Straight teeth and an aligned bite not only create a gorgeous smile, they also sustain your oral health and the function of your teeth. If you are searching for adult orthodontics or orthodontic treatment for a child, experienced Boulder dentist Dr. Michael Adler provides several treatment options to create attractive, gorgeous straight teeth and a healthy, aligned bite. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Adler, please call our experienced team at 303-449-1119.
Adult Orthodontics
Braces and other forms of orthodontic treatment aren’t just for kids anymore. On the contrary it’s important at any age to look and feel your best.
A more pleasing smile can have professional as well as personal benefits. Studies have shown that photos of people with straight and well aligned teeth are perceived to rate higher in leadership and personality traits.
Teeth alignment can change over time. Even adults who received orthodontic treatment as children might need additional attention at some point later in life.
Straighter teeth are often also easier to brush and floss and so can promote better oral health.
Numerous treatment options are available, including Invisalign®. An office consultation is recommended to discuss them.
Invisalign®
While braces are apparent on your teeth, Invisalign® is a virtually invisible means of straightening your teeth. Using a series of aligners, you gradually straighten your teeth over time without having to worry about a metal mouth.
The BPA-free custom aligners are removable, so brushing, flossing and eating is a breeze. But to stay on track with your treatment, you must wear your aligners as often as possible and at least 20 to 22 hours a day.
Dr. Adler proudly maintains an Invisalign® Preferred Provider certification, which means he has completed numerous Invisalign® treatments. He provides Invisalign® treatment for adults and teens who are good candidates.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Orthodontic Treatment?
Children, teens, and adults facing bite or alignment issues with their teeth are good candidates for orthodontic treatment. Dr. Adler is trained to perform various orthodontic techniques, including traditional braces, neuromuscular orthodontics, and Invisalign. Using these, it's possible to correct a variety of alignment problems, from mild to severe. It's even possible to begin working with alignment before issues arise! If you're unhappy about a few turned or crooked teeth or you're experiencing chronic headaches due to a bad bite, you can benefit from a comprehensive orthodontic evaluation and consultation with Dr. Adler. Give us a call today to schedule your visit.
What Conditions can Orthodontic Treatment Address?
People don't get braces or Invisalign just because they have crooked teeth. That's a basic description of what orthodontic treatment can address. More specifically, our teeth-straightening treatments can correct:
- Turned teeth
- Overlapping teeth
- Gaps
- General overcrowding
- Overbite
- Underbite
- Crossbite
- Malocclusion (bad bite)
How Do I Know which Orthodontic Treatment is Right for Me?
You can get to know which form or orthodontic treatment is right for you when you consult with an experienced dentist. Many people make the assumption that they aren't good candidates for Invisalign. After consulting with their dentist, they discover that they are and can achieve outstanding results from that treatment. Some people think they can address their orthodontic issues with Invisalign but come to see that there is more going on with their bite than what they can see. Orthodontic treatment isn't just about getting straight teeth. It may be about realigning the jaw to remove undue stress on the joints. It may be about ensuring that permanent teeth grow in properly, or any number of other specifics. Because your oral structure is so detailed, it can be difficult to know which orthodontic treatment would be ideal for you without a full orthodontic exam. When you're ready to schedule your exam and consultation for orthodontic treatment, we're ready to assist you! Just give our office a call to set up your appointment.
How Long will Orthodontic Treatment Take?
The duration of orthodontic treatment is entirely dependent on the severity of misalignment that needs to be corrected. If you have a few gaps or some overlapping teeth, you may achieve your desired improvements in about a year. If your bite is out of alignment and you also have crooked teeth, you may need to wear braces for two to three years. You will be informed about the estimated time frame for your treatment after your thorough orthodontic examination.
Does Insurance Cover Orthodontic Treatment?
Finding insurance coverage for braces or Invisalign can be somewhat tricky. It's best to contact your insurance provider directly for the specific details of your plan. Some insurances cover at least a portion of the cost of braces for kids. Others only cover braces when treatment is deemed necessary (not cosmetic). Some insurance plans extend orthodontic benefits to patients of all ages, and others limit the coverage of treatment to children. If you have questions regarding using insurance to help you cover the cost of orthodontic treatment, please feel free to contact our office. We'll do our best to assist you!
Is Orthodontic Treatment Painful?
Orthodontic treatment isn't painful but it can be uncomfortable. You may need to take over-the-counter pain relievers at certain times during your course of treatment. This is because your mouth may feel sore as your teeth shift from one position to another. For your teeth to move, your braces or clear aligners must exert consistent pressure on them. This pressure loosens the teeth in the periodontal ligament and jawbone, which can cause temporary discomfort. Usually, soreness lasts just a few days after a change in aligners or tightening of the orthodontic archwire in braces.
