Are Clear Aligners Better Than Braces?
[embed]https://youtu.be/rKB7iEVRBlo[/embed] When it comes to correcting and decrowding teeth, traditional braces have been the go-to option for many years. In recent years, however, invisible align
If you aren’t happy with your teeth—or are worried about your kids’ teeth—you probably have concerns about what getting braces means. Are adult braces an option? How will they look? How will they change my lifestyle? You might even expect your kids to be worried about getting bullied or made fun of because of their orthodontia.
It might surprise you, then, to learn that many kids today actually look forward to getting braces. Wearing braces has become trendy. And orthodontists worldwide report that many parents take their children to an orthodontist because the kids actually want to wear braces—and, if it turns out they don’t need them, they are often upset by the news.
Sometimes, it’s clear that corrective treatments are necessary, but that’s not always the case. Seeing an orthodontist at Newtown Dentistry for an evaluation for braces can give you the answers you need, but taking our self-assessment quiz can also help you get on the right track.
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that all children see an orthodontist for an evaluation around age 7. This doesn’t mean kids need braces that early. But, by checking on teeth while your child has a mix of both baby and permanent adult teeth—and the jaw is still growing—the orthodontist can get a sense of whether any problems are developing.
Most children who need braces get them around ages 9 to 16. Some children do need earlier interventions, such as a palatal expander or tooth extraction, to create room for permanent teeth and prevent misalignment or to correct issues affecting their speech or ability to chew.
If your child is older than 7 and hasn’t seen an orthodontist yet, don’t panic. Your dentist will likely remind you about getting a checkup when it’s time, or even make a referral for you if they believe braces may be necessary.
Adult patients who think they may need braces can talk to their dentist or make an appointment with an orthodontist. If you aren’t sure, take this quiz, designed to give you answers on how to know if you need braces.
If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions about your or your child’s teeth, you should make an appointment to see an orthodontist.
Depending on the position of your teeth and jaw—and how much your teeth and bite need to be corrected—your orthodontist has many options from which to choose.
Braces are the most common treatment and involve applying gentle force on the teeth over time using wires threaded through metal brackets affixed to the teeth. Archwires and rubber bands are used to apply more force to move the teeth.
Clear aligners are popular among adults and teens who need only minor orthodontic care for crooked teeth. The treatment uses a series of removable clear, thin, plastic trays to gently realign teeth.
In either case, the process of determining the best type of orthodontic treatment begins with a thorough exam, including X-rays.
The orthodontist will also take an impression of the teeth to create an exact model to guide treatment. Newtown Dentistry uses technology for digital impressions for better accuracy—and a more pleasant experience. Check out this video to see more about the digital impression process.
Finally, there may be times when braces or aligners aren’t the best treatments. Adults with misaligned jaws—for example, where the upper and lower jawbones don’t meet as they should—require corrective surgery.
Once the jawbones are done growing, they can be modified only surgically. That’s just one more reason children should see an orthodontist sooner rather than later.
Dr. Heather and her orthodontics team at Newtown Dentistry treat patients of all ages. If you think that your child needs braces or you need adult braces, call (215) 770-3901 today to make an appointment for a complimentary evaluation. You can also use our online scheduling request to get started toward a bright, beautiful smile.
AUTHOR
Newtown Dentistry
DATE
July 27, 2021
SHARE
Keep up with the latest Newtown Dentistry news, adventures, dental tips, and more. With upwards of two decades in providing excellence in dental care to children and adults, Dr. Chris Landes and her talented and skilled dental colleagues share a variety of resources you won’t want to miss.
[embed]https://youtu.be/rKB7iEVRBlo[/embed] When it comes to correcting and decrowding teeth, traditional braces have been the go-to option for many years. In recent years, however, invisible align
At Newtown Dentistry, we get a lot of questions from our patients about the differences between retainers, mouth guards, and night guards. Many patients are unclear as to the purpose of each, and some
These days, braces aren’t just for kids. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) reports that one in four orthodontic patients are adults. And it’s not just for a beautiful sm
8:30am - 4:00pm
8:30am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 6:30pm
9:00am - 7:30pm
7:30am - 4:00pm
Closed
46 Blacksmith Rd.
Newtown, PA 18940
Phone: (215)-504-5437
Fax: (215) 504-5844
© 2023 All Rights Reserved.
Farotech: A Philadelphia SEO & Web Design Company