Traditional Metal Braces
Do Braces Cause Discomfort? Most patients coming in to get braces tend to have a preconceived idea of what the process will be like. Quite often, these ideas can cause anxiety or unnecessary worry. After experiencing the process of getting braces, our patients are happy to report that it is much different than what they may have expected. They find out that getting braces is not scary at all. As the doctors and assistants talk with the patient before and during the procedure, it is common for them to relax and feel confident they are in good, capable hands. At…
How Archwires Function in Orthodontic Treatment Orthodontic braces are made up of different parts. Each part performs a function that helps the orthodontist bring about a beautiful smile by the end of treatment. While brackets and elastics play important roles, the wiring is the part of the system that is essential in bringing the teeth together in perfectly straight rows. Also known as the archwire, this part of the braces system is the thin wire that passes through each individual bracket (brace). It is held securely in place by the tiny elastic ties or clasps on each bracket. When braces…
What are the Benefits of a Palatal Expander? Why Do Young Children Need Orthodontic Treatment? The American Association of Orthodontics recommends children receive an orthodontic consultation starting at the age of 7. This is about the time the first adult molars have erupted into the mouth and established the back tooth bite relationship. Early evaluation is beneficial because a young child’s mouth is still forming and growing at this age. This presents orthodontists with a unique window of time to address issues with the jaw size and jaw structure in an easier, more comfortable, and more conservative way than if…
Reasons it May Be Time to Seek Orthodontic Treatment In many situations, people do not seek out orthodontic care on their own accord. Instead, the person’s primary dentist will refer them to see a qualified orthodontist for things such as spacing between teeth, a crooked smile, or an improper bite. Other people take the initiative themselves and seek out treatment from a local orthodontist. If not referred by their family dentist, children should see an orthodontist for an evaluation beginning at the age of 7 years old. This is done to determine if any issues are present or developing. It…
Orthodontist-Approved Tips for Teens in Braces Is it Normal to Feel Apprehensive About Getting Braces? Of course, each person is different, but some teens can be apprehensive about going to the orthodontist, which is completely normal. While some children and adults may feel hesitation about orthodontic treatment, children are usually too young to fully understand that the course of treatment is straightforward. Most adults often see it as nothing to worry over. However, for teenagers, getting braces is an unknown experience and they may worry about the social implications of undergoing orthodontic treatment. How Many Teens Get Braces Per Year?…
At Burke & Redford Orthodontists, it is a priority for our doctors to fully explain what to expect during treatment, and we also want to list the most common terms surrounding orthodontic care. This helps bring comfort and peace of mind to the patient, which is important to us. While the specific terms discussed below are not exhaustive, they are some of the most used in an orthodontist’s office. Dr. Redford and Dr. Burke are happy to explain any term a patient may be unfamiliar with during your consultation appointment or at any stage of treatment. Important Terms in Orthodontic…
When Should a Child First See an Orthodontist At 7 years old, orthodontic problems can be extremely hard to detect due to the mouth being in the early stages of growth. However, this does not mean oral issues and maladaptive habits are not already present or forming at this young age. At age 7, children are early in the process of losing their baby teeth, so many parents assume that seeing an orthodontist is years away. This is a commonly held, yet inaccurate belief. The major professional associations within orthodontics, such as the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), strongly encourage…
Why Childhood is the Best Time for Treatment In today’s world, getting braces or other forms of orthodontic treatment is commonplace. It is almost seen as a natural part of growing up for many children, given that they are the most common demographic treated by orthodontists. Despite this fact, many parents are left wondering if their child even needs orthodontic care in the first place. Most orthodontic issues are blatantly obvious, like crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw. Yet, a child may appear to possess perfectly straight teeth and still have underlying issues that remain undetectable to an untrained eye.…
Common Orthodontic Problems in Adults In the past, many adults have mistakenly believed that orthodontic treatment is reserved for children, teens, and young adults alone. This is no longer the case. In 2016, nearly 1.7 million adults were receiving treatment for orthodontic issues. Today, with that number continuing to grow, it has become clear that this outdated belief has changed. Nowadays, no one is too old for braces. While adults can present with issues that may compromise the safety of teeth and the surrounding bone if not accurately diagnosed and addressed beforehand, orthodontic treatment is very safe when a patient…
Common Signs and Orthodontic Treatment Recommendations How Do I Know if My Child Needs Braces? It can sometimes be difficult for parents to determine whether their own child needs braces. While most parents think of the tween and teen years as the prime time for orthodontics, there are many good reasons children should be seen even sooner. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends kids be seen for an initial checkup with an orthodontic specialist at no later than age 7. Even if a young child’s teeth appear straight, there could be subtle problems with jaw growth or with the permanent…