Orthodontic Services in Attleboro
Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry provides orthodontic services in Attleboro, Massachusetts. Call 508-409-6160 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
What Is Orthodontics?
Orthodontics is the field of dentistry that is concerned with the alignment of the teeth and bite. When teeth are out of alignment and the top and bottom rows of teeth don’t meet together properly, it can cause a variety of dental and oral health problems. Most children will need orthodontic treatment at some point in their lifetime, typically during the adolescent years.
Benefits of Orthodontics
Orthodontics offers many benefits for children and teens:
- Healthier teeth. Teeth that are in proper alignment are easier to clean, which prevents tooth decay. They are also less likely to be damaged from bite misalignment.
- Improved smile. Orthodontics can straighten teeth for a more aesthetically pleasing smile, helping patients feel more confident.
- Chew food more effectively. When your bite is properly aligned, you can chew food more effectively without damaging your teeth and putting strain on your jaw.
- Avoid headaches and jaw discomfort. Properly aligned teeth can prevent headaches and jaw discomfort that can occur from misaligned teeth and bite patterns.
Procedures Offered
We provide the following orthodontic services:
Early Orthodontic Treatment
Children should have an orthodontic evaluation by the age of 7 to determine if early treatment may be necessary. Even if they don’t yet need any treatment at this age, regular monitoring should occur every 6 months.
Invisalign®
Invisalign consists of clear plastic trays that fit over the teeth, gradually shifting them into proper alignment. The trays are virtually invisible for discreet orthodontic treatment.
Interceptive Orthodontics
Interceptive orthodontics refers to treatments that prevent or reduce the need for future orthodontic treatment. Examples include space maintainers, palate expanders, and habit appliances.
Retention
After orthodontic treatment has achieved the desired results, retainers are used to maintain those results, holding the teeth in the proper position while the teeth settle into their new position more permanently.
Why Choose Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry?
Not all dental practices provide comprehensive orthodontic services. Attleboro Pediatric Dentistry understands the importance of orthodontic treatment for optimal dental health. We find that dental care and orthodontic care work best when integrated for a few reasons:
- Ongoing evaluations. Orthodontic evaluations should be a regular part of dental visits from the first appointment. This way treatment can begin at the most ideal time for the patient.
- Improved communication. Communication between the dentist and orthodontist is not a concern when they are one in the same.
- Convenience. It is also more convenient for parents to come to one location for all of their children’s dental and orthodontic needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orthodontics
Is my child a candidate for Invisalign?
Invisalign is effective for patients with mild to moderate orthodontic cases. Certain orthodontic corrections require braces. A brief evaluation can determine whether or not Invisalign would be an effective orthodontic treatment for your child.
How long does orthodontic treatment take?
The length of orthodontic treatment time varies greatly based on the type and extent of the treatment. Braces typically take between 1-2 years. Invisalign averages 6-18 months. Interceptive orthodontic treatments may take less than a year and retention can take longer.
Is orthodontic treatment uncomfortable?
There may be an adjustment period at the start of treatment as the mouth gets used to the foreign objects. And as the teeth are shifted out of their usual position, some discomfort is to be expected. Over the counter anti-inflammatory medication can help provide relief.
What is the ideal age for braces?
The average age for braces is around the age of 11 or 12 years old. Adolescence is an ideal time for orthodontic treatment because children are prone to growth spurts during this time, which can help accelerate orthodontic treatment. By this age most of the permanent teeth are in place and the baby teeth have been shed.
How long do retainers need to be worn?
Following orthodontic treatment, patients will need to wear retainers to maintain the results. Retainers will need to be worn full time at first, only taking them out to eat and clean your teeth. After the first year, you may be ready to switch to night time wear only. We recommend that patients never stop wearing their retainers altogether, as it is always possible for the teeth to shift out of the ideal position.
Contact Us
To learn more, call 508-409-6160 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.