Understanding Teeth Time Table

You notice your little one’s crooked teeth early on and start to worry about him growing up with less self-esteem. Not to mention dental problems. Better for you to seek first advice from a specialist to be able to navigate through this and prepare.

The condition of your child’s teeth will bear heavily on when dental braces will be needed. Usually, the timing for braces is when there is no more primary teeth. The growth phase for permanent teeth is generally between the ages of 8 to 14 years old. If your child has an overbite, braces may not correct it if he is still under 10 years of age because the permanent teeth are still growing in his lower jaw. A child’s buck teeth can be corrected with braces when he is around 12.

Many orthodontists prefer using different appliances, and not braces, during the early developmental years. This is the first phase. Then when the child starts losing his primaries and the permanents are already coming out, the specialist goes into the second phase of treatment, which will use dental braces. Orthodontists believe this interceptive method makes it easier for the patient’s adjustment and cooperation. The second phase can be shortened, becomes easier and the entire procedure may be lighter for parents’ finances.

Pay heed to some early manifestations of orthodontic issues in your child. For example, early tooth loss which will lead to drifting and gaps; late tooth loss as well that can impede the permanent tooth’s normal eruption. Look for misplaced or crowded teeth which are potential oral hygiene problems; they can also disrupt normal biting and chewing. Watch out if your child indulges in finger-sucking, has cavities and eats poorly.

About Time to Visit Bellevue Dentist

Know more about your child’s dental condition by bringing him early to see our dentist in Bellevue. Find out how soon and what approach is best for his orthodontic issues. Our Bellevue dental braces fit the right patients at the best time. Overlake Dental believes that well-informed parents make better choices for themselves and their child.

Dental Braces’ Suitability for Every Age

You see dental braces more often among teenagers simply because this is the stage when they are very particular about their looks. Crooked teeth can make them very self-conscious. Many kids this age, though, dread braces, finding the metal appliances uncomfortable to wear and to clean, sometimes painful, and too conspicuous. Treatment can take as long as a couple of years. However, parents might pay a hefty price for them as only they and the dentist know how braces can restore healthy function of teeth and jaw, as well as self-esteem.

Consider what braces can do to align crooked teeth, fix teeth that overlap and reduce crowding, correct overbite and close gaps. Successful treatment with braces lowers the risk of periodontal disease, preserves natural enamel of teeth, restores normal jaw function and enables proper speech and eating habits.

In fact, there is no age limit for dental braces. Children as young as 8 to 14 can commence with orthodontic treatment. Their mouths are still growing, tissues are soft and malleable and are highly amenable to corrective measures with braces. Treatment period can also be significantly reduced at this stage. If you have to wait until you are an adult to have braces, so long as teeth and gums are reasonably strong, you can expect optimal results.

Dental braces are not suitable for patients with weakened gums or poor dental health.

Depending on adult teeth’s condition, most people are in treatment from one to three years. This is followed by a period of wearing a retainer that holds teeth in their new positions.

Today’s dental braces are more comfortable and lighter. Newer materials apply a constant, gentle force to move teeth and usually require fewer adjustments. There are braces that are made from clear materials and hence less conspicuous. There are popular braces or aligners that straighten teeth in just 6 months or so. Your dentist, or better, your orthodontist, should know which is best for you.

Orthodontic Specialist for all Ages in Bellevue

Drop by Overlake Dental and consult with us about your particular condition and requirements. Know that orthodontics require a lot of commitment and dedication between specialist and patient. If you are firm about getting a healthier mouth and a more confident smile, see us in Bellevue.

The Old and the New Combined

While Invisalign® uses transparent aligners to adjust and straighten crooked teeth, and while it’s just a great innovation for many users, not all crooked teeth situations are treatable with Invisalign alone.

There are cases where some teeth would be more difficult to move even with this technology, so orthodontists have discovered that combining it with traditional orthodontic appliances gives it a push or pull in the right direction.

But how about the metal braces showing up when you smile?
There is no need to worry. Braces can be placed just on the back teeth or the teeth below which will make them unnoticeable. Clear or ceramic brackets can be used, making them less visible since they closely resemble natural teeth color.

Cases that can use both Invisalign and traditional braces are those that involve severe tooth rotation, where the tooth has rotated or tipped facing sideways, it’s root movement travelled too long a distance. Another situation is the use of rubber bands in conjunction with Invisalign to correct overbite, and underbite; also to help with bite alignment and correction. Here, clear attachments that are not too noticeable are affixed to the teeth to provide stability and where the rubber bands can be attached.

Other combinations are not just both systems being used at the same time. Others involve using one first for particular issues and then the other can be started after the first treatment ends. For example, initially using braces first and completing the rest of the correction process with Invisalign.

Depends on What’s Best for the Patient

Having difficulties deciding between traditional braces and Invisalign for the best results? Consult with Bellevue Overlake Dental and let’s talk Bellevue dental braces! Maybe Invisalign will work alone. Or let’s see if a combination of the two is the better for you. Call for an appointment now.