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- Invisalign: A series of removable aligner trays made of clear plastic apply forces to the teeth to reposition them. Although many patients will be appropriate for Invisalign, this treatment may not be completely effective in particularly complex cases.
- Ceramic braces: Traditional orthodontic appliances (brackets and wires) are made of tooth-colored ceramic materials. Although not truly “invisible,” ceramic braces are not as noticeable as metal braces.
- Metal braces: Brackets and wires that are made of metal and manipulated to achieve the desired movement of the teeth. These appliances may be the most effective treatment option in certain cases.
- Protruding front teeth
- Problems with speech
- Significant crowding
- Severely misaligned teeth
- Occlusal issues such as open bites, crossbites, and overbites
My Child’s Teeth are Coming in Crooked: Are Braces Necessary?
July 16, 2020
Children receiving their permanent, adult teeth is an exciting time. Although many view the emergence of adult teeth as a rite of passage, some parents might experience concern if these teeth come in crooked. If you’re wondering whether orthodontic treatment or braces might be necessary, it’s important to discuss these concerns with your dentist. More than likely, your dentist will refer you to an orthodontist for a consultation.
Why do teeth come in crooked?
Almost everyone’s adult teeth do not emerge perfectly straight and properly spaced. Many crooked teeth are caused by inadequate room in the mouth. Visiting an orthodontist for a consultation can help pinpoint the reasons for crooked teeth and help determine the best type of orthodontic treatment for your child’s needs.
Are braces always necessary?
No, braces aren’t always necessary. Orthodontic treatment methods can vary substantially between patients.
Some children might require two-phase or early-interceptive orthodontic treatment. This type of treatment means that patients may wear orthodontic appliances at a younger age, normally between the ages of seven and ten. This first phase probably won’t involve braces but it might involve appliances such as palatal expanders, which help widen the jaw to create the room necessary for teeth to emerge straight and upright. The second phase of treatment, however, will likely include braces when a child is older.
Other patients may not require orthodontic treatment until they are pre-teens or teenagers. Braces are an excellent method for correcting spacing issues, improving a patient’s occlusion (bite), and producing an overall healthier, straighter smile.
When should my child see an orthodontist?
Most children are referred to an orthodontic specialist by the age of seven for an initial consultation. Although many children may not yet need treatment, it gives our team a chance to evaluate any underling issues that could be corrected and/or predict the need for future intervention.
Achieving and maintaining a straight smile can help protect your child’s oral health for a lifetime. If you have questions or would like to schedule an appointment, give our team at Fleming Orthodontics a call today.
Braces For Adults: What are my options?
May 14, 2020
Adults may need to get braces for any number of reasons. Perhaps they are dissatisfied with a misaligned smile that was never corrected during their childhood or adolescence. Maybe they did undergo one round of treatment but the teeth reverted to their original positions.
Regardless of the reason for braces for adults, these patients have a number of treatment options. However, they have unique needs that a teenager doesn’t, so it’s important to consider these factors when deciding on a treatment option.
We recommend that adult patients explore all of their treatment options and work closely with their orthodontist to determine which one will be most effective and best meet their needs. We are happy to answer any questions you may have about the process.
Considerations For Orthodontic Treatment In Adult Patients
Adult orthodontic patients have different needs from children and teenagers. For example, they will be more concerned with maintaining a professional image in the workplace. Certain options for braces for adults will have minimal impact on your smile’s appearance.
Additionally, adult patients who never were treated by an orthodontist earlier in their lives may have more complex cases. The misalignments may be more severe, requiring specialized appliances or possibly even surgery.
Orthodontic Treatment Options
Fortunately, braces for adults come in multiple forms, and we can work with you to find the option that’s the best fit. Here are the main options:
After evaluating your case, our orthodontist can determine which option is most likely to be effective and as convenient for you as possible.
The best way to figure out which orthodontic treatment option is right for you is to schedule a consultation at our office. Call Fleming Orthodontics today to set up your appointment.
A Parent’s Guide to Early Orthodontic Treatment
March 12, 2020
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children receive their first orthodontic consultation by the age of seven. This appointment helps determine if children need early orthodontic treatment to correct potential issues with their dentofacial development. Following is a helpful guide to understanding early orthodontic treatment.
What is early interceptive orthodontics?
Early orthodontic treatment – also called early interceptive orthodontics – breaks up treatment into two phases. The first phase occurs during childhood and the second phase occurs during a child’s teenage years. Early treatment can anticipate potential problems and correct them to make the second phase of treatment more effective and efficient.
An example of how early orthodontic treatment helps children is correcting crowded teeth. Oral appliances such as palatal expanders can take advantage of growing bones to create additional space so that adult teeth erupt properly. Appliances used in early treatment can also help promote facial symmetry, improve a child’s bite, and correct issues that impair proper speech.
Not all children will require early treatment. At your initial appointment, our orthodontist will perform a physical examination and take diagnostic images. This process will help our team determine whether your child will benefit from two-phase treatment. It will also help us develop a treatment plan to address your child’s unique needs in the future.
What are signs that my child might need early orthodontic treatment?
The only way to be sure that you child needs early treatment is to consult with an orthodontist. Typical candidates for early treatment include those who have:
Orthodontic care offers more benefits than just improving the appearance of a smile. Properly spaced and aligned teeth are easier to clean and less likely to develop wear. Early treatment can reduce treatment times, decrease the need for certain types of surgeries, and improve your child’s oral function.
Call Fleming Orthodontics today to schedule a consultation with our family-friendly practice.
I think my child needs braces: what are the first steps?
