Straight teeth, while attractive, contribute to good oral health. Orthodontics is the dental science of repositioning teeth into a proper bite. We do this with braces, retainers, spacers, clear aligners, and other mechanisms. Many people relate metal braces with adolescence. However, children as well as adults can benefit from orthodontic treatment.
In children, it is sometimes necessary to begin orthodontic treatment before the jaw and gums fully form; for this reason, we recommend that you bring your child in for an orthodontic consultation by age seven. This way, we can proactively treat potential problems from habits such as thumb sucking and mouth breathing, or genetic issues like crowding, underbite, or overbite. Our interceptive approach enables us to nip teeth alignment issues before they escalate, gently expanding and reshaping a young person’s smile. When all the permanent teeth emerge during adolescence, some children may need a second treatment phase, which can include comprehensive orthodontics and an appliance, like a retainer, to maintain teeth position.
More adults than ever wear braces these days–one in five orthodontic patients is an adult*– but not exclusively for cosmetic reasons. The savvy consumer knows that you’re never too old to enjoy the health benefits of a straight smile. For instance, symptoms like earaches, dizziness, headaches, and neck pain can all be associated with a misaligned jaw. Correcting the bite will alleviate these symptoms and improve function and comfort, while reducing the potential for tooth wear. In addition, straight teeth are less prone to decay and gum disease.
For adults, we offer discreet alternatives to traditional metal braces. You can now opt for clear brackets (the part of braces that bond to the teeth and are spaced along the arc wire). Lingual braces adhere to the inner side of teeth, rather than the front, so no one will know that you’re wearing braces. We may decide together that removable appliances such as Invisalign or Red, White & Blue custom aligners, also called clear braces, will work best for you.
You deserve a straight smile! So do your children! Ask us about financing options and payment plans. Treatment times vary, so call for a consultation, and we’ll work with you to develop a plan that works for your lifestyle and budget.
*American Association of Orthodontists