Orthodontics for Children
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist around age seven.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
Early treatment allows your orthodontist to:
- Correct and guide the growth of your child's jaw to help the permanent teeth come in straight
- Regulate the width of the upper and lower arches
- Create more space for crowded teeth
- Avoid the need for permanent tooth extractions later in life
- Correct thumb sucking and help improve minor speech problems
For parents, it's not always easy to know if their child may need orthodontic treatment.
Here are a few things to look for that may mean your child needs to see an orthodontist:
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- A hard time chewing or biting food
- Mouth breathing
- Finger or thumb sucking
- Crowded, misplaced, or blocked teeth
- Jaws that pop or make sounds when opening and closing
- Teeth that come together abnormally, or do not come together at all
- Jaws and teeth that are not proportionate to the rest of the face
- Crowded front teeth around age seven or eight
Please contact our practice to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Southbury, Waterbury, & Surrounding Areas
Clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces, because they use a system of clear, removable trays used to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Your orthodontist may recommend different types of clear aligners based on your specific bite, amount of crowding, or complexity of your overall orthodontic treatment.
Using clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is not for everyone. Your orthodontist designs and coordinates your tooth movement and bite correction and then selects which clear aligner company is best suited for these movements to manufacture the aligners. The best way to find out if clear aligners are the right option for you, and which type of aligners are best for you, is to schedule a consultation with your orthodontist.
Clear Aligners We Offer
Invisalign
With Invisalign aligners, you can straighten your teeth and experience the benefits of a great smile without having to deal with a mouth full of metal! Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear, removable, comfortable aligners that straighten teeth in less time than traditional braces.
Invisalign was one of the first companies to manufacture clear aligners. Dr. Friedman and Dr. Aronson have created thousands of beautiful smiles using Invisalign clear aligners.
Spark
Spark clear aligners are an effective alternative to traditional braces that use a system of clear, removable trays to straighten teeth. Each aligner is custom-made to fit over your teeth and is designed to gradually move teeth into their proper position. Spark orthodontic clear aligners are manufactured by Ormco, an orthodontic specialty company with over 60 years of producing world-class orthodontic specialist products and materials.
How do clear aligners work?
Clear aligners are used as an alternative to traditional braces, and are designed to help guide teeth into proper position. Just like braces, clear aligners use gradual force to control tooth movement, but without any metal wires or brackets. The aligners are made with a strong plastic material that has been fabricated to fit your mouth. As treatment progresses you switch aligners. Each aligner is a little different, so your teeth move a little more with every change.
Aligners are worn for at least 20 hours each day, and you'll receive a new aligner every two weeks. The length of your treatment depends on the severity of your case, and treatment can take anywhere from six months to two years.
How do clear aligners take to straighten my teeth?
Tooth movement is independent of the aligner or braces that is pressing on them. Your body responds to the force of the aligners or braces and repositions the tooth slowly every day to a new position. Aligner treatment can be faster than braces for certain bites and it can be slower for others. Overall treatment with aligners takes around the same amount of time as braces; about 4 months up to 2 years.
How do I clean my clear aligners?
There are over-the-counter products that can be used to clean your aligners. However, orderless and colorless dish soap and a dedicated toothbrush is a gentle and safe way to clean your aligners. Just use a toothbrush and a little of the dish soap with warm water once or twice a day.
How much do clear aligners cost?
Generally, orthodontic clear aligners will cost the same as traditional braces. Sometimes it can even be less! It all depends on the type of bite or crowding/spacing your teeth have. The finacial investment for your treatment is based on your unique bite, not on the methodology to treat it.
Which clear aligner is best for me?
There are benefits to each of the aligner materials. For example Spark is ideal for those who are looking for a more esthetic option as the plastic used is more clear and less visable on your teeth.
Invisalign may be a better option for young adults that need mandibular advancement as your orthodontist can program a mandibular advancement feature into your aligners. Your orthodontist designs and programs your treatment plan and then will work with you to select the right material (Invisalign or Spark plastic) for your tooth movement.
Advantages of orthodontic treatment with clear aligners:
Clear aligners are a great alternative for patients who want a straighter smile but do not want to wear metal braces, or for patients who have had treatment in the past and want to make minor corrections to their smile. There are several advantages to orthodontic treatment with clear aligners.
- Clear aligners are easier to keep clean, making it easier to maintain the health of your teeth and gums.
- Clear aligners are comfortable and less likely to irritate your gums and cheeks.
- Clear aligners prevent wear on the teeth from tooth grinding.
- Clear aligners are removable, so it's easier for you to brush and floss after meals.
If you're interested in orthodontic treatment with clear aligners, schedule an appointment and talk to your orthodontist about whether this is the right treatment option for you. Scheduling a free consultation is your first step toward achieving the beautiful smile you've always wanted.
