Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Fort Lauderdale
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Lauderhill, FL 33351
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Posts for tag: orthodontics
You didn't have your teeth straightened as a child. Is it too late, or should you have orthodontic treatment now as an adult?
Orthodontics is a sub-specialty of dentistry devoted to the study and treatment of improper bites, or malocclusions. Orthodontic treatment has the goal of slowly applying pressure to teeth in a way that moves them into proper alignment in your mouth.
Recommendations are for children to have their teeth assessed for orthodontic treatment before the age of seven. The whole process can be done more easily while their teeth are coming in and their jaws are still growing.
However, if your teeth are overcrowded, you have an overbite or an underbite, or your teeth are misaligned in other ways, it is never too late. If you “missed the boat” on orthodontic treatment before, here are seven reasons to consider doing it now.
- Orthodontic treatment brings teeth, lips and face into proportion, resulting in a beautiful smile.
- An attractive smile contributes to self-esteem, self-confidence and better self-image.
- Because of improved self-esteem, you may see improved social and career success.
- Teeth that are in proper alignment will function and wear better over the years as you age.
- Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean, making you less prone to periodontal (gum) disease.
- If you have any missing teeth that need to be replaced, this can be done more effectively if your remaining teeth are put into their correct spacing and position first.
- Current options for treatment include fixed appliances (traditional braces) in which bands and brackets are bonded to the teeth and wires are threaded through them — or as an adult you may be able to use removable clear aligners. These consist of a series of nearly invisible computer-generated clear plastic trays that progressively move the teeth into better alignment.
Take the first step: call our office for an orthodontic evaluation. Having orthodontic treatment as an adult may be just the thing to give you an attitude boost as you move forward in your life.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your questions about teeth straightening. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Why Straighten Teeth?”
We in dentistry, advise parents to have an orthodontic evaluation some time before your child is 7 years of age. At this time, some of your child's adult teeth have come in and some primary (baby) teeth remain. This is a good time to check for developing problems. Treatment that begins while your child's teeth are coming in is called “interceptive orthodontics.” It provides an opportunity to achieve the best results in orthodontic treatment.
Once this evaluation takes place, it may mean that orthodontic treatment may need to take place in two-stages. A first phase of orthodontic treatment may prevent, intercept or minimize future orthodontic treatment. The first stage may be a process of guiding the growth of the jawbones that support the teeth. This is called “growth modification.” Then when the adult teeth have erupted through the gums, it may be time to do the second and final stage.
If a second phase of treatment is necessary it will probably require braces. These are small metal brackets that are bonded to the teeth. Thin flexible wires are threaded through them, and the wires are designed to push or pull on the teeth to provide a small amount of pressure that makes the teeth slowly reposition themselves within the jawbone. A light and controlled force pulling on a tooth causes new bone and ligament (the fibers that hold teeth in place) to be formed. These are living tissues that are constantly changing and remodeling themselves.
If you wait until your child's permanent (adult) teeth have all come in to start this process, it will be too late to correct some types of orthodontic problems, such as some types of malocclusions (“mal” – bad, “occlusion” – bite). It's better to work together with your child's stages of growth and development in order to have an optimum correction, both in looks and function.
You may be wondering whether a two-stage treatment costs twice as much. In fact, it is likely to be less expensive than a late one-stage treatment would be. Sometimes, the first stage may correct an underlying problem and make further treatment unnecessary. If a second phase is needed, it is likely to be easier and less costly.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment to discuss your questions about orthodontia for your child. You can also learn more by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Preventative & Cost Saving Orthodontics.”
For adults with a reasonably well fitting bite, but mild to moderate crowding or spaces between your teeth, clear orthodontic aligners can be an ideal solution for straightening your teeth. This is why we offer this treatment option to our patients experiencing these issues. However, for those of you who are unfamiliar with what they are or how they work, this will give you a brief understanding.
Clear orthodontic aligners consist of a series of clear “trays” that fit snuggly over all teeth to slowly shift them into alignment. Patients are typically required to wear them 20 hours per day for about 2 weeks before progressing to the next tray. With each new tray, you are one step closer to achieving your goal of perfectly aligned teeth. The entire process usually lasts 6-18 months depending on how much movement is required to achieve the goals.
Each aligner is individually made from very precise molds of the patient's teeth to ensure proper fit. And we map out the entire alignment process using computer generation from each patient's initial molds so that we can identify the number of trays required. But best of all, clear orthodontic aligners are perfectly smooth with no rough edges like traditional braces, and you can remove them for eating, brushing, and flossing teeth as well as for brief social events.
To learn more about this topic, read the article “Clear Orthodontic Aligners.” Or you can contact us today to discuss your questions or to schedule an appointment.
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