Straighter Teeth For All Ages at Iritani Orthodontics
Orthodontics for Children
Though there is no perfect age for children to get orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven.
Most children have a mix of baby and adult teeth at this age, making it easier for us to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery. Click on this link to learn more.
Early treatment allows us to:
- Regulate the width of the arches
- Create additional space for crowded teeth
- Avoid permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
- Correcting and guiding the growth of the child's jaw to help permanent teeth come in correctly
As a parent, it's not always easy to know if a child needs early orthodontic treatment.
Signs that may mean your child needs to visit an orthodontist:
- Finger of thumb sucking
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Teeth that come together abnormally or not at all
- Teeth and jaws that are not proportionate to the face
- Jaws that pop or make sounds
Please get in touch with our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment will give your youngster a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Orthodontics for Teens
The three words that every teenager dreads are: "YOU NEED BRACES!"
Ahhhhhh Braces! What now?
Please don't panic; braces aren't nearly as scary as you may think. Today they come in various styles, materials, and colors, making life with braces much more accessible, comfortable, and stylish than in the past.
How long do I need to wear braces?
The time it takes to treat your smile with braces depends on three key factors:
- Early treatment — Early treatment allows us to monitor the growth of the jaw bone and recommend further orthodontic treatment if necessary. Not everybody receives early orthodontic treatment; in some cases, it may be recommended that a patient wait to receive treatment.
- What needs correction — Different patients react to treatments differently. While it may take one person only 12 months to complete treatment, it may take another 24 months. Treatment times vary depending on the dental problem, how quickly your body responds and how much work is required to give you the desired show-stopping smile.
- YOU! — Your willingness to use the appliances we give you plays a significant role in the time it takes to complete your treatment. Always take care of your braces and appliances; this will help shorten your treatment!
Braces Your Way!
Our practice offers a variety of braces types and styles to choose from. Some standard options include:
- Ceramic braces
- Invisible braces
- Lingual braces
- Traditional metal braces
Orthodontic braces are a big part of life for many people your age. Braces may have had a bad reputation, but today it is much easier to look good and feel good! Don't hesitate to contact Iritani Orthodontics to schedule your next checkup.
Orthodontics for Adults
Orthodontic treatment is not just for teens. The American Association of Orthodontists states that one in five orthodontic patients is over 21. Follow this link to learn more.
Many adults receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health and want to feel more confident about their appearance. Adults are finally taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care; now, you can too.
Common reasons why adults consider orthodontic treatment
- A bad bite or malocclusion, which causes teeth to fit together incorrectly
- Overcrowded or spaced apart teeth, causing tooth decay or gum disease.
- Abnormal jaw pain or pressure caused by crooked teeth
- A desire for optimal oral health and a confident smile
Treatment options for adults
For many adults, metal braces are enough to discourage them from seeking treatment. However, today's orthodontic options offer comfortable, aesthetic, customized appliances to meet your needs.
Types of braces include:
- Traditional metal braces
- Clear braces
- Ceramic braces
- Self-ligating braces
- Lingual (behind the tooth) braces
- Invisible alingers
Adult orthodontics vs. children and teen orthodontics
The main difference when treating adults, children, and teens is that the jawbones are still developing in younger patients. These bones have stopped growing in adults, which may mean the possibility of orthognathic surgery (aka corrective jaw surgery) to align the jawbones.
Other differences include:
- Gum or bone loss — Adults are more likely to experience gum recession or bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease.
- Worn-out teeth — Teeth can become worn down over time and shift into different positions. When this happens, it can only be corrected with orthodontic care.
- Missing teeth — Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift in and tilt into the missing socket, creating a bad bite and increasing the possibility of gum disease.
- Incomplete orthodontic treatment — Many adults had braces as a child but never completed treatment. As an adult, they choose to finally complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
Our practice understands that adults and children have different needs and require different levels of attention and care. We will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatments for your needs.
Why should you consider orthodontic treatment?
- Straight teeth are healthier — Properly aligned teeth are easier to clean, which in turn helps prevent other oral health problems.
- A straight smile builds confidence — Straight teeth help boost self-confidence, quality of life, and the freedom to smile without holding back!
- Untreated mouths can get worse — Not receiving orthodontic treatment when needed can create long-term health issues that cost you more in the end.
To learn more about the benefits of an adult orthodontic treatment plan, please get in touch with our practice to schedule an appointment with an orthodontist in Denver, Centennial or Greenwood Village. We understand you have a busy schedule. We will work with you to ensure each office visit is as convenient as possible. We want you to have the best orthodontic experience possible!
If you are looking for an orthodontist in Centennial or Greenwood Village, visit Iritani Orthodontics.