January 15, 2020
Wearing braces is a great investment in your child’s oral health and wellbeing. If you’re wondering if it’s time for your child to wear braces, the first course of action is to schedule a consultation with an orthodontist. A consultation will involve a physical examination and X-rays to determine if and when braces are necessary.
What types of problems can braces correct?
Braces can address a number of orthodontic problems and improve a person’s bite. Common orthodontic issues that braces improve include crowded, gapped, overlapped, and crooked teeth. Receiving orthodontic care can also improve bite issues including overbites and open bites.
When are braces recommended for children?
Braces are typically prescribed for children after their baby teeth have fallen out. Treatment times can vary, as some children have more pronounced needs than others.
Some children might need treatment sooner, however. Early interceptive orthodontic treatment can be used to take advantage of the fact that the jawbones are developing to make room for tooth movement. Normally, early interceptive treatment involves wearing oral appliances such as palate expanders. Those receiving interceptive care will likely wear braces a few years later.
Are braces really necessary?
Some people believe that braces only address cosmetic issues. While orthodontia certainly improves the appearance of a smile, having straight teeth improves oral health and reduces the risks for developing common diseases.
When teeth are misaligned, they are difficult to keep clean. Inadequate oral hygiene contributes to gum disease and tooth decay. Moreover, improperly aligned teeth tend to develop wear and tear because they make contact when and where they shouldn’t.
We encourage parents to look at orthodontic treatment for their children as an investment in their oral health and their confidence. Possessing a healthy, straight smile is beneficial to children’s self-esteem and their social development, too.
Our practice is here to help you make informed decisions for your children. Call Fleming Orthodontics to schedule a consultation with our orthodontist.
Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment
November 14, 2019
Do you need braces? Do you wonder if orthodontics is a worthwhile investment in your oral health? Beyond straightening the positions of teeth, wearing braces offers a number of benefits to your wellbeing. Receiving orthodontic treatment can reduce wear and tear on your teeth and even lessen the likelihood that you will develop destructive oral health conditions.
Our orthodontist offers conventional braces, clear braces, and Invisalign to accommodate our patients’ diverse needs.
Following are common benefits of orthodontics.
A More Attractive Smile
Improperly positioned teeth can affect the appearance of your smile. Many people who are unhappy with their smiles develop self-esteem and self-confidence issues. Fortunately, orthodontics can transform a smile so that a person feels more confident in their appearance.
Braces can correct common problems including gapped, crooked, and overlapped teeth. Orthodontic care also improves the appearance of malocclusions like overbites and underbites.
Easier Oral Hygiene
When teeth are improperly spaced and positioned, they can be very difficult to keep clean. For example, threading floss between crowded and overlapped teeth makes it almost impossible to remove debris and plaque properly. If plaque is not removed, it will harden into tartar within a couple of days.
Straightening teeth with braces will ultimately make oral hygiene easier. Properly positioned and spaced teeth make brushing and flossing far more effective.
Reduced Risk for Common Oral Health Conditions
Orthodontic issues present more than just aesthetic problems; they contribute to the development of destructive conditions like tooth decay and gum disease. This is because food, plaque, and tartar collect between teeth. This is especially dangerous to oral health since crooked and crowded teeth cannot be brushed or flossed properly.
Lessened Incidence of Tooth Wear
When teeth are misaligned, they tend to make improper contact during oral function. Teeth making contact when and where they shouldn’t weakens them over time. Aligning your teeth can lengthen their lifespan.
Receiving orthodontic care is an investment in your appearance and your oral health. Call Fleming Orthodontics to schedule a consultation.
Subtle Straightening with Clear Braces
September 16, 2019
Do you want a straighter smile but dread wearing conspicuous orthodontia? Clear braces are a great alternative to traditional metal and wire braces. With Invisalign, you can enjoy discreet orthodontic treatment that’s also low maintenance and comfortable. Our orthodontist offers consultations for teens and adults looking to straighten their teeth inconspicuously with clear braces.
Facts about Invisalign
Invisalign is an orthodontic system that straightens teeth with removable, clear appliances. Instead of relying on fixed wires and brackets, clear braces straighten teeth with custom made components worn like retainers. These components, called “aligners”, are constructed from smooth, transparent plastic. They are worn over the top and bottom teeth for 22 hours a day.
Since aligners are custom made, they will facilitate tooth movement by applying consistent pressure to one’s smile. The force generated by this consistent pressure will close gaps between teeth, correct crooked teeth, and improve the spacing of crowded teeth.
Every two weeks, a patient will wear a new set of custom aligners. Each set is progressively tighter than the one before. As treatment progresses, patients will see noticeable improvements in the spacing of teeth and their positioning.
Aligners are comfortable since they have no sharp edges that can irritate soft oral tissue. They’re low maintenance, too, because they’re removed for meals, brushing, and flossing. Patients with Invisalign enjoy orthodontic treatment without dietary restrictions or obstructions during oral hygiene.
Why Orthodontic Treatment Matters
Orthodontic treatment promotes optimal oral health in addition to the cosmetic benefits of achieving a straighter smile. Those with improperly spaced and positioned teeth have higher risks of developing gum disease, worn dentition, and tooth decay. This is because improperly positioned teeth will make contact when and where they shouldn’t, accelerating tooth wear. Misaligned teeth are also more difficult to keep clean, thereby increasing the risks for developing hygiene-related conditions like gum disease and cavities.
Straightening your smile will boost more than your confidence; it will improve your oral health. Call Fleming Orthodontics to reserve a clear braces consultation with our orthodontist.
