Treatment

Early Orthodontic Treatment (Through Age Twelve)

Many orthodontic problems should be addressed before all permanent teeth come in or before the jaws finish growing. That is why the American Association of Orthodontists recommends patients have an orthodontic evaluation prior to the age of seven. The goals of early treatment include to guide jaw growth, lower risk of trauma to protruded teeth, stop harmful habits, create space for permanent teeth to erupt, intercept a developing problem and improve self esteem.

If early treatment is recommended and undertaken in most cases a second phase of treatment will still be required when all permanent teeth finish erupting. This has given rise to the term Two Phase Treatment. The early phase being phase one with focused treatment goals. In the second phase the goals can be more comprehensive since all permanent teeth will usually be in by completion of treatment. The early phase can simplify a second phase of treatment. Dr. Youngblade will explain treatment recommendation during the first visit to the office.

Orthodontic Treatment for Teenagers
The teen years are an important time to correct orthodontic concerns. Most treatment at this age can be completed with comprehensive goals in one phase. Orthodontic care for teenagers has come a long way from the days of “metal mouth” due to improved technology. Smaller and esthetic braces, high tech wires with light forces and shorter treatment times in many cases are just a few of the reasons orthodontics has become more friendly. Dr. Youngblade will be able to explain treatment options at your first visit.

Orthodontic Treatment for Adults
Many adults are enjoying the benefits of orthodontic treatment today. With less obtrusive appliances, clear treatment options, lighter force high tech wires and other advances orthodontic treatment has become much more friendly. Over twenty percent of our patients are adults. Benefits of adult treatment include improved facial esthetics, stabilize periodontal concerns, allow your dentist to better restore damaged or missing teeth, improve teeth function, take care of concerns that couldn’t be corrected when you were younger and others. So don’t let your age stand in the way of your desire for a healthy smile. Dr. Youngblade will discuss your treatment options at the first visit.

Types of Braces

Dr. Youngblade strives to use the most efficient and comfortable braces that are available. Some of the different appliances available are listed below.

Damon System: These are very efficient passive self-ligating braces that we are happy to offer. Please see the link for more information. www.damonsystem.com

Functional Appliances: These are a group of removable and fixed appliances that can make bite corrections less reliant on elastic wear.

Forsus Class II Correctors: This appliance can be indicated for Class II correction and works in conjunction with normal braces and wires.

Invisalign: This treatment system involves a series of clear aligners that moves and aligns the teeth.  For indicated cases treatment can move as fast as traditional braces. For more information on Invisalign please see their website:  www.invisalign.com.

Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene practices are always important but can be critical with braces. Braces make it more challenging to properly brush and floss adequately. Extra time and effort will be needed to keep plaque off the teeth and gums. Permanent damage to the teeth can result if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. If you follow the instructions Dr. Youngblade and staff give to you for proper care, damage to the teeth and gums can be avoided.

Retention
When orthodontic treatment is completed and the braces are removed the teeth will need to be held in the new positions or the teeth and bite will tend to shift back towards where they were. Retainers are used to help hold teeth in the corrected positions. Retainers can be fixed to the teeth or removable. The fixed retainers are cemented to the tongue side of the teeth in the lower and occasionally in the upper. Removable retainers are usually worn full time for a set period of time and then can be worn at night. Retention after comprehensive braces should be considered a long term continuation of your orthodontic care should be worn as prescribed. Teeth can move quickly if retainers are not worn as directed.