For All Ages

Orthodontics for Children

While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven. 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. Waiting until the teenage years to correct the imbalances of facial bones can result in a less than ideal profile, the removal of permanent teeth, and can be a contributing factor to TMJD (temporomandibular joint dysfunction) or jaw joint difficulties.

Advantages of Early Treatment
Orthodontic problems such as crowding of the teeth, too much space between the teeth, jaw growth problems, protruding teeth, and bad bites can be inherited or caused by injury to the mouth, early or late loss of baby teeth, or thumb-sucking habits.

The goal of early treatment is to “normalize” growth of the jaw and correct bite problems such as an underbite or crossbite. Correcting these problems will remove dental or skeletal restrictions that may otherwise inhibit the normal growth and development of your child’s jaws. Early treatment also helps to create room for the permanent teeth in the jaws.

Starting the process early does not mean a child will get braces right away. It just means the orthodontist will be able to determine which problems exist and assess the best time to start treatment.

What Should Parents Look For?

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Upper front teeth stick out
• Lower teeth/jaw forward of upper teeth/jaw
• A hard time chewing or biting food
• Finger or thumb-sucking
• Narrow upper jaw
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face

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

Why do I need braces?
Nearly every other teen wears them, more adults wear them and your favorite celebrities wear them too. Braces are as normal to wear as your favorite pair of jeans these days. You may think your teeth look pretty good, you may even think they look great! One thing is for sure, your orthodontist will only advise you to get braces if your teeth or jaw need treatment to keep them in good alignment and avoid later hassle. Always remember, healthy straight teeth not only look beautiful, you can also brush them better, which protects them from tooth decay or gum disease.

What do braces do for my teeth?
Wearing braces not only straightens crooked teeth, it also helps correct jaw misalignments. The trouble is not always in your teeth, it can be in your jaw. People with jaw misalignments tend to bite incorrectly, which causes pain and broken teeth somewhere down the line. So, braces not only can give you beautiful and straight teeth, they can also save you from pain and diseased teeth.

How long will I have to wear braces?
Brackets, or rather fixed braces, can often be a faster and more effective route to straight teeth. But how long you need to wear your braces totally depends on the alignment of your teeth. Your orthodontist will also give you tips on the fastest way to end your treatment. But have no fear: brace time goes by faster than you think! And if your braces are bothering you, just remember how great your teeth will look after the treatment. So, hang in there – you will love the finished results!

Your smile, your braces, your way - you choose!
Today, braces come in a variety of styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much easier, much more comfortable, and even more stylish than ever. Our practice offers a variety of braces and styles to choose from:

• Ceramic braces
• Invisible braces (clear aligners)
• Traditional metal braces

Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today's braces make it easy to look good and feel good! Please contact our practice to schedule your first orthodontic consultation.

Orthodontics for Adults

Can adults wear braces?
Braces are not just for teenagers anymore. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists claims that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance.

Why would adults need braces?
Some adults never received orthodontic treatment as children to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites and underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw joint disorders. Most adults, however are seeking treatment because of their desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile.

Braces have come a long way!
With the development of new materials and new appliances, treatment today is less visible, more comfortable and requires less office visits while in treatment. Orthodontic treatment options available today for adults are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs.

Some treatment options include:

• Clear aligners
• Ceramic braces
• Lingual braces (behind the teeth)
• Traditional metal braces

Braces can provide adults the same benefits children and teens receive. However, treatment may take longer than it does for children. The average adult wears braces for 18 months to 3 years. As with children and teens, adults may need to wear a retainer to maintain the results of treatment after braces are removed.

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 you back!

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. 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.