Orthodontic Care

Orthodontics is a dental specialty where dentists focus on teeth and jaw alignment. Most of us will visit an orthodontist to correct the appearance of crooked, overlapped, twisted, or gapped teeth - a personal value on self-esteem. However, orthodontic care offers much more to our overall health and well-being. By correcting teeth and jaw alignment, orthodontics can help with appearances and potentially the following health concerns. 

• Aid in the prevention of periodontal issues
• Reduce tooth wear and chipping
• Decrease problems with chewing and speech
• Help correct distorted facial appearances 
• Help reduce speed-disordered breathing, which may be linked to early brain function issues like dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Also commonly used during TMJ treatments leading to chronic migraines, increased tooth wear, and jaw discomfort or pain

Our teeth and jaw are designed to help us chew, eat, swallow, talk, sing, and more. However, our teeth do not always come in the way they are designed, and the impact on your overall health or your child's health can be significant.

Orthodontic Treatments

Typical orthodontic treatments include traditional dental braces, clear aligners like Invisalign®, and removable retainers.

Orthodontists are trained with additional education to perform this dental treatment. Although some general dentists will dabble in minor orthodontic corrections, an orthodontist is a dentist who receives two to three years of additional training after graduating from dental school. Orthodontists focus on improving your bite and jaw alignment but no longer focus on general dentistry treatments like cleanings, fillings, or crowns.

Orthodontics for Kids

The American Association of Orthodontists recommends children should have their first orthodontic evaluation by age 7. While many children are not qualified for orthodontic treatment at this age, it's an excellent time to find out if there are any issues and to begin planning for their future.

Children who require early orthodontic treatment can reduce their need for extensive dental procedures in the future.

If you are unsure whether or not your child has some orthodontic issues, here are some signs to look for:

• Grinding teeth at night
• Difficulty biting or chewing
• Breathing through their mouth
• Oral habits, such as long-term thumb-sucking
• Noticeable improper alignment of the jaw resulting in shifting or clicking

Our pediatric dentist will recommend seeing our pediatric orthodontist if your child has a misaligned jaw or crooked teeth. Early orthodontic treatment is more straightforward than waiting until early adulthood, when the teeth and jaw are less malleable. 

Orthodontics for Teens

Teenage life is already difficult without misaligned or crooked teeth. When crooked teeth are present in teenagers, self-esteem is nearly always decreased. And the idea of adding dental braces to correct teeth alignment for a teen can seem even scarier. However, with significant developments in orthodontics, young patients today can confidently improve their smiles.

Teenagers have options to receive orthodontic care with little noticeability with clear aligners or near-invisible dental braces. By protecting your precious teen from more severe dental or health-related issues in the future, new technology can ensure your teen feels confident and satisfied with their chosen orthodontic treatment option.

Dental Braces or Clear Orthodontic Aligners

Comfort and well-being are our top priorities. Our pediatric orthodontist ensures orthodontic treatment fits your teen's needs. Whether you are looking for traditional dental braces or a more transparent option like clear orthodontic aligners, or near-invisible dental braces, our amazing orthodontist can help your teenager.

We provide pediatric dentistry and orthodontics to children living in Parker, Douglas County, and beyond. Please schedule an appointment today to see how we can help your child.