Orthodontic Options
Prescott Valley, AZ
Orthodontic Options provided by Our Expert Dentists in Prescott Valley, AZ at Bradshaw Family Dental
 For those children whose teeth do not follow a traditional timeline and do not fall out at a normal rate, orthodontics could be the answer. Many times, despite good oral hygiene and proper care, teeth have their own agenda. Orthodontics is a protocol in which the focus is the correct and healthy jaw motion and bite of patients. When out of alignment, the teeth and jaw can wear significantly, and pain can arise near the TMJ joint which joins the jawbone to the skull. The joint can wear out if patients use an improper bite motion and teeth can become eroded quicker if the bite is not aligned properly either.
If you notice your child has pain in or around the TMJ joint or complains about specific areas of the mouth, they could use an orthodontic assessment. Feel free to reach out to us at Bradshaw Family Dental to discuss the available options.
Orthodontic Treatment
While the central focus of orthodontic treatments is the proper functionality of both the teeth and the jaw alignment and motion, the regimens prescribed can also have an impact on speech. When teeth are out of alignment, the tongue no longer has anything to move against, thereby impacting enunciation and clarity of speech. Also, an added benefit of straight teeth with proper alignment is they are less likely to decay because the surfaces are symmetrical and have fewer areas where food can collect, and bacteria can build.
While most orthodontic treatments may seem like merely cosmetic in nature, they are far more valuable than just improving someone’s smile. With improvements in the patient’s oral health, they can reap the benefits of an improved overall medical health as well.
What Type of Braces Do You Need?
Many adult patients understandably worry about the appearance of the braces if they decide to undergo orthodontic treatment. However, there are a few things that may determine what type of braces you may need. Some types of braces, such as lingual braces (which are behind the teeth) or ceramic braces (which use white or clear brackets) may not even be visible. If you have severe malocclusion, it may be a consideration in deciding which type of braces is best for you. Additionally, the duration of treatment may also affect it. Of course, cosmetic concerns are also taken into consideration, and we can work with you to find the right kind of braces for your unique needs. Today, the look and feel of braces have changed from the days of smiling with a mouthful of metal. Today’s braces are meant to blend in more and remain less noticeable.
Lingual Braces
Utilizing the same treatment concept as traditional braces, the brackets, wires and clips all fasten to the back of the teeth making them difficult to see. Due to them being on the tongue side of the teeth which is considered the lingual side, these braces are known as lingual braces. They are typically not recommended for those patients who have extreme overbites due to the fact that the brackets might pop off when teeth are required to move a great deal. Lingual braces are an excellent choice for those problems considered simple to intermediate.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces employ larger brackets than those used by traditional metal braces. The glue used has a stronger bonding agent than those of traditional braces. Ceramic braces can treat misalignment and malocclusion. For those patients seeking to be individual and unique, they can opt to have any color imaginable for their braces. Due to them being made of ceramic, they will not hinder x-ray imaging which is used to check for jawbone and tooth-root health.
Clear Teeth Aligners
Invisalign, is one of the most advanced remedies for misaligned teeth. In order to gently shape your smile, you will wear your [[[Page:Invisalign aligners for 22 hours a day. These are custom made by the dentist to align your teeth. Invisalign aligners are clear, so no one will even know you are receiving orthodontic treatment. You will receive a new set of clear aligners every two weeks. You will not wear your Invisalign aligners when you eat or when you are brushing and flossing. Being removable, it is easier to eat the foods you desire and gives you the same ability to brush and floss your teeth.
What is the Appropriate Age?
While each patient and their circumstances are unique to them, the typical age at which they should likely visit the orthodontist is typically seven. This allows the orthodontist to inspect the oral cavity as the adult teeth are beginning to erupt and make an evaluation as to whether they might need braces. The orthodontist will make the observations and may require your child to have some teeth pulled if they are not being lost quickly enough. With thumb sucking, the procedures necessary are even more involved.
Parents should not wait until all of their child’s adult teeth have come in because it may complicate the procedures necessary to correct a misaligned bite or misaligned teeth. Please come to see us to determine if it is time for your child to see the orthodontist.
Taking Care of Your Braces
One way to help ensure the best outcome for your orthodontic treatment is to take proper care of your braces, no matter which type you have. It is important to make sure you continue to practice good oral hygiene, taking measures to help keep not only your teeth clean but the areas around the braces, too. We will advise you on how to maintain your oral health during your treatment to help prevent tooth decay and complications.
Contact Us Today!
There are many great orthodontic treatment options available for our patients who would like to improve both the appearance and the function of their teeth. If you are around Prescott Valley or one of our other Arizona locations and would like to learn more about the different ways available to align your teeth, please do not hesitate to contact us here at Bradshaw Family Dental at (928) 277-0076 today! Our skilled team of professionals can help you decide which type of braces are ideal for you and get you on the path of having a more confident and straighter smile today. |
To Our Valued Patients at Surprise Smiles, 
Specific to COVID-19 (Coronavirus) we have added in additional precautionary and cleaning measures including:
