When people hear the term “orthodontics,” it tends to bring to mind the image of an awkward teen in metal braces. Although improvements in modern orthodontics have made this a dated stereotype, it’s still a persistent one! It’s no wonder that it often comes as a surprise to learn that orthodontic treatment can benefit children, teens, and adults alike. Here at Glass Orthodontics, we believe that everyone deserves a straight, healthy smile. We’re proud to provide top-quality orthodontic care to patients of all ages in Daphne, Bay Minette, and Atmore, as well as the surrounding communities.
Are you curious about what orthodontics could have to offer your young child? Could your teen possibly benefit from braces? Have you ever wondered if Invisalign could work for you as an adult? To learn more about what orthodontic treatment has for every age range, keep reading below!
Orthodontics for children
There is no minimum age for a child to have their first orthodontic visit. However, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends all children have an initial orthodontic evaluation by the time they’re around seven years old – and we agree! By this stage in their development, most kids will have a good mix of primary and permanent teeth. A thorough examination by an experienced orthodontist like Dr. Glass allows us to catch any potential tooth and jaw problems early, before they have the chance to become more serious. When a child is seen in time to initiate early treatment, oral issues can often be diagnosed and corrected before they become severe enough to require more invasive treatment. We also refer to this as interceptive treatment, and it can help us:
- correct and guide the growth of your child’s jaw so their permanent teeth are able to erupt in better alignment
- regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- create more space for crowded teeth
- correct bad habits like extended thumb or finger sucking
- help improve some minor speech problems
Don’t rely on your own eyes to decide if your child needs orthodontic care! It can be very difficult to assess the need for orthodontics by observing their outward appearance, since many oral issues are visible only to the trained eye of an experienced orthodontist. When you schedule your child’s first visit at one of our three offices, Dr. Glass will thoroughly assess their teeth and jaws. If he feels there is a need for early treatment, we’ll create a customized plan addressing the specific dental problems your child is dealing with.
Orthodontics for teens
We know that committing to orthodontic treatment can be a little overwhelming, for you and your teen both. Glass Orthodontics has a number of orthodontic options to choose from, and today’s appliances are more comfortable and stylish than ever before, something our teen patients really appreciate. Even traditional metal braces now come in a variety of styles and materials, with colored elastics available to let your teen customize their look! For those who prefer a more subtle treatment option, we also offer Invisalign clear aligner therapy, as well as clear braces. SmartClip self-ligating braces are another option, foregoing the bands for an innovative clip that helps reduce the amount of pressure being placed on the tooth. These often require fewer adjustment appointments overall.
The question we tend to hear most often from teens is “how long will I be in braces?” Unfortunately, there’s no concrete answer to that. Because no two smiles are the same and every patient responds to treatment in their own way, treatment times will vary from case to case. However, we will often be able to give you and your teen an estimate on treatment time during their initial evaluation.
Orthodontics for adults
More adults than ever before are choosing orthodontic treatment, with around 25% of current patients over the age of 18. This decision to undergo orthodontic treatment later in life can be chalked up to a number of different factors. One of the most compelling reasons for adult orthodontics is that we often realize as we get older just how important it is to maintain our oral health. There are also many adult patients who are finally in a place where they can afford the time and financial commitment to straighten their smile. Modern treatment options are another factor, as we’re now able to offer several subtle but effective ways to straighten adult teeth, like Invisalign and clear braces.
Whatever the reason for choosing orthodontic treatment as an adult, Glass Orthodontics is able to help you achieve a beautifully aligned, fully functional smile using treatment options such as:
- traditional metal braces
- SmartClick self-ligating braces
- ceramic braces
- Invisalign clear aligner therapy
Celebrate your special smile with Glass Orthodontics
As you can see, orthodontics can benefit almost anyone with oral issues, whatever their age! Properly aligned teeth are easier to keep clean with daily brushing and flossing, which helps keep dental problems at bay. Orthodontic treatment can also improve a patient’s cosmetic appearance, boosting their self-confidence and giving them a sparkling smile they’ll want to share with the world! Perhaps most importantly of all, all of our treatment options can correct orthodontic issues before they get worse. This can save you a great deal of time, money, and even pain in the long run.
Dr. Glass knows that children, teens, and adults will all have different orthodontic needs that require individualized attention and treatment. Our talented team will always work with your own unique smile and specific needs to provide only the best and most appropriate treatment for your case. We’re dedicated to giving our patients the best orthodontic experience possible! If you’re in Daphne, Bay Minette, Atmore, or the surrounding areas, and want to know more about how orthodontic treatment can benefit you and your family, get in touch with us today! We’ll be happy to schedule a complimentary consultation for you, the first step towards creating beautiful smiles for your whole family!