Braces! What now?
Don't worry! Braces aren't nearly as scary as you may think. In fact,
braces today come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making
life with braces much easier, more comfortable and even more stylish than
in the past.
How long will I have to wear braces?
The amount of time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on
three key factors:
- Early treatment — Early treatment allows
orthodontists to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further
orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Not everybody receives
early orthodontic treatment, and in some cases it may be recommended
that a patient wait until they are older to receive treatment.
- What needs correction — The amount of
treatment needed to correct a problem will determine how long the
process takes. Different patients react to treatments differently, so
while it may take one patient only 12 months to complete their
treatment, it may take another patient 24 months. Treatment times can
vary depending on how quickly your body responds and how much work is
needed to give you the show-stopping smile you expect.
- YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances
your orthodontist gives you plays a major role in the length of time it
takes to complete your treatment. Always remember to take care of your
braces and appliances; this truly will help make your treatment
shorter!
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces, types and styles to choose
from. Some common options include:
- Clear ceramic braces
- Invisalign® invisible braces
- SPEED self-ligating braces
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment can be successful at any age and adults especially
appreciate the benefits of a beautiful smile. One of every five patients in
orthodontic treatment is over 21.
Common reasons why adults are considering orthodontic treatment:
- A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together
incorrectly
- Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly leading to tooth decay or
gum disease
- Abnormal jaw pain or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
- Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile
Treatment options for adults:
For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is enough to discourage
them from receiving treatment. However, today's orthodontic treatment options
offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and
customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:
- Clear ceramic braces
- Invisalign® invisible braces
- SPEED self-ligating braces
The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and
teens:
The main difference between treating adults and children or teens is that
the jawbones of younger patients are still developing. For adults, these bones
have stopped growing, which may make orthognathic surgery possible to align the
jawbones. Other differences include:
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults
are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss
due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter
teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
- Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can
become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be
corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to
shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum
disease.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many
adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never
completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their
orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always
wanted.
Our practice also recognizes that adults and children have different needs,
and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to
ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs
are met with understanding and respect from us.
Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthy teeth — Teeth that are
properly aligned are easier to keep clean with flossing and brushing, and
may help prevent other health problems.
- A beautiful, straight smile builds confidence
— Orthodontic treatment can help boost your self-confidence,
giving you a better quality of life and the freedom to smile without
holding back!
- Mouths left untreated can get worse — Not
receiving orthodontic treatment when it's needed can create long-term
health issues costing you more in the end.
To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our
practice to schedule an appointment. We understand that you have a busy
schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as
convenient as possible.