Achieving a healthy, beautiful smile is the reason most people choose to receive orthodontic care. If you’re self-conscious about your smile, having braces will greatly improve the way you look and feel. When your orthodontic treatment is complete, you will have the smile you’ve always dreamed of and the confidence to show it off!
We also want you to feel comfortable and confident throughout your entire orthodontic experience, and our practice is dedicated to making sure that you receive the quality care you deserve.
You can now choose from clear or metallic brackets, and in some cases, you can even choose the color of your appliance. Wires are far less noticeable today than they once were, and the latest materials are designed to move teeth faster and with more comfort. Today, any age is a great age to begin your journey to the beautiful smile you’ve always wanted with braces!
Treatment time varies and can last between one and three years. The length of your treatment depends on several factors, including age, treatment method, and how minor or severe your case is. For children receiving interceptive or early treatment, this proactive care can also help reduce treatment time. However, an important factor in any successful orthodontic treatment is you — the patient! The more involved and diligent you are, the quicker and more efficient your treatment will be.
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While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting an orthodontist by age seven. At this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to determine the most appropriate timing for treatment.
For some children, early treatment will allow the doctor to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner. If early treatment is not necessary, children will be placed on pre-orthodontic observation programs, which are monitored until treatment is warranted. This allows Dr. Ahrens to oversee their dental and facial development and start treatment at the most ideal age to achieve the maximum benefit in the shortest time possible.
As parents, it's not always easy to know if your child may need orthodontic treatment. Watching for early signs that it’s time to begin treatment is a great way to ensure they receive the maximum benefits of orthodontic care.
If you notice any of these signs, or would like to ensure your child receives treatment at the ideal time, please contact our office to schedule an appointment for an orthodontic evaluation. Early treatment now will give your child a healthy, beautiful smile for the future.
Orthodontic treatment is no longer just for teens; in fact, the American Association of Orthodontists cites that one in five orthodontic patients is over the age of 21! Many adults are choosing to receive treatment because they understand the importance of maintaining their health, and they want to feel better about their appearance. Adults everywhere are taking advantage of the opportunity to receive orthodontic care, and now you can too.
Adults are more likely than children to experience gum recession or even bone loss due to gingivitis or advanced periodontal disease. Patients with straighter teeth are less likely to get gum disease.
Over time, teeth can become worn down and shift into different positions, which can only be corrected with orthodontic care. Missing teeth can cause other teeth to shift and tilt, creating a bad bite and the possibility of getting gum disease.
Many adults received some orthodontic treatment as a child or teen but never completed their treatment. As an adult, they choose to complete their orthodontic treatment to achieve the healthy, beautiful smile they’ve always wanted.
We will work with you to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatments and that your needs are met with understanding, respect, and full commitment from us.
To learn more about the benefits of adult orthodontics, please contact our team at Ahrens to schedule a consultation. We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.
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Parts of Braces
Appliance
Anything your orthodontist attaches to your teeth, which moves your teeth or changes the shape of your jaw.
Archwire
A metal wire, which acts as a track to guide your teeth along as they move. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as your teeth move to their new positions.
Band
A metal ring that is cemented to your tooth, going completely around it. Bands provide a way to attach brackets to your teeth.
Bond
The seal created by orthodontic cement, which holds your appliances in place.
Bracket
A metal or ceramic part cemented, or "bonded," to your tooth, which holds your archwire in place.
Coil Spring
A spring that fits between your brackets and over your archwire to open space between your teeth.
Elastic (Rubber Band)
A small rubber band, which is hooked between different points on your appliance to provide pressure to move your teeth to their new position.
Elastic Tie
A tiny rubber band, which fits around your bracket to hold the archwire in place. They come in a variety of colors.
Hook
A welded or removable arm to which elastics are attached.
Ligature
A thin wire that holds your archwire onto your bracket.
Mouthguard
A device that protects your mouth from injury when you participate in sports or rigorous activities.
Palatal Expander
A device that widens your upper jaw.
Retainer
An appliance that is worn after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in place. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded to the tongue side of several teeth.
Seperator or Spacer
A small rubber ring, which creates space between your teeth before the bands are attached.
Tie Wire
A fine wire, which is twisted around your bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Wax
A wax that is used to stop your braces from irritating your lips.
Parts of Braces
Appliance
Anything your orthodontist attaches to your teeth, which moves your teeth or changes the shape of your jaw.
Archwire
A metal wire, which acts as a track to guide your teeth along as they move. It is changed periodically throughout treatment as your teeth move to their new positions.
Band
A metal ring that is cemented to your tooth, going completely around it. Bands provide a way to attach brackets to your teeth.
Bond
The seal created by orthodontic cement, which holds your appliances in place.
Bracket
A metal or ceramic part cemented, or "bonded," to your tooth, which holds your archwire in place.
Coil Spring
A spring that fits between your brackets and over your archwire to open space between your teeth.
Elastic (Rubber Band)
A small rubber band, which is hooked between different points on your appliance to provide pressure to move your teeth to their new position.
Elastic Tie
A tiny rubber band, which fits around your bracket to hold the archwire in place. They come in a variety of colors.
Headgear
Using an external wire apparatus, known as a facebow, headgear gently guides the growth of your face and jaw by moving your teeth into the proper position. The force is applied to the facebow by a spring-loaded neck strap or head strap. The straps have a safety release, which disconnects if the facebow is pulled or snagged.
Headgear Tube
A round, hollow attachment on your back bands. The inner bow of your headgear fits into it.
Hook
A welded or removable arm to which elastics are attached.
Ligature
A thin wire that holds your archwire onto your bracket.
Lip Bumper
A lip bumper is an archwire attached to a molded piece of plastic. The lip bumper holds back the molars on your lower jaw to provide more space for your other teeth.
Mouthguard
A device that protects your mouth from injury when you participate in sports or rigorous activities.
Palatal Expander
A device that widens your upper jaw.
Retainer
An appliance that is worn after your braces are removed. The retainer attaches to your upper and/or lower teeth to hold them in place. Some retainers are removable, while others are bonded to the tongue side of several teeth.
Seperator or Spacer
A small rubber ring, which creates space between your teeth before the bands are attached.
Tie Wire
A fine wire, which is twisted around your bracket to hold the archwire in place.
Wax
A wax that is used to stop your braces from irritating your lips.
Phone
(502) 426-2744
Email
ahrensortho@gmail.com
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