Knowing the perfect time to see an orthodontist can be tough, but Champlain Orthodontics is here to help explain everything you need to know about when to give us a visit. Patients visit us for many reasons, all to improve their smile and oral health. Our team is here to share when you should schedule an appointment, what issues are best treated by an orthodontist, and our treatment options.
When Should You Come In?
One of the best times to come in for orthodontic help is when you are a child, around seven years old. The American Association of Orthodontics recommends visiting early to allow the opportunity for treatment if it is deemed necessary by Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton to help make care more straightforward as you grow up. Not all children require work so young, but those who do need it can truly benefit as their jawbone and gums are malleable and respond more effectively to appliances.
Braces and other orthodontic appliances are commonly attributed to being part of adolescence and teenage years. If you did not need treatment as a child, your teeth would likely have shifted from their position to require braces for perfect alignment. Embracing orthodontic care during this time of life can enhance the aesthetics of your smile and provide long-term oral health that will last forever.
Although the most efficient treatment times are as a child or teen, it is never too late to begin orthodontic care! Adults make up over a quarter of all orthodontic patients. Whether a particular issue did not require attention until later in life or you did not have the opportunity to seek treatment previously, you can expect remarkable results that will last a lifetime. Champlain Orthodontics encourages patients of all ages to begin care to help them achieve the fantastic smile they deserve.
Symptoms of Poor Oral Health
Early Tooth Loss
Some children may experience early loss of their baby teeth, creating space between them that allows other teeth to shift out of place. Taking the necessary steps during this time to fortify the position of their baby teeth will help their permanent teeth grow correctly without excessive intervention. This prevents more complicated procedures later in life and preserves their original teeth for as long as possible.
Jaw Issues
When your teeth are out of place, you may experience jaw issues, including pain or clicking noises when you open your mouth, difficulty chewing, and speech complications. Seeking orthodontic treatment can resolve related discomforts and improve your overall health. Jaw issues can worsen over time, so the sooner you get them checked out, the more straightforward treatment can be.
Bite Complications
A common orthodontic issue is a bad bite, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Bite complications are when your upper and lower teeth do not fit together properly, causing issues such as improper chewing and enamel breakdown. Everyone experiences this in some capacity, but the sooner you address it, the easier treatment will be and the more permanent teeth you can keep intact.
Misaligned Teeth
Teeth that are out of place can affect the facial structure and diminish confidence in your smile. Misaligned teeth can also make proper oral maintenance much more complicated, as many hard-to-reach areas begin to develop. Seeing an orthodontist to straighten your teeth can help reduce common complications, such as tooth decay, bacteria, and excessive plaque buildup.
Our Treatment Options
Two-Phase Treatment
Early two-phase treatment can provide remarkable benefits for your child’s oral health later in life. As mentioned, their jawbone and gums are very malleable during this time, making certain results almost impossible if too much time passes before beginning care. Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton will monitor and guide their teeth as permanent ones grow to ensure they stay in an ideal position. During phase one, we provide partial braces, retainers, expanders, and other appliances, while phase two includes braces or clear aligners.
Thumb-Sucking Help
If your child suffers from a poor bite due to prolonged thumb-sucking habits, Champlain Orthodontics provides care designed for young children known as a habit appliance. We provide fixed palatal cribs and removable devices to prevent teeth from shifting further out of place. This metal appliance is attached to their upper teeth and prevents your child’s thumb from touching their gums.
Modern Metal Braces
The most traditional sign of orthodontics is metal braces. They are known for their strength and ability to resolve any complication you encounter. Modern metal braces are made of high-grade stainless steel and consist of brackets, wires, elastic bands, and other components. They work together to place constant pressure on your teeth in different directions to achieve your smile goals.
LightForce Clear Braces
Using the same technology as their metal counterpart, LightForce clear braces provide reliable results with a nearly invisible appearance. They use tooth-colored ceramic brackets and similarly colored components to blend with your teeth so you can continue smiling comfortably throughout treatment. Clear braces use cutting-edge technology, guaranteeing efficient results.
Invisalign
If you want to realign your teeth without braces, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton can determine if Invisalign clear aligners are right for you. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear plastic trays that are switched out every two weeks as your teeth align into a new position. We use a 3D scan of your teeth to create custom trays and can alter your treatment during follow-up appointments to ensure your plan is as efficient as possible.
Begin Your Smile Journey!
No matter the condition of your teeth, it is never too late to come in for an appointment at Champlain Orthodontics. We encourage new patients to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Ryan and Dr. Eaton to learn more about their oral health and what steps can be taken to improve their smile. Our practices are located in Williston and St. Albans, and we proudly serve the surrounding communities. We can’t wait to meet you!