Orthodontics for Children
There are many benefits to bringing your in child to see an orthodontist — in fact, the American Association of Orthodontics recommends visiting an orthodontist for the first time by age seven.
An orthodontist can determine if your child has alignment or jaw problems. That way, Dr. Adams can take early steps to treat these issues. This can reduce the need for more extensive treatment later on in life.
Learn more about the benefits of orthodontic treatment for your child.
Orthodontics for Teens
Braces Don’t Have to Be Scary
You may have just heard that you’ll need braces. Braces can be intimidating, especially if you don’t know a lot about them. Modern-day braces are a lot different than they were in the past — they’re less conspicuous and much easier to wear.
There are also more types of braces available for you these days. They’re more convenient than ever before and many are designed to be hardly noticeable at all. Some of your options include ceramic braces, Invisalign®, and lingual braces.
How Long Do You Have to Wear Braces?
The length of time you’ll be in braces depends largely on these factors:
- Early treatment — If your orthodontic issues are detected early, they’ll be easier to fix. Not everybody needs early treatment, but it can greatly ease your time in braces.
- What needs correction — Different patients require different types of care. And patient’s react in their own way to treatment, so some people can be finished in 12 months while others may require 24 months or longer to complete their treatment.
- Consistent Care — When you have braces, it’s important to be vigilant about caring for your teeth. Improper care can lengthen your treatment time, especially if you have removable braces.
- Invisalign — The overall treatment time using these clear aligners is up to twice as fast on average when compared to traditional metal braces.
Orthodontics for Adults
If you didn’t receive orthodontic treatment as a teenager, it isn’t too late. Your teeth can still be corrected. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontics informs us that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21.
Reasons for Adult Braces
Whether you’ve worn braces in the past or not, Dr. Adams can help. If your teeth appear crooked and don’t feel right when you bite down, braces will restore your confidence by fixing your smile.
Many adults received orthodontic treatment when they were younger. But in some cases, they never completed treatment or their teeth have shifted again. Dr. Adams will make sure your teeth move to the correct position so you can have a healthy smile that makes you feel good about yourself.
Treatment Options for Adults
Many of the treatment options available for adults are designed to be a lot less obvious than traditional metal braces. If required, metal braces are still available for adults, but a lot of our patients prefer a more natural-looking appliance.
Some of the less noticeable options include Invisalign®, clear or ceramic braces, self-ligating braces, and lingual braces.
Orthodontics–It’s Different for Adults
It’s really common for adults to undergo orthodontic treatment nowadays, but the treatment is different than it is for teens because adults are at a different stage in the development process. Here are some examples of how adult patients require a different type of care:
- Orthognathic surgery — In younger patients, their jawbones are still developing and can be manipulated more easily. For adults, the orthodontic process may require surgery to align the jawbones.
- Worn or missing teeth — Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can also cause your remaining teeth to shift and tilt.
- Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis. Straighter teeth mean you’re less likely to develop oral diseases.
Your Beautiful New Smile in Back Mountain
Dr. Adams helps a wide range of patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles. Adults and kids alike can experience the benefit of orthodontic treatment.
To learn more, call our office at (570) 675-1138. Or fill out the convenient contact form on this page and we’ll get back to you right away.