Can adults get treatment?
Teeth can be successfully moved at any age. Many members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) regularly treat adult patients, and at Shoreline Orthodontics, about one in three of our patients is an adult. We often see individuals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and even 80s. Depending on your specific needs, your orthodontist may collaborate with your primary care dentist and other specialists to ensure the best possible outcome for your dental health.
Can I leave my crossbite untreated?
Does insurance cover orthodontic treatment?
How long do I need to wear my retainer?
If orthodontic problems are not treated, what happens?
What age should I start seeing an Orthodontist?
Around age 7, children typically have a mix of primary (baby) and permanent teeth. This stage, as permanent teeth replace baby teeth and as the face and jaws are still developing, provides valuable insights for the orthodontist. A check-up at this time allows Dr. Hadra and our team to evaluate any emerging issues or potential problems. If necessary, they will guide you on whether treatment is needed, when it should start, what kind of treatment is best, and how long it might take. It’s important to note that an orthodontic check-up is different from starting treatment—most orthodontic issues don’t require immediate intervention at age 7, and not all treatment involves braces.
If no immediate treatment is needed, your child can join our Kids Program, where Dr. Hadra and our team will monitor their growth and development over time. Should treatment become necessary later on, it can begin at the optimal age for your child.
What is the difference between a deep and an overbite?
The terms “deep bite” and “overbite” are often used interchangeably to describe a malocclusion where the upper front teeth overlap the lower front teeth vertically. This is often confused with an “overjet,” which refers to the horizontal gap between the upper and lower front teeth. While overjet, commonly called “buck teeth,” occurs when the upper front teeth protrude forward, a deep bite or overbite refers to the vertical overlap of the upper front teeth covering the lower front teeth.
What orthodontic treatments do you offer?
- Traditional Braces: A proven method for correcting a wide range of dental misalignments, using metal or ceramic brackets and wires.
- Clear Aligners: Nearly invisible aligners that gently move your teeth into place, offering a more discreet option for orthodontic treatment.
- Functional Appliances: Specialized devices used to address jaw issues and improve bite function, particularly in growing patients.
- Retainers: Custom-fit appliances that help maintain your newly aligned teeth and prevent them from shifting back to their original positions.
Why should I get orthodontic treatment?
- Healthier Teeth and Gums:
- Easier to Clean: When teeth are properly aligned, brushing and flossing become simpler, which lowers the risk of cavities, gum disease, and plaque buildup.
- Preserves Enamel: Proper alignment helps distribute pressure evenly across your teeth, reducing the chances of uneven wear and tear on tooth enamel, which can lead to long-term damage.
- Improved Functionality:
- Better Bite: Orthodontic treatment can correct bite problems like overbite, underbite, or crossbite, which improves your ability to chew and speak comfortably.
- Jaw Health: Straightening your teeth can help realign the jaw, reducing pain, tension, or issues such as TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorders and chronic headaches.
- Aesthetic and Confidence Boost:
- Enhanced Smile: Straightening your teeth can give you a more radiant smile, closing gaps and improving overall alignment, which enhances your appearance.
- Greater Confidence: With a beautiful smile, you’ll feel more confident in social and professional situations, boosting your self-esteem and giving you a more positive self-image.
- Prevention of Future Issues:
- Avoid Tooth Loss: Correcting crowding or spacing issues early can prevent future problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or even tooth loss.
- Lower Risk of Injury: Protruding teeth, especially the front ones, are more susceptible to trauma. Orthodontic treatment can protect your teeth from accidental damage.
- Long-Term Financial Benefits:
- Cost Savings Over Time: Addressing orthodontic issues early can help you avoid the need for more complex, expensive dental procedures later, such as extractions, implants, or even surgery.
- Better Overall Health:
- Improved Digestion: Properly aligned teeth make it easier to chew food efficiently, which can improve digestion and overall health.
- Clearer Speech: Orthodontic treatment can also improve your speech by addressing alignment issues that may be affecting your ability to speak clearly.
Orthodontic care isn’t just about creating a beautiful smile—it’s an investment in your long-term dental health, overall comfort, and confidence. Whether it’s improving your ability to chew, preventing future dental problems, or enhancing your appearance, the benefits of orthodontic treatment are far-reaching.
Will a deep bite correct itself over time?
Will I have to have teeth extracted?
We take a careful and conservative approach when it comes to tooth extractions. Our goal is always to achieve the best orthodontic results with as few interventions as possible. However, in some cases, tooth extraction is necessary to achieve optimal alignment and bite. Whether or not extractions are recommended depends on several factors unique to your situation. Here are the key considerations our orthodontists evaluate:
- Extent of Crowding:
If your teeth are significantly crowded and there isn’t enough space in your jaw for them to align properly, extractions may be needed to create room. This is particularly common in cases of severe overcrowding where all the teeth cannot fit without removal. - Jaw Size and Structure:
The size and shape of your jaw are crucial factors in determining whether extractions are required. If your jaw is too small to accommodate all of your teeth, extractions may be the best way to create sufficient space for proper alignment. - Bite Issues:
Severe bite problems, such as an overbite, underbite, or crossbite, may require tooth removal to help realign the bite. This can prevent the need for more complicated procedures, such as jaw surgery, later on. - Teeth Protrusion:
If your front teeth stick out significantly, extractions may be recommended to help pull them back and improve your facial profile, giving you a more balanced appearance. - Treatment Goals:
The goals of your orthodontic treatment will also influence whether extractions are needed. If the aim is to achieve major improvements in alignment, bite correction, or aesthetics, extractions might be required to reach the desired outcome. - Non-Extraction Options:
Whenever possible, we prefer to explore alternatives to extractions. Techniques like expanding the dental arch or using interproximal reduction (IPR), which creates small spaces between teeth, can sometimes eliminate the need for extractions. Modern orthodontic methods are designed to minimize extractions whenever possible. - Age and Growth Considerations:
Younger patients, whose jaws are still growing, may have more options for creating space without the need for extractions. This might include using expanders or other devices to help guide development. For adults whose jaws are fully developed, extractions may be the most effective solution to create the space needed for treatment.
At Shoreline Orthodontics, we work closely with each patient to develop a personalized treatment plan that minimizes discomfort and maximizes results. Our goal is to ensure that your orthodontic journey is as effective and comfortable as possible.