Along with the American Association of Orthodontists, we recommend that a child receive their first orthodontic screening by the age 7. At this age, we can recognize potential problems early and correct them before they become more serious.During your child’s initial evaluation, we will first determine if there are any problems that need to be addressed; open bite, crossbite, or impacted teeth. Immediate treatment may not be necessary at the time. If treatment is indicated, we will create a personalized treatment plan for your child that will prove to be the most beneficial for his/her specific case.Early orthodontic treatment varies between patients but may include removable or fixed appliances that can provide more room for crowded, erupting teeth, preserve space for unerupted teeth, and/or create facial symmetry through manipulating jaw growth. This may reduce overall treatment time as an adolescent.
Adolescent Treatment
Between the ages of 11 and 15 is the most common time for orthodontic treatment. By 12, permanent teeth have erupted and are in place, and crooked teeth, gaps and bad bites can easily be detected. This is when most parents decide to seek orthodontic treatment.Many children in this age range undergo orthodontic treatment, and children are very often able to be convinced to wear braces because they see their friends wearing them, too, and want to fit in.Besides the benefits of fitting in with their friends, children at this age are growing rapidly, and orthodontists can usually take advantage of these growth spurts to help shape the bite and teeth correctly, which can help shorten overall treatment time and reduce the discomfort of orthodontic treatment.
Adult Treatment
Tooth alignment can be changed at any age if your gums and bone structure are healthy. We offer a variety of treatments that are designed for different age groups – including adults. A new smile can begin today.Orthodontic treatment at later stages in life can dramatically improve your personal appearance and self-esteem. Improving the health of your teeth and gums is equally important. Crooked teeth and a bad bite can contribute to gum and bone loss, tooth decay, abnormal wear of the tooth enamel and surfaces, headaches, and jaw joint (TMJ/TMD) pain.Good news! The new techniques and appliances we use greatly reduce discomfort levels, decrease the frequency of visits, shorten treatment time, and may allow you to choose from several options. Your options may include metal braces, translucent braces, or transparent aligners.During the initial examination, we will be able to determine the best possible treatment for your individual needs. We can outline the treatment plan, time of treatment expected and the approximate cost.A large percentage of our patients are adults, and they agree that it’s never too late to improve their greatest asset – their smile.
Invisalign
The Invisalign clear aligner system uses a series of clear plastic aligners, which look similar to a mouthguard or retainer, to gently shift the position of your teeth. Each set of aligners is worn for at least 20-22+ hours a day, and every few weeks you’ll switch to a new set as you progress through your treatment.The Invisalign clear aligner system has several benefits, and one of the most notable features of this unique orthodontic treatment is the discrete, nearly invisible aligners. The aligners can also be removed to eat, brush, and floss, so patients won’t need to deal with dietary restrictions throughout the process. Want to discuss an Invisalign system with an expert? Contact us today for a consultation!
Traditional Braces
Metal braces are a highly versatile method of orthodontic treatment, and they can correct a wide range of issues including problems with bite and severely crooked teeth.Using a wire and bracket system, pressure is exerted on the teeth to move them towards the proper position over time.
