Orthodontic treatment is the process of aligning and straightening the teeth in order to improve the function and aesthetics of the smile.
This has conventionally been accomplished through the use of metal braces, but recent innovations in “invisible aligners” such as Invisalign have made orthodontic treatment more comfortable and convenient than ever before.
As leading providers of orthodontic care in Southeast Idaho, Adventure Orthodontics is proud to offer a variety of treatment options to our patients, including both traditional braces and Invisalign.
We offer:
Orthodontic treatment can be an excellent investment in your child’s or your own long-term oral health, and we are committed to providing the highest quality care possible.
If you have any questions about orthodontic treatment, or if you would like to schedule a consultation, please contact us today!
What is Interceptive Orthodontic Treatment?
Interceptive orthodontic treatment is also known as “phase one” treatment. It is typically recommended for children between the ages of six and ten, before their permanent teeth have erupted.
The goal of interceptive treatment is to correct problems with a child’s upper and lower jaw and teeth while they are still growing, in order to avoid more serious problems down the road. In some cases, interceptive treatment can also make future orthodontic treatment simpler and shorter.
What is Comprehensive Orthodontic Treatment?
Comprehensive orthodontic treatment is also known as “phase two” treatment. It is typically recommended for patients who are 11 years or older, after their permanent teeth have erupted.
The goal of comprehensive treatment is to correct any remaining problems and achieve a beautiful, healthy smile.
Comprehensive orthodontic treatments typically include services such as:
- Braces — Traditional metal braces, ceramic braces and invisible braces (Invisalign) are all options that can be used to straighten crooked teeth.
- Palate expanders — A palate expander is an appliance that is used to widen the upper jaw. This can be helpful if the upper and lower jaws are not in alignment and can correct misaligned teeth bite.
- Retainers — Retainers are worn after treatment is completed in order to keep your newly straightened smile in place.
What is the Best Age for Orthodontic Treatment?
The answer to this question depends on the individual child. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. However, each child is different, and some may need treatment at an earlier or later age.
Some other factors that could influence the timing of treatment are:
- Eruption pattern of the permanent teeth
- Crowding or spacing of the teeth
- Jaw growth
- Bite (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together)
The best way to determine if your child is a candidate for orthodontic treatment is to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist. During this initial consultation, the orthodontist will examine your child’s mouth and jaw, take X-rays and photographs, and discuss any options for treatment.
Who Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
People of all ages can benefit from orthodontic treatment. Children as young as six years old can be evaluated by an orthodontist to determine if they will need treatment when they are older.
While the majority of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment are children and teenagers, more and more adults are also choosing to improve their smiles with fixed braces or other treatments. In fact, about one in five orthodontic patients is over age 18.
There are many different reasons why someone might need or want orthodontic treatment as an adult. Maybe your teeth were crowded or you had an overbite when you were younger but you didn’t have braces. Or perhaps you had braces but didn’t wear your retainers as often as you should have and as a result, your teeth have shifted out of alignment.
Orthodontic treatment can also be beneficial for adults who have suffered an injury to the mouth or face, which has caused their teeth to become misaligned. And, if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea, orthodontic treatment may be recommended in order to improve the alignment of your jaw and throat, which can help you to breathe more easily at night.
What are the Benefits of Orthodontic Treatment?
There are many benefits to orthodontic treatment, both for children and adults. Some of the benefits include:
- Straight teeth — One of the most obvious benefits of orthodontic treatment is a straighter smile. This can increase your self-esteem and make you feel more confident.
- A healthier mouth — Teeth that are properly aligned are easier to clean and less likely to suffer from decay or gum disease.
- Prevention of further dental problems — Orthodontic treatment can help to prevent further dental problems from developing.
Ready for a Consultation? We’d Love to Speak With You!
Adventure Orthodontics is the top provider of orthodontic care in Southeast Idaho. We create a treatment plan designed specifically for each individual patient. Our goal is to help you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile that you can be proud of!
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontic treatment, we invite you to contact us today to schedule a consultation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted!
