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When should your child see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age 7. You may think this sounds very young for the first visit to an orthodontist. However, many orthodontic problems are easier to correct if treated early rather than when jaw growth has slowed. Catching an issue early will reduce the need for surgery, extractions and further orthodontic in the future.

The majority of 7-year-olds have a limited number of permanent front teeth as well as all four permanent first (six-year) molars. An orthodontist can generally determine whether or not there will be adequate room for the remaining permanent teeth at this time. This determination is often aided by a panoramic X-ray. If the orthodontist determines that there will not be adequate room for the permanent teeth, early treatment can be initiated and may consist of appliances to expand the jaws or the early removal of deciduous teeth. This approach greatly increases the chance that the remaining permanent teeth erupt ideally aligned.
In addition to treating dental crowding early, many orthodontists will also advise treating certain bite problems (malocclusions) early as well. One of the most important bite problems to correct early is a crossbite. A crossbite occurs when the upper teeth fit inside or behind the lower teeth. When left untreated, crossbites may lead to permanent deformation of the lower jaw as well as severe wear of permanent teeth and may require future oral surgery to correct. Treatment may be as simple as an upper retainer or may involve appliances to expand the palate and stimulate forward growth of the upper jaw.

Another commonly treated orthodontic problem is an overbite (more correctly termed overjet) or "buck teeth." An overbite may result when the upper jaw grows more rapidly than the lower jaw or may simply result from protrusive front teeth. If the jaw is involved, treatment will usually consist of an orthopedic appliance to help stimulate lower jaw growth. In addition, limited upper braces are often placed on the front teeth. The advantages of treating the overbite early include improved chewing function, speech, facial esthetics, increased self-esteem and reduced risk of dental injuries.

Finally, orthodontists generally recommend treating harmful habits such as thumb sucking, tongue thrusting and mouth breathing at a young age. There is strong evidence that these habits can lead to significant orthodontic problems.

While it is recommended for your child to see an orthodontist by age 7, individual problems will determine the ideal time to start orthodontic treatment. The majority of patients seen at this age will not require treatment and will be monitored during annual dental exams by the orthodontist, enabling necessary treatment to begin at the optimal time for their individual circumstances.

Call our office to book your child’s first orthodontic exam at 508 319 1545. The first appointment is complimentary and includes an oral exam, x-rays and pictures, and a consultation with Dr. Janeen Hughes.

Benefits of choosing an orthodontist
The number of general dentist who are offering orthodontic treatment is rising and many patients are wondering – what is the difference between a dentist and an orthodontist? The most important differences have to do with training, experience, and value.

Orthodontists are highly trained specialists that have received education in an accredited orthodontic residency program for an additional 2-3 years full time after dental school. General dentists who practice orthodontics do not have this additional education. The additional education an orthodontist receives concentrates on growth and development, and in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of all types of malocclusions and jaw growth discrepancies. This education gives orthodontists an advantage at recognizing both existing issues and potential issues that may arise with growth before they happen and equips them with the knowledge to properly treat all cases, simple or complex

The next thing that differentiates an orthodontist from a general dentist is experience. Because an orthodontist specializes in straightening teeth, correcting facial profiles, and creating beautiful smiles, they treat hundreds of new orthodontic cases each year. A general dentist, on the other hand, may see only a hand-full of cases per year in between the other procedures they regularly perform. Due to an orthodontists’ combination of specialized training and greater amount of experience, the orthodontist is more prepared to properly diagnose orthodontic complications and handle unexpected problems as they arise.

Finally, there is the issue of affordability and value. Many patients are surprised that the orthodontist fees are usually nearly the same as a general dentists’. The reason is efficiency. An orthodontist and their expertly trained staff are set up and equipped to devote all their efforts and attention towards orthodontic care. On the other hand, a general dentist and staff may have an occasional orthodontic appointment in between drilling and filling. As a result of this efficiency, fees are nearly the same, even though the specialist possesses significantly higher expertise and experience.

There are many well trained and highly capable general practitioners that can treat less complicated cases with great results. However, there are many advantages to seeing an orthodontist when it comes to creating the beautiful smile you've always wanted!

