Welcome to Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry, where we prioritize the dental health and radiant smiles of our young patients. Explore the unique features of our orthodontic services and the personalized care we provide.
Orthodontics 101
At Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is a significant goal for most individuals. If you or your child is self-conscious about their smile, our orthodontic care with braces can be the transformative solution. Our commitment extends beyond just straightening teeth; we aim to boost confidence and ensure a comfortable orthodontic experience from start to finish.
How Orthodontic Treatment Works
Our orthodontic appliances, whether made of metal, ceramic, or plastic, exert a constant, gentle force to carefully guide teeth to their proper position. Unlike traditional braces of the past, you can now choose from clear or metal brackets, allowing for a more personalized and less noticeable experience. With the latest materials and innovations like SmartTrack® technology, treatment is not only effective but also more comfortable, providing a faster journey to a stunning smile.
Duration of Treatment
Treatment times vary based on factors such as age, treatment method, and case severity. Your involvement and diligence play a crucial role in the efficiency of the treatment. For children, early treatment can contribute to a quicker overall process, addressing concerns before they become more complex.
Orthodontics For All Ages
At Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry, we cater to patients of all ages. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an orthodontic visit around age seven, allowing us to detect and correct potential issues early. Our orthodontic treatments are designed to:
- Correct and guide jaw growth
- Regulate arch width
- Create space for crowded teeth
- Address habits like thumb-sucking
- Enhance speech development
If you’re unsure about your child’s need for orthodontic treatment, look out for signs such as early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, or crowded teeth. Schedule an orthodontic evaluation to ensure a healthy, beautiful smile for your child’s future.
Early Orthodontic Treatment for Children
Early orthodontic treatment, also known as Phase One, is recommended around age seven. Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry emphasizes the importance of early evaluation to correct jaw growth and bite problems, making room for permanent teeth and reducing the likelihood of extractions.
Signs that your child may need early orthodontic treatment include issues like early or late loss of baby teeth, difficulty chewing, mouth breathing, thumb-sucking, or crowded front teeth. Early intervention not only addresses these concerns but also sets the stage for a healthy, beautiful smile as your child grows.
Surgical Orthodontics
In cases of severe orthodontic concerns, surgical orthodontics, or orthognathic surgery, may be necessary. Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry collaborates with oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct bad bites, jaw abnormalities, and malocclusion. Surgical orthodontics is typically recommended for adults when jaw growth is complete, and orthodontic treatment alone cannot achieve proper alignment.
Before considering orthognathic surgery, your orthodontist will assess your case’s severity and alignment, ensuring that surgery is the appropriate course of action. Risks associated with orthognathic surgery are minimal, and the rewards include a beautiful, healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
Invisalign
At Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry, we offer Invisalign treatment, a revolutionary alternative to traditional braces. Invisalign uses a series of virtually invisible, removable aligners to straighten teeth comfortably and discreetly. Our orthodontic expertise, combined with Invisalign’s advanced technology, allows us to treat a wide range of cases, from simple to complex, for patients of all ages.
Invisalign Teen
For our teen patients, Invisalign Teen provides a unique teeth-straightening solution that is both precise and customized. Align Technology’s constant advancements, such as the SmartTrack® material, contribute to faster smile transformations. Invisalign Teen allows teens to enjoy the activities they love while undergoing treatment, and the removable aligners make brushing and flossing easy.
The Invisalign Teen Guarantee offers the flexibility to switch to wires and brackets within the first six months if desired. In comparison to traditional braces, Invisalign treatment corrects both simple and complex cases, is covered by orthodontic insurance, and provides up to 50% shorter treatment times. With no pain from rubbing brackets or broken wires, teens can continue enjoying their favorite foods and activities.
Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry is committed to delivering a superior teeth-straightening experience, providing removable trays for easy oral hygiene and increasing the likelihood of a boost in self-esteem for our teen patients.
Experience the difference of orthodontic care at Smile Starters Pediatric Dentistry, where every smile journey is unique, comfortable, and focused on the individual needs of our patients. Contact us to schedule an appointment and learn more about the comprehensive orthodontic treatments we offer.