Neuromuscular Orthodontics
As an experienced and extensively trained neuromuscular dentist, Dr. Adler approaches orthodontic treatment by considering how the alignment of your teeth is affecting your jaw joints and the surrounding muscles. Instead of focusing just on straightening the teeth, Dr. Adler is also going to create a bite for you that will work harmoniously with the muscles and jaw joints.
When your upper and lower teeth do not come together in an optimal position, then your muscles and jaw joints have to strain themselves to accommodate the bad bite. This overexertion and stress can lead to:
- Severe headaches
- Back and neck aches
- Popping or clicking jaw
- Jaw pain or soreness
- Many other painful symptoms
For your muscles, jaw joints and teeth to work together without strain, the upper and lower teeth must meet in an optimal position when the jaw open and closes. Using advanced neuromuscular dentistry technology, Dr. Adler will determine the optimal bite to relieve your symptoms. The next phase of treatment is to create that bite position permanently with orthodontic treatment.
What Are Good Practices to Have During Orthodontic Treatment?
For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, it is essential to have a great oral routine in place to prevent complications. Whether you have braces or aligners, brushing and flossing your teeth on a daily basis is essential to being part of your daily routine.
Without good oral hygiene, you can increase your risk of tooth decay. If you experience severe tooth decay or another type of serious dental issue while undergoing orthodontic treatment, the progress of your treatment may be stalled. In cases of severe tooth decay, brackets and wires of braces may need to be taken off in order to treat the tooth.
Keeping up with your orthodontic appointments is also critical to ensuring a successful treatment. Regular dentist visits will ensure you are on the right track when it comes to your orthodontic treatment and help you keep track of your oral health.
Who Is Not Eligible for Orthodontic Treatment?
While orthodontic treatment is effective for both adults and children, there are certain instances that may prevent them from being eligible candidates for braces or aligners.
Orthodontic treatment should not be performed on patients with the following:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Severe gum disease
- Severe tooth decay
- Multiple untreated cavities
At Adler Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, Dr. Michael Adler leads a team of dedicated dental professionals who are ready to help you achieve the smile of your dreams. During your initial consultation, we can help you determine if any other type of dental treatment is needed before beginning your orthodontic treatment plan.
When Should a Child Start Orthodontic Treatment?
The best time to take your child to their first orthodontic visit is between the ages of seven and 12. During these ages, the first of your child’s permanent teeth will begin to come in. Monitoring the development of your child’s permanent teeth is essential to figuring out whether or not they may need orthodontic treatment. Most children can begin orthodontic treatment with braces or aligners between the ages of 9 and 13.
What Are the Signs My Child Needs Orthodontic Treatment?
As your child’s permanent teeth develop, it’s important to keep track of how their teeth come in. If they exhibit any of the following signs, there is a great chance your child could benefit from orthodontic treatment to achieve a perfect-looking smile:
- Overcrowded or overlapping teeth
- Protruding teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Jaw shifting
- Jaw clicking
- Underbite
Can Crooked Teeth Be Prevented?
While it can be hard to tell exactly how your permanent teeth will grow, there are a few preventative measures you can take to prevent the development of crooked teeth. The most important thing to do when it comes to tooth alignment is to ensure there isn’t a large amount of pressure on the gums. Try to encourage your child to avoid the following:
- Thumb sucking
- Using pacifiers
- Bottle feeding at a late age
In adults who have had orthodontic treatment in the past, keeping your teeth straight is the ultimate goal. Wearing your retainers consistently will help prevent your teeth from shifting.
Orthodontic Treatment for Children
If your child has crooked or misaligned teeth we can help. Adler Advanced Dentistry provides orthodontic treatment for children of all ages. Straight and aligned teeth are important for children's self-esteem as well as their oral health. Numerous treatment options are available, including braces, Invisalign® Teen and other oral appliances. An in-office consultation is recommended to determine the best-suited orthodontic treatment for each child.
Dr. Adler is an experienced provider of early orthodontics.
For some children, early orthodontic intervention is beneficial to guide the development of the bite during growth spurts, using those growth spurts to our advantage in creating proper alignment. Some children can benefit from early orthodontics before they enter high school.
It's never too late to have the smile of your dreams. Whether you are interested in orthodontics for yourself or for your child, please call Adler Advanced Dentistry at 303-449-1119 to schedule a consultation with experienced dentist Dr. Michael Adler. Dr. Adler serves all of Boulder, Colorado and the nearby areas.