Many adults ask the question, "Am I too old for braces?" and the answer is absolutely not! Orthodontic treatment for adults is becoming more and more common. In fact, the number of adults getting braces has actually climbed since the '90s and many offices now have 25% adults receiving orthodontic treatment! Adults are realizing that orthodontic treatment is not just for kids, and can help improve the esthetics of the smile and health of the mouth at any age. In a society where appearance matters and can help make the difference between getting a job or a promotion, adults are choosing wisely to invest in orthodontic treatment.

Some of the most common reasons our adult patients come to us considering orthodontic treatment include:

• Teeth that are crowded or spaced apart

•Teeth have shifted over the years because a retainer was not worn

• Pain or pressure from crooked teeth or a misaligned jaw

As an adult patient, we recognize that you have different needs than our younger patients, and we will work with you to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and that your needs are met with understanding and respect from us.

If you’ve been thinking about getting that perfect smile, we would love to have you visit us for a consultation. We understand you have a busy schedule, therefore our office offers evening and Saturday appointments in order to find a time that is convenient for you. Please give our office a call to schedule your appointment with Dr. Hughes today! Make 2013 a better, brighter, healthier New Year.

Did you know that even in ancient times, people wanted to improve the look and function of their smiles? We think of modern orthodontic appliances as sleek, efficient technology, but this was not always so! Take a look at the highlights in the evolution of braces.

Ancient Times: From Greece to Rome

• According to The Angle Orthodontist, Aristotle and Hippocrates first thought about methods for straightening teeth between 400 and 300 BC.
• The Etruscans, in what we now know as Italy, buried their dead with appliances that maintained spaces and prevented collapse of their teeth and jaws during life. Archaeologists have discovered mummified remains in various locations that have metal bands wrapped around the teeth.
• A Roman tomb has also been discovered in which the teeth were bound with gold wire, including documentation on the wire’s use as a dental device.

18th Century: A French Development

• The French dentist Pierre Fauchard is acknowledged as the father of modern dentistry. In 1728 he published a book that described various methods for straightening teeth. Fauchard also used a device known as a “blandeau” to widen the upper palate.
• Louis Bourdet was another French dentist who published a book in 1754 that discussed tooth alignment. Bourdet further refined the blandeau and was the first dentist to extract bicuspids, or the premolar teeth between canines and molars, for the purpose of reducing tooth crowding.

19th Century: Orthodontics Defined
• Orthodontics started to become a separate dental specialty during the early 19th century. The first wire crib was used in 1819, marking the beginning of modern orthodontics.
• During this period, gold, platinum, silver, steel, gum rubber, vulcanite, and occasionally wood, ivory, zinc, and copper were used — as was brass in the form of loops, hooks, spurs, and ligatures.
• Edward Maynard first used gum elastics in 1843 and E. J. Tucker began making rubber bands for braces in 1850.
• Norman W. Kingsley published the first paper on modern orthodontics in 1858 and J. N. Farrar was the first dentist to recommend the use of force over timed intervals to straighten teeth.

20th Century: New Materials Abound
• Edward Angle developed the first classification systems for malocclusions (misaligned teeth) during the early 20th century in the United States, and it is still in use today. Angle founded the American Society of Orthodontia in 1901, which was renamed the American Association of Orthodontists in the 1930s.
• By the 1960s, gold was universally abandoned in favor of stainless steel.
• Lingual braces were the “invisible” braces of choice until the early 1980s, when tooth-colored aesthetic brackets made from single-crystal sapphire and ceramics became popular.

Today
As we arrive in the present, you need only look at your own braces to see how far we’ve come. Your treatment plan was probably created with a 3D digital model, and we’ve likely used a computerized process to customize your archwires. Perhaps you have clear aligners, self-ligating brackets, or highly resilient ceramic brackets with heat-activated wires.

Orthodontics has come a long way from the days of Aristotle, and even the bulky wrap-around braces of just 60 years ago. Regardless of your specific treatment plan, the development of high-tech materials and methods has made it possible for your orthodontic experience to be as effective, efficient, and comfortable as possible.
Sources: angle.org, arched wire