Ortho for Adults

Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21. Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too!

Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment:

• A bad bite or malocclusion, causing teeth to fit together incorrectly
• Teeth are crowded or spaced apart, possibly causing tooth decay or gum disease
• Abnormal jaw pain, or pressure that is caused by crooked teeth
• Desire for a healthier mouth and a more confident smile

Treatment Options

For many adults, the thought of having metal braces is may discourage them from receiving treatment. However, today’s orthodontic treatment options offer a variety of braces and appliances that are comfortable, aesthetic, and customized to meet your needs. Types of braces include:

• Clear Aligners
• Ceramic braces
• Self-ligating braces
• Hidden braces (on the back of the teeth)
• Traditional metal braces

The difference between adult orthodontics and orthodontics for children and teens:

The main difference to remember when treating adults or children and teens is that in younger patients, the jawbones are still developing. For adults, these bones have stopped growing, which means that the treatment approach is different. Other differences include:

• Gum or bone loss (periodontal disease) — Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
• Worn or missing teeth — Over time teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions that can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
• Incomplete orthodontic treatment as a teen — Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen, but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they always wanted.
• Poor retention—often busy adults lose track of their retainers and their once straight teeth relapse and become crowded or crooked again.

Our practice recognizes that adults and children have different needs, and require a different level of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments, and that your needs are met with understanding and respect.

Ortho for  Teens

Our practice offers a variety of braces, types and styles, to choose from. Some common options include:

• Ceramic braces
• Modern metal braces
• Invisalign Teen clear aligner therapy

Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. While braces may have had a bad reputation in the past, today’s braces make it easy to look good and feel good!

Comprehenisve Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years, depending on several factors including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. A big factor in a successful treatment is you! The more involved and diligent you are, the more efficient your treatment will be. Before beginning your orthodontic care, Dr. Shamlian will discuss all of your options and provide an estimate for how long your treatment may take. Please contact our practice today to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation to learn about what treatment options are available.

Ortho for Children

Early treatment addresses dental and developmental issues that may be corrected with orthodontics between the ages of 7-11 years.This early intervention and phased treatment allows your orthodontist to monitor the growth of the jaw and recommend further orthodontic treatment if it becomes necessary. Early treatment may result in fewer extracted teeth, avoidance of possible surgery, better patient compliance and better final results.

Some of the techniques used in this phase of orthodontics include arch expansion to make room for permanent teeth and orthopedic growth appliances which enhance jaw growth and allow for better facial balance after growth is complete.

The next phase of orthodontics, if needed will take place when most permanent teeth have grown into the mouth). Early treatment may allow the second phase of orthodontics to be of shorter duration and less extensive than it otherwise would have been. This often allows the orthodontist to achieve better treatment outcomes.

Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist for early treatment:

• Early or late loss of baby teeth
• Difficulty chewing or biting food
• Mouth breathing
• Finger or thumb sucking
• Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
• Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
• Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
• Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
• Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight

Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for a complimentary orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.