Dental Treatment Unfortunately, very few people are born with a perfect smile. At some point in their lives, most people will need to undergo some form of orthodontic treatment. At Star Orthodontics, we pride ourselves on treating every member of the family, from young children to grandma or grandpa. While childhood is the ideal time to move teeth, more adults than ever before are opting for orthodontic treatment. Early TreatmentMost people associate traditional metal braces with teenagers, but earlier orthodontic treatment can be quite beneficial. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) suggests that a child should have their first orthodontic check-up by the age of seven. By this time, a child has enough permanent teeth for us to make a proper evaluation. Early orthodontic treatment is designed to intercept a growing problem, correct the situation, and guide the continuing growth of the jaw and facial bones. Simply put, the teeth are easier to move during the development phase. Many orthodontic problems are easier to treat at an early age before greater secondary complications arise. Overly crowded teeth and severe malocclusions (misaligned bites) can ultimately shorten the lifespan of your teeth. Treatment for Kids and TeensWe recommend that you bring your child in for their first orthodontic evaluation at the age of 7 to determine if they can benefit from interceptive treatment, but between 11 and 15 years old is the most common time for orthodontic treatment. By the age of 12 most of your child's permanent teeth have come in, so their bite has developed, allowing for us to detect gaps, crooked teeth or other common problems. These problems rarely correct themselves, so we recommend an evaluation at Star Othodontics to determine if treatment will be necessary. Adult TreatmentAdult treatment is the fastest growing area of orthodontics. The AAO has stated that one in five orthodontic patients are over the age of 18. If you are an adult and considering orthodontic treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind:
If you are concerned with aesthetics, we offer some discreet treatment options, from clear aligners to ceramic braces. Talk with your orthodontist during your initial consultation to learn more about your options. Regardless of which option you choose, we are confident you will be happy with the results! Impacted CaninesImpacted teeth can cause serious complications in the future if ignored. The last permanent teeth to emerge are usually the maxillary canine teeth, or what some refer to as "fangs." These canines have the longest roots of all of the teeth in the mouth and are a very important part of the dental arch, as they are critical to being able to bite off chunks of food while supporting the surrounding teeth. It is critical to help the canine develop as close as naturally possible to prevent potential problems. Orthognathic SurgeryOur jaw is perhaps the most overlooked aspect of our oral health. If you suffer from jaw-related problems, you may qualify for orthognathic surgery. Corrective jaw surgery is usually the last line of defense after other treatments have been exhausted. During your consultation appointment, will perform a series of diagnostic tests to determine if orthognathic surgery is right for you. Post Orthodontic Care (Retainers)Protecting your investment is almost as important as the treatment itself. A retainer is a critical appliance that will keep your teeth in their proper position. Without it, your teeth will slowly shift back out of alignment. Unfortunately, your periodontal ligaments will want to move your teeth back to where they were before. Over time, these ligaments will "lock" your teeth in place with the use of a retainer. Emergency Orthodontic CareIf you experience trauma or injury to the mouth, emergency orthodontic care may be necessary. If a part of your braces becomes loose or breaks, do not attempt to fix it yourself. Be sure to call us as soon as possible so we can get you in for an appointment. If you experience severe trauma or injury, you may need to go to urgent care or seek the help of an oral surgeon. Schedule Your Consultation AppointmentRegardless of your situation, our orthodontic treatment can give you a more beautiful smile and improve your oral health. If you would like to learn more call 361-371-8555 and schedule a consultation appointment today. |
 |
