Do you have a proper bite? You might not even know if you have not seen an orthodontist. Many people that think their bite is just fine, find out that they are wrong. Your bite has a lot to do with your everyday life, not just how you bite down, but also how you talk, smile and chew your food. As you can see, it has a large impact on your life.
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Who Needs an Orthodontic Checkup?
It may surprise you to learn this but the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children get a checkup with an orthodontic specialist by the time they reach seven years of age.
Why? Children’s mouths, jaws, gums and teeth are still forming as they grow and develop into the adults that they will become. With all that subtle activity and shifting, problems can occur.
Let the Orthodontic Visits Begin!
In a perfect world, everyone would have perfect teeth. This is not a perfect world, and everyone is not blessed with a perfect set of teeth. Some individuals will need to have orthodontic work done to fix any dental irregularities they may have. A lot of parents struggle with deciding when is the right time to send the child to the orthodontist. This answer will vary from person-to-person, and orthodontist-to-orthodontist.
According to Dr. William Proffit (Professor at University of North Carolina’s School of Dentistry) children should visit an orthodontist by the time they are seven years old. Those children who wait until after the age of 10 have a harder time correcting growth irregularities. If a dentist decides that a child needs braces, the treatment process will begin.
What Is Orthodontics?
- Removable
- Bonded to Teeth
- Ceramic
- Plastic
- Clear
- Invisible
- Metal
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, braces are typically placed on children between the ages of 9 and 14. Once the braces are placed, they may stay on anywhere between 6 and 30 months. This time frame will vary from patient to patient.
It is necessary to brush your teeth at least three times a day if you have braces and floss daily. To prevent bacteria buildup, which can lead to gum disease and cavities, a patient should schedule more frequent dental checkups if they have braces.
Once you complete your orthodontic treatment, we’ll take off your braces so you can smile with confidence! Being able to smile confidently is essential for everyone because a healthy smile is a beautiful smile that you want to show off to the world around you!
