Orthodontics for Children
As a parent, you want the best for your child. That includes healthy teeth and a pleasing smile. At CMOA, we’ll treat your children as our own by providing them with the best possible orthodontic care.
Kids Should Get a Check-Up By 7
Ensuring your child's teeth and jaws are lined up correctly is important for a healthy and lasting smile, also known as a healthy bite. The American Association of Orthodontists suggests that you have your child's teeth checked by the time they're seven years old.
At this age, your child's teeth have grown enough that we can still catch any small issues with how their jaw is growing, or new teeth are coming in, even if they still have some baby teeth.
After the check-up, we might see that your child's bite is just fine and they don't need braces for kids. Or, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin might notice a potential issue but recommend keeping an eye on how your child grows.
In other situations, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin could find a problem that would be helped by starting treatment early. They'll suggest starting treatment at the right time for your child if needed.
What Is Early Treatment?
Early treatment may prevent more serious problems from developing and make treatment at a later age shorter and less complicated.
In some cases, Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin can give you results that may not be possible once the face and jaws are fully developed.
Signs the Bite's Not Right
Sometimes, it's not so simple to know when your child might need braces or has an issue with their teeth. Even if their teeth seem straight, there could be a problem with how they bite. Here are some signs that might mean it's a good idea to see an orthodontist:
- Losing baby teeth early or late
- Finding it hard to chew or bite
- Breathing mainly through the mouth
- Still sucking their thumb
- Teeth that are squished together, in the wrong place, or blocked
- Jaws that stick out too much or not enough
- Accidentally biting their cheek or the roof of their mouth
- Teeth that stick out a lot
- Upper and lower teeth that don't touch or don't fit together like they should
- Face looking uneven
- Grinding or clenching their teeth
If you notice any of these things, it’s a good idea to schedule a consultation at our Spencer, Auburn, or Worcester office. Our team can help figure out if your child needs any treatment to keep their smile healthy.
Orthodontics for Teens
The years when you're a teen (between 12 and 16) are when most people get orthodontic treatment because that's when most of your permanent teeth are already in place.
The good news is there are new ways to make this treatment much easier than before.
Orthodontists like Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin have lots of experience and can quickly spot issues with how your teeth are spaced, crowding, your bite, and how your teeth line up during this time. Plus, your bones and jaw are developed enough to start orthodontic treatment.
Some teens might have already had Phase I treatment when they were younger and are now moving on to full braces or other orthodontic treatment.
Benefits of Teen Treatment
Straight teeth that respond well to orthodontic treatment carry a number of benefits, including:
- Being less prone to wear and tear, chipping, and tooth trauma
- Being easier to keep clean, helping to prevent tooth decay and cavities
- Reducing the chances of developing gum disease, which can result in bone loss, decay, and tooth loss
- Improving chewing and food digestion
Helping Bad Bites
Beyond outward appearances, untreated dental problems can impact your teen’s oral and overall health.
If you notice any of the following issues, we recommend a consultation with Dr. Giarrusso, Dr. Livanos, or Dr. Kotin at CMOA since they could be signs your teen may benefit from orthodontic treatment.
- Early, late, or irregular loss of their baby teeth
- Difficulty with chewing or biting
- Crowding or extra spacing between teeth
- Jaws that shift or make sounds
- Frequent biting of the cheek or the inside of the mouth
- Teeth that meet abnormally or not at all
- Jaws and teeth that are out of proportion to the rest of the face
- Protrusion of teeth
What to Look For
Diagnosing and successfully treating certain bite problems can benefit your teen for life. Problems classified as “bad bites” can often be minimized with the proper orthodontic treatment, including:
- Crooked or crowded teeth
- Missing or extra teeth
- An overbite or underbite
- Incorrect jaw position
- A disorder of the jaw joint
Teen Treatment Options
While creating a customized treatment plan for your teen, we might recommend an orthodontic appliance. Here at CMOA, we offer:
Invisalign®
Invisalign is a series of custom-made, clear trays called aligners. You can barely see them, and you can take them out, too. That means more flexibility during treatment.
These aligners are super comfy. They're made from soft plastic, so they won't rub or scratch inside your mouth.
Every week, your teen will switch to a new set of aligners to keep their teeth moving. Just wear them for 20-22 hours a day, and slowly but surely, their teeth will move to where we want them.
Metal Braces
Metal braces have come a long way, especially in the last ten years. You might think of those big, clunky metal contraptions from old movies when you picture braces.
But guess what? We don't go for those bulky braces anymore. The modern braces we use at CMOA are way lighter and more comfy than you'd think.
Ceramic Braces
Have you heard about clear braces or ceramic braces? They're a clear option to get a straighter smile. They work like metal braces, but the brackets are made from a ceramic material that looks just like your teeth, so they're hard to spot.
Ceramic braces can be a bit more delicate and might cost more than metal braces. So, they might not be the perfect fit for everyone.
Teen Orthodontics FAQs
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment isn’t just for children and teens. In fact, one in every five orthodontic patients is over 21!
You’re never too old to benefit from orthodontic treatment. Today, adults make up about one in every five orthodontic patients. Here’s why:
Look Good, Feel Great
Orthodontic treatment can help correct crooked teeth or spaces you’ve been self-conscious about for years. It can give you the confidence and pride to show off your smile and take center stage in your life.
Teeth Don’t Stop Moving With Age
Believe it or not, your teeth don’t stop moving after the teen years. Teeth that seemed straight and aligned in youth can shift later in life. This can lead to jaw pain, trouble brushing, or a smile you’re unhappy with.
Keep Your Smile In Shape
If you leave misaligned teeth untreated, you may develop other dental problems, such as tooth decay and gum disease. You may also notice difficulty chewing or abnormal wear on the surface of your teeth.
Adult Orthodontic FAQs
Start With a Consultation
Start your journey towards a healthy new smile today and schedule your consultation with our expert orthodontists, Dr. Livanos, Dr. Giarrusso, or Dr. Kotin.
Come to Central Massachusetts Orthodontic Associates, and we’ll talk about your options and develop an orthodontic treatment plan designed just for your needs and smile goals.