ORTHODONTICS
Brace yourself—you’ve reached our Orthodontics section!
Every Vital Smiles orthodontist is an experienced professional committed to giving you or your child the highest quality orthodontic evaluation, diagnosis and treatment available today.
What is an orthodontist?
It’s someone who graduates from dental school and then goes on to attend a graduate school and an orthodontic residency program for at least 2 to 3 years in order to specialize in the important field of diagnosing, preventing and treating crooked or misaligned teeth and jaws. Besides having these credentials, all our orthodontists are also accredited members of the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO).
What are the benefits of seeing one?
Many people think crooked teeth and jaws are just a cosmetic problem, but there’s a lot more to it than that. Besides being unattractive, misaligned teeth and jaws can also result in serious eating and speaking problems. When it comes to children, our orthodontists are dedicated to seeing that they get a head start in life by helping them develop a good bite, improved speech, straight teeth…and the self confidence of having a beautiful smile.
But remember, orthodontia isn’t just for kids. According to the American Association of Orthodontists, 1 in 5 patients are over 21! For adults too, it can improve both your appearance and your general health.
At what age should a child have their first routine visit to an orthodontist?
The AAO recommends that every child should be seen by age 7. Although most children will not need orthodontic treatment until their teen years, there are several problems that we can catch early, and our treatment can keep misaligned teeth or jaws from getting worse. By treating these problems early, treatment times (and costs!) can be greatly reduced later, or even avoided altogether.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, “Treatment in children or teenagers who are still growing may yield results that may not be possible once the face and jaws have completed their growth.”
What are some of the signs that my child might need orthodontics?
Baby teeth coming in early or late
Poorly aligned bite
Trouble chewing
Crowded, crooked or protruding teeth
Large spaces between teeth
Speech difficulty
Poorly aligned jaws
Teeth grinding
The sooner these problems are addressed, the better the chances for a successful outcome.
Why Orthodontics is also important for adults
Can help provide a better smile and improved appearance
Can help your teeth function better
Can improve self-confidence and self-esteem
Can lead to better oral health
Can prevent or improve periodontal problems
Can prevent or limit bone loss around teeth
Can help your dentist restore missing teeth
For more information about orthodontic care for children and adults, please contact your local orthodontic clinic in Center Point, Midfield or Mobile and schedule a free consultation.
