Misaligned teeth aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They make it harder for you to care for your teeth, cause uneven wear, and lead to future dental problems down the line. Orthodontics can help. We offer orthodontics for both adults and children so our patients can get the beautiful, healthy smile they deserve, regardless of age.
Don’t wait until your child is a teenager to start thinking about orthodontic treatment. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic evaluation no later than the age of seven. That’s because your child’s first permanent incisors and molars have typically erupted by the time they turn seven. At that point, we can begin detecting irregular growth patterns that need to be addressed.
Your child’s jaw is more malleable when he or she is young, so if we need to make corrections, it’s often less invasive at younger ages. If you wait until your child is older, problems like crossbites and overbites frequently require more advanced corrections.We’ll also be able to monitor and help guide the growth of your child’s jaw and teeth, even if orthodontic treatment isn’t immediately necessary. That way, we can identify problems if they arise and refer your child to a specialist if needed.
Early orthodontic treatment can reduce the amount of time your child will need to wear braces, prevent overcrowding of teeth, reduce the need for tooth removal, and create better facial symmetry. Make an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation as soon as possible if your child is age seven or older.
Many adults did not receive orthodontic treatment when they were children, but you can still receive a host of benefits from adult orthodontic treatment. If you’ve endured a lifetime of being self-conscious about your teeth, adult orthodontics can straighten your teeth and improve your self-esteem. And while many adults seek orthodontic treatment for that reason, the benefits aren’t only cosmetic.
When your teeth are better aligned, they’re easier to clean, which may reduce the likelihood of decay and other problems in the future. It will also be easier to chew, and you’ll be less likely to experience pain from abnormal wear.
Although you can receive orthodontic treatment at any age, your teeth and gums do need to be in good health. If you’re interested in adult orthodontics, schedule a consultation so Dr. Koehne can determine whether you’re a good candidate for orthodontic treatment.
Our office offers clear aligner therapy as an orthodontic treatment, which provides a more comfortable and attractive alternative to traditional bracket and wire braces. With clear aligner therapy, you’ll wear custom-fitted clear aligners that gradually straighten your teeth. And because they’re removable, you’ll be able to take them off for short periods of time to eat and thoroughly clean your teeth.
We’ll start your treatment by creating a computer model of your teeth that will allow us to create a customized treatment plan. Then, you’ll get your first set of aligners. Each set of aligners is worn for approximately two weeks. Your teeth will gradually shift into their final position as treatment progresses. The ultimate duration of treatment will depend on your particular needs.
Compared to traditional braces, clear aligners are more comfortable, less likely to lead to tooth decay, and are virtually undetectable to others. Contact us today to see if clear aligner therapy is right for you.