Crooked teeth are very common. In fact, nine out of ten people have teeth that are slightly misaligned or downright crooked.In most cases, crooked teeth are merely a cosmetic issue. Sometimes, crooked teeth can even add charm to your smile. Crooked teeth may be a health hazard in some cases. Misaligned teeth are more difficult to brush and floss, for example, and this can lead to tooth decay, tooth and gum infections, and even tooth loss. Crooked teeth can affect the way you speak, smile, and eat. They can also cause psychological distress, as crooked teeth can significantly detract from the cosmetic appeal of your smile.
You love your child and want the best for them. At your child's most recent dental visit, their dentist recommended braces or Invisalign to straighten their teeth. As a parent, you see the value of orthodontic treatment but are having a bit of difficulty preparing your child for their treatment. Whether your teen or child is hesitant to get braces or is nervous about getting treatment, you can do a few things as a parent to help them prepare.
Your retainer plays an important role in maintaining your amazing smile after your orthodontic treatment is done. Retainers keep your teeth in the best position possible for a dazzling smile and healthy bite. A clean mouth and a clean retainer mean healthy teeth. Throughout your day, bacteria build up on your retainer to cause bad breath and a foul taste in your mouth. If you don’t remove the bacteria, it can accumulate to form biofilm, which is a sticky substance that holds the bacteria to the surface of your retainer, teeth and gums. Dental plaque is a type of biofilm that is bad for your oral health; it can harden into tartar that can lead to gum disease, gum infections, tooth decay and tooth loss.
If you are considering treatment to straighten your teeth, you might wonder how long your orthodontic treatment may take. The answer is – it depends.First, the short answer. Orthodontic treatment typically takes between 12 and 36 months. Your treatment may take less time, or longer.
When you think of October, costumes, pumpkins and candy might come to mind. But October is about more than just Halloween – it's also National Orthodontic Health month, a time to celebrate healthy smiles and the treatments that help them get and stay healthy. This October, take some time to learn more about what you can do to get a healthier smile and teeth you can be proud to show off.
At your child's last visit to your family dentist, they recommended an orthodontist visit to correct issues with your child's bite, tooth alignment or jaw. Orthodontic treatment can straighten teeth, leading to improved oral health and better self-confidence. But first, your child needs to see an orthodontist and get braces. Knowing what to expect at the orthodontist and the questions to ask during your first orthodontist appointment helps the process go smoothly and ensures you and your child have the info you need to get the best results.
Many people have avoided getting braces unless it was medically necessary because they believed the traditional wire and bracket system was not appealing. Now, with more advanced and less visible options available, including Invisalign and incognito braces, more people are turning to orthodontic treatment to achieve the smile they’ve always dreamed of.
Straight teeth are attractive, of course, but the benefits of straight teeth go beyond an appealing smile – they can also contribute to your oral health and overall health. If you are like many people, though, you don’t want to wear braces; this is especially true for teenagers who don’t want to be bothered with the hassles of wearing braces. Fortunately, there is a way to get all the benefits of teeth straightening without braces.
Many adults wonder, “am I too old for braces?” The answer is, no! When it comes to getting a straight smile, any age is the right age. Though getting braces is often something people associate as a rite of passage for teenagers, there is no age limit to achieving a straight smile.
As a loving parent or guardian, part of taking care of your child should involve ensuring that their dental health is in tip-top condition. You need to ensure that your child practices excellent dental hygiene, take them to see a dentist twice annually, and also take them to see an orthodontist for an orthodontic evaluation.
Please call (615) 507-1660 or click below to schedule your complimentary orthodontic consultation online.
