Taking the first step toward orthodontic treatment can be intimidating. Our expert team at Sandifer Orthodontics is here to help you determine when you should see an orthodontist and share what treatment options we provide to help you achieve your smile goals. Read on to learn the early signs that it is time to make an appointment and about the incredible free consultations we offer new patients!
Warning Signs of Early Orthodontic Problems
Jaw Issues
If you experience discomfort while chewing and biting, your jaw is likely out of its ideal position. These complications can affect your daily life and discourage you from trying new foods or going out. When left untreated, pain around the jaw can worsen and affect your overall health, sometimes even causing headaches. Dr. Sandifer can quickly diagnose these issues and inform you how orthodontic treatment can make a big difference.
Misaligned Teeth
Those who suffer from misaligned or crowded teeth are not alone. Before orthodontic treatment, your teeth are likely out of their perfect position in some capacity. The more severe the condition, the more essential it is to seek treatment sooner. Misaligned teeth can quickly worsen, leading to other complications, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Early Baby Tooth Loss
If your child is losing their baby teeth quicker than average, Dr. Sandifer can help ensure they maintain a beautiful smile as they grow up. Taking steps to improve structure while baby teeth are still present can prevent more invasive or complicated procedures later, making braces a much more comfortable experience.
Bite Complications
Another common orthodontic issue is a bad bite, including overbite, underbite, and crossbite. Bite complications occur when your upper and lower teeth do not fit together correctly, causing improper chewing and enamel breakdown. The sooner you address it, the easier treatment will be and the more permanent teeth you can keep intact.
When Should You See an Orthodontist?
Children
One of the first opportunities to see an orthodontist is as young as seven. Dr. Sandifer and the American Association of Orthodontics recommend bringing your child in around this age to help prevent complicated issues from worsening and slowly guide their teeth into perfect alignment without invasive treatments. Not all children need care early, though those who do can reap the benefits into adulthood.
Teenagers
As a teenager, you may start seeing friends with braces or other appliances to work toward a perfect smile. This is an excellent time to begin treatment as your permanent teeth have likely finished growing, and the jawbone is still moldable, making it very responsive to treatment. Pursuing orthodontic treatment during this time can improve your oral health and the aesthetics of your smile into adulthood.
Adults
It is a common misconception that adults cannot seek orthodontic treatment as they are too old to shift their teeth. Luckily, that is far from the truth! Though it may take longer, adults can receive just as effective treatment as younger patients and enjoy the same remarkable results. Whether you were not granted the opportunity for care as a child or didn’t need it at the time, you can rely on Sandifer Orthodontics to help you achieve your smile goals.
Join Us For a Free Consultation!
At Sandifer Orthodontics, we provide free consultations to all first-time patients! During this initial appointment, we will take x-rays, pictures of your mouth, and other diagnostic materials to learn as much as possible about your current oral health. Dr. Sandifer will use this information, along with your dental and health records, to share her diagnosis and create a unique treatment plan.
We believe in the importance of providing high-quality care close to home and strive to be an affordable option for everyone in our community. After your diagnosis, our team will share a complete rundown of costs and explain how they factor into your investment. We provide flexible payment plans and can help you decide which best fits your budget, as well as answer any insurance questions you may have. Our team wants your experience to be as comfortable as possible!
Our Treatment Options
Two-Phase Treatment
Dr. Sandifer can begin two-phase treatment for our younger patients whose permanent teeth have not finished growing yet. During the initial phase, she and our team will use a combination of partial braces, expanders, spacers, and a retainer to guide your child’s teeth back into alignment. This helps make braces, the second phase, a much more straightforward treatment later.
Damon Metal Braces
Damon metal braces are an excellent choice known for their reliability and state-of-the-art treatment. They continue to be a top choice among our patients, thanks to advancements making their appearance smaller and components more comfortable. Damon braces utilize a self-ligating system, meaning they can hold the archwire in place without ties, eliminating the need for monthly tightenings.
Clear Braces
A wonderful aesthetic option, clear braces allow our patients to straighten out their teeth under the radar. They use the same technology as metal braces, though they have small tooth-colored ceramic brackets and other similarly colored components to make your appliance appear nearly invisible. Additionally, clear braces contain stain-resistant technology that prevents them from discoloring over time from consuming dark foods and liquids.
Invisalign
If you want to realign your teeth without braces, Dr. Sandifer can help determine whether Invisalign is right for you. Invisalign treatment uses a series of clear plastic trays that are switched out every two weeks as your teeth align into a new position. We use a 3D scan of your teeth to create custom trays and can alter your treatment during follow-up appointments to ensure your plan is as efficient as possible.
Take the First Step Toward a Perfect Smile!
Remember, it is never too late to begin your smile journey. Dr. Sandifer and our team at Sandifer Orthodontics are always excited to help new patients realign their teeth and help provide the smile they deserve. We offer high-quality orthodontic treatment to Jackson, Brandon, and the surrounding communities. Schedule your free consultation today!