Oklahoma City Braces | Orthodontic FAQs
Serving Patients From Oklahoma City, Norman, and Surrounding Areas
What is the ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
How do I recognize signs of orthodontic problems in my child?
I had braces when I was younger. Why are my teeth still crooked?
How long will I have to wear braces?
What is the ideal age for orthodontic treatment?
Adults can have braces treatment at any time, as long as their general dental and gingival health is good. In children, the best time to correct crooked teeth is following the eruption of a full set of permanent teeth – about age 12 or 13. Because the jaws are still growing, the mouth can be more easily manipulated and the bite restructured. Early orthodontic treatment may be recommended before the pubescent age for patients who exhibit jaw growth problems, uneven dental arches, severe uneven growth of permanent teeth, speech or swallowing problems, or self-esteem problems related to their smile. For adults who need straightening but are discouraged by the thought of unattractive metal braces, the new Invisalign invisible braces treatment may be your best bet.
How do I recognize signs of orthodontic problems in my child?
In addition to noticeably crooked teeth coming in, look for any of the following possible indications that orthodontic intervention may be needed:
- Early loss of baby teeth
- Late loss of baby teeth
- Chewing problems
- Biting problems
- Mouth breathing
- Crowded teeth
- Thumb or finger sucking habits
- Cheek biting
- An uneven bite (overbite or underbite)
I had braces when I was younger. Why are my teeth still crooked?
If you’ve already undergone orthodontic treatment, but your smile is not as straight as you thought it would be, there may be a number of reasons. The technology 20 or more years ago was not what it is today, and some patients may not have received the best braces treatment. Also, if you had braces but did not follow up with proper retainer use, you may not have reached your doctor’s straightening goals
How long will I have to wear braces?
It all depends on the amount of straightening necessary. Many Invisalign patients will need a little less treatment time than with traditional braces, although the straightening process may take more time for an adult than for a child. When you visit the Dental Wellness Center for a free orthodontic consult, Dr. Davis can give you an estimated braces treatment time.
Trust your smile to the Oklahoma orthodontist who delivers consistently high quality care with today’s top technology. Call or email Dr. Teresa Davis in Oklahoma City today for your free orthodontic appointment.
Dental Wellness Center
4401 W. Memorial Road, Suite 135
Oklahoma City, OK 73134
A Beautiful Smile Goes a Long Way
